PUNE: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have made a significant contribution to Maharashtra’s economic development. Small industries form the backbone of the economy, and large-scale projects cannot be completed without their support, said Kaustubh Dhavse, Chief Advisor to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Friday.

The remarks were made during a program organized by Laghu Udyog Bharati Maharashtra on the topic, “The Role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Maharashtra’s Goal of Becoming a One-Trillion-Dollar Economy.” During this program, Amit Ghaisas, President of Laghu Udyog Bharati Maharashtra, had a dialogue with Kaustubh Dhavse in front of the members of Laghu Udyog Bharati from various parts of the state who were present on the occasion.

The program took place at Hotel Sheraton Grand, and more than 70 MSME industry owners from cities like Pune, Satara, Sangli, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Chhtrapati Sambhaji Nagar attended the program.

Speaking at the event, Dhavse stated that MSMEs are among the most important and active contributors to the state’s economic growth. Maharashtra’s pace of economic progress is accelerating, and the government is committed to supporting MSMEs. This support will undoubtedly help Maharashtra maintain its leadership position among Indian states.

He noted that substantial work is currently underway in sectors such as defence, steel, textiles, and information technology. Therefore, MSMEs need to understand and integrate themselves into these sectors’ supply chains. Entrepreneurs who study emerging trends and align their businesses with current market opportunities can derive significant benefits.

He observed that industrial development in Maharashtra was previously concentrated largely in Mumbai, Pune, Navi Mumbai, and Thane, resulting in a bit of degree of regional imbalance. However, since the government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis came to power, efforts have been made to address this imbalance.

He highlighted that regions such as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, and Nagpur are witnessing considerable industrial growth. Gadchiroli, once known primarily as a Naxal-affected district, is transforming with the development of a steel industry.

The Samruddhi Mahamarg (Expressway) is providing substantial benefits to industries in these regions. It is helping create a strong industrial ecosystem and facilitating the emergence of industrial clusters across the state, which will contribute significantly to industrial expansion and economic growth. Dhavse also mentioned that the government is developing a dedicated cluster for Japanese companies in Supa, near Pune.

He emphasized the need to reduce interest rates charged on loans extended to MSMEs. The government intends to encourage and support these enterprises and will make every effort to provide the assistance required for their growth.

He further noted that business trends are changing rapidly, making it essential for every entrepreneur to adopt and utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in their operations.

During the interaction, members highlighted the various challenges faced by MSMEs and demanded the creation of a separate ministry dedicated to the sector within the state government. Nachiket Phadke was the anchor for this program.

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PUNE: Accelerating India’s trajectory toward Viksit Bharat 2047, the Pune Chapter of the Hindu Economic Forum (HEF) successfully concluded its high-profile Shakti Summit 2026 at the Pune International Centre. The summit represented an operational launchpad for Bharat’s Strategic Power Framework: Strategic Defence & Aerospace, Hindu Temple Economy, Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge & Media, Technology, and Infrastructure. 

The Summit delivered extensively on its multipronged objective: anchoring indigenous Artificial Intelligence, unlocking domestic venture capital, and reinforcing strategic self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) across critical defence and economic ecosystems

Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, graced the event as the Chief Guest, delivering the special address. He underlined the importance of stronger collaboration between government, industry, investors, and knowledge institutions in sectors central to India’s long-term growth and strategic self-reliance.

Gaurav Tripathi, President, HEF Pune District Chapter, and Co-founder & CTO, Partex.AI said, “The SHAKTI Summit 2026 marks a paradigm shift in how we approach economic growth. We are now building an execution-first ecosystem where serious capital, strategic industrial sectors, and civilizational clarity converge.

The Pune AI Grid is positioning Pune as the Applied AI and Strategic Capital of Bharat by redoubling its manufacturing and digital prowess. By aligning our deep research talent, robust industrial shopfloors, and foundational infrastructure, we are turning national priorities like Atmanirbhar Bharat into measurable economic milestones.”

The $500 Million Pune AI Vision:

Partex.AI presented a comprehensive roadmap to establish Pune as the global capital of applied AI: from a $50 million foundation phase with distributed GPU clusters and an AI Model Foundry, scaling to a $500 million platform aimed at training 100,000 professionals and developing exportable solutions for defence, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Dr. Gunjan Bharadwaj, Founder & CEO, Partex.AI, stated: “The Pune AI Vision is an opportunity to leverage exploratory and exploitative innovation on a scale that few cities globally can match. By unifying Pune’s unique constellation of talent, we can build decision-making technology that transforms not just Indian industry, but the world. Partex is committed to being a partner in this vision, bringing our expertise in AI-driven platforms to accelerate innovation across defence, manufacturing, and life sciences.”

India’s First Indigenous Autonomous Surface Vehicle on Display for the First Time:

Accurate Industrial Controls displayed ISACA, India’s first indigenously developed Autonomous Surface Vessel. Validated through Indian Navy-evaluated trials, ISACA combines AI, sensor fusion, and indigenous collision-avoidance software, marking a major milestone in India’s maritime autonomy.

Shri Kiran Jadhav, Chairman & Managing Director, Accurate Group, said: “Indigenous autonomous vessel technology is a statement of India’s capability and our resolve for Atmanirbharta. At the SHAKTI Summit, we created the conditions for transformative solutions that will serve our nation’s defence and maritime strength.”

Strategic Discussions on critical sectors: formed a highlight of the summit, covering defence, aerospace, rare earths, infrastructure, technology, temple economy, AI, startups – by a diverse selection of industry leaders, founders, and experts.

To ensure these strategic conversations yield tangible results, the HEF Pune District Chapter announced the formation of a Defence Working Group, reinforcing their commitment to structured, post-summit follow-through.

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MUMBAI: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, today launched ‘Navachar Mantra’ – a national initiative focused on strengthening grassroots entrepreneurship and expanding opportunities for innovators across emerging India. The programme is being implemented by the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), with Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi serving as the Technical Knowledge Partner.

The initiative was launched by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, at IIT Delhi in the presence of policymakers, startup ecosystem leaders, academic institutions, investors, and young entrepreneurs.

Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, Shri Jayant Chaudhary said, “The world should not only use products made in India but should use technologies imagined in India, that is the true spirit of Navachar Mantra. Whether it is artificial intelligence, semiconductors, green energy, biotechnology, digital public infrastructure, or advanced manufacturing, the next wave of global transformation must carry India’s intellectual imprint. Not because of ambition alone, but because India possesses something unique: the scale of challenges, the diversity of realities, and the talent of young minds capable of solving problems at a global level.”

“On this occasion, I would also urge young innovators to pursue ideas and careers that genuinely excite and inspire them. These are life decisions, and you have to be happy with what you choose to do. Do not pursue something that does not bring you fulfilment, because over time it will weigh on you from within. The most meaningful innovations are often created by people who wake up every day looking forward to their work, driven not just by opportunity, but by purpose and passion. Navachar Mantra is about creating an ecosystem where such ideas and such innovators can thrive,” he further added.

A key highlight of the event was a fireside chat titled “Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey: From Grassroots Innovation to National Scale”, which brought together accomplished entrepreneurs and innovators from diverse sectors. The session featured Shri Rajat Vardhan, Founder & CEO, Scanxt Scientific Technologies, as moderator, alongside Shri Sandeep Agarwal, Founder, Droom; Shri Bipin Preet Singh, Founder & CEO, MobiKwik; Dr. Jagadis Gupta Kapuganti, Founder, Fruvetech Pvt. Ltd.; and Ms. Meenal Gupta, Founder, Easiofy Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Drawing from their own entrepreneurial journeys, the panellists shared valuable insights on innovation, resilience, scaling ventures, and building sustainable businesses, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators in attendance.

Navachar Mantra is a transformative national initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) aimed at identifying, nurturing, and amplifying India’s most promising grassroots innovators and early-stage entrepreneurs. Implemented by the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) in partnership with the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi, the programme seeks to create pathways for innovators from Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns, aspirational districts, and underserved geographies to access mentorship, visibility, and growth opportunities.

The initiative is designed to provide a structured ecosystem of support for innovators working across priority sectors such as Agritech, HealthTech, EdTech, and Skilling, Climate and Sustainability, Rural Commerce, and MSME Enablement. Through Navachar Mantra, innovators will gain direct access to policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and domain experts, enabling them to refine their ideas, strengthen business models, and accelerate their journey from innovation to enterprise.

Following the launch, registrations are now open for applications from innovators and entrepreneurs across the country through a dedicated digital platform. The last date of registration is July 5, 2026. A rigorous multi-stage evaluation process involving experts from academia, industry, investment firms, and government institutions will be undertaken to identify high-potential ventures. The programme is expected to attract applications from across India, with a special focus on innovators creating solutions for local challenges and community impact.

Selected innovators will be inducted into a year-long engagement programme comprising mentorship roundtables, thematic webinars, innovation showcases, investor interactions, and national-level storytelling platforms. Participants will receive tailored guidance on business development, market access, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, fundraising, and scaling strategies. The programme will also facilitate opportunities for pilot projects, partnerships, and market linkages to help promising innovations translate into sustainable enterprises.

A key feature of Navachar Mantra will be its focus on visibility and recognition. Through ministerial podcasts, innovation showcases, digital campaigns, and ecosystem events, selected innovators will be provided national exposure and a platform to share their journeys with a wider audience. The programme will culminate in a national showcase event, bringing together innovators, industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem stakeholders to celebrate innovation-led entrepreneurship and chart pathways for future growth.

By building a robust pipeline of grassroots innovators and connecting them with the country’s leading institutions and networks, Navachar Mantra aims to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem and contribute to the vision of a self-reliant, entrepreneurial, and innovation-driven Viksit Bharat.

The launch event was attended by several distinguished dignitaries and senior officials, including Shri Dilip Kumar, Director General, Directorate General of Training (DGT); Ms. Hena Usman, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE); Ms. Archana Mayaram, Economic Adviser, MSDE; Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi; Dr. Poonam Sinha, Director General, NIESBUD and Dr. Nikhil Agarwal, MD, FITT – IIT Delhi. The event also witnessed participation from senior representatives of government ministries, industry, academia, innovation institutions, startup ecosystem enablers, and other partner organisations.

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NEW DELHI: In a move few Indian consumer startups have attempted before, UClean, India’s largest laundry and dry-cleaning chain, has announced its entry into Somalia and Mongolia — two frontier markets rarely targeted by Indian franchise-led service brands.

The expansion marks a significant milestone for the Faridabad-based startup, which is rapidly emerging as one of India’s most globally ambitious consumer service brands. While Indian businesses traditionally focus on safer and mature international destinations such as the UAE, Singapore, London, or Dubai, UClean has chosen to enter regions often perceived as difficult due to logistical, economic, and geopolitical challenges.

Industry observers believe this could be among the first instances of an Indian organised laundromat and franchise-driven consumer service brand establishing operations in Somalia and Mongolia.

The move comes as UClean accelerates its international expansion strategy across emerging economies. Over the past year, the company has expanded into Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Ghana, and Mauritius, with Somalia and Mongolia now joining its growing global footprint.

“Entering markets like Somalia and Mongolia reflects our belief that organised laundry services are a universal need, irrespective of geography,” said Arunabh Sinha, Founder & CEO, UClean.

“These are regions where very few Indian consumer brands have ventured. For us, this is not just about business expansion, but about creating entrepreneurship opportunities and building a truly global brand from India,” he added.

Founded in 2017 by Arunabh Sinha and Gunjan Taneja, UClean operates on a franchise-led model and has built a rapidly growing network of tech-enabled laundromats across India and overseas. Its “live laundry” concept — where customers can witness the cleaning process in real time — has emerged as a strong differentiator across international markets.

The company’s international growth strategy comes at a time when the global franchise market is witnessing rapid expansion. According to Research and Markets, the sector is projected to grow by over USD 565 billion between 2025 and 2030, driven by increasing demand for scalable and service-led business models.

UClean has raised nearly $1.6 million from investors, including Franchise India Holdings, Rajiv Jalan, and US-based angel investor Anubhav Chopra. The startup also received early visibility support from actors Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Khemu as brand partners.

With its latest expansion, UClean is positioning itself as one of the few Indian consumer startups aggressively building a presence in underserved global markets — far beyond conventional business geographies.

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INDIA: Swiggy (Swiggy Ltd, NSE: SWIGGY / BSE: 544285), India’s pioneering on-demand convenience platform, has announced the launch of ‘Mum’s Choice’, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to bring more mothers into its delivery partner fleet. The initiative redefines flexibility for women, offering no minimum login hours, no long-distance orders, and payouts consistent with traditional shifts. And for mothers without a bike, Swiggy will provide discounted EV rentals, ensuring that access to wheels is never a barrier to getting started.

The initiative speaks directly to the challenges mothers face when exploring flexible work, largely the conflict between rigid schedules and the unpredictable rhythms of family life. Through ‘Mum’s Choice’, Swiggy is making room for both, giving mothers a genuine opportunity to earn on their own terms without having to compromise on what matters most at home.

Launching the initiative, Saurav Goyal, SVP and Head- Driver & Delivery Org, Swiggy, shared, “Our internal surveys have shown that mothers want to work as delivery partners as well, but the system wasn’t built to let them. For most mothers, time isn’t just a luxury- it’s the scarcest resource they have. With Mum’s Choice, we are rebuilding around how mothers actually live their lives, rather than asking them to change their schedules or let go of their commitments to fit a shift. We are hopeful this initiative will encourage more mothers to explore this, positively impacting their lives and becoming financially independent.”

Beyond this, Swiggy’s commitment to inclusive growth runs deeper. From financial literacy training in partnership with the National Stock Exchange to safe sanitation tie-ups, the company has been steadily building an ecosystem that makes the gig economy more accessible and equitable for women, and ‘Mum’s Choice’ is the latest, most visible step in that direction.

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MUMBAI: The Godrej Foundation, an independent philanthropic trust, today announced the launch of Tomorrow Makers, a national platform designed to identify and support high-potential students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Tomorrow Makers is built on the belief that while talent is widely distributed across India, access to opportunity is not. The platform will identify high-potential students – from Classes 6-12 as well as graduates – and connect them to organisations, educators, mentors, competitions, and peer communities that can help them realise their potential. 

Through programmes run by eight partner organisations, Tomorrow Makers offers four different pathways – STEM, Invention and Making, Arts and Defence –for high-potential students from different age groups. 

Omar Momin, Chief Executive Officer, Godrej Foundation, said, “India is home to one of the world’s largest school-going populations, yet access to structured mentorship, advanced learning opportunities, and talent acceleration ecosystems remains uneven, particularly for students from underserved communities. Through Tomorrow Makers, we aim to help bridge this gap by building pathways that identify and nurture high-potential young people from across regions and socio-economic backgrounds. Through this platform, we hope to build a pipeline of future innovators, researchers, artists, entrepreneurs, soldiers, and public leaders whose success can create multiplier effects by transforming families, strengthening communities, and contributing to India’s long-term leadership and progress.”

For those in Class 10-12 with a strong aptitude in science and mathematics, and who aspire to careers in engineering, medicine or technology, Tomorrow Makers has partnered with organisations Dakshana and Avanti Fellows, who provide free coaching for JEE and NEET preparation.  For younger students in Class 6-7, organisations like Genwise and MakerGhat offer summer camps and workshops for advanced learning in robotics, computing, and higher mathematics, as well as opportunities to compete in national and global robotics competitions. 

In the arts pathway, Tomorrow Makers has partnered with Slam Out Loud, which provides mentorship, skill development, and performance opportunities for children with an aptitude for music, drama, writing, and other forms of creative expression. 

Commenting on the launch, Jigyasa Labroo, founder of Slam Out Loud, said, “When we think of who the cultural curators of India are, we don’t think of what most of our country looks and lives like. There is no dearth of artistic talent in India, but the arts – particularly performing arts – are not an easy field to establish oneself or build a career in. Through our partnership with Tomorrow Makers, we have created a programme for gifted young artists from less privileged backgrounds across India to get the right kind of training, mentorship, and exposure. We’re excited to build the next generation of creative leaders and have their voices represent our country’s stories!“

For graduates, Tomorrow Makers supports two pathways: professional theatre training through Drama School Mumbai, and defence exam preparation through Delta Squad Foundation and Yuvatejas. Need-based scholarships are available for eligible candidates.

Students across India can apply through the website or WhatsApp bot and undergo assessments to identify potential in sciences, invention, arts, and endurance. Successful candidates will be placed in specialised programmes run by Godrej Foundation’s non-profit partners. Tomorrow Makers is part of the Godrej Foundation’s broader mission to promote economic growth, inclusion, innovation, and talent development in India

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The large-scale awards ceremony recognised entrepreneurs who have built sustainable and revenue-generating businesses, reflecting the growing economic influence of regional entrepreneurs in India’s business landscape.

Awards were presented across multiple achievement categories, including Hall of Fame, Udyami Lakhpati, Udyami Dashlakhpati, Udyami Crorepati, Udyami Warrior, and Udyami Game Changer. Dr Omkaar Hari Maali and Mrs Aakankssha Omkaar Maali presented the Awards. 

A major highlight of the evening was the Crorepati Felicitation Ceremony, celebrating entrepreneurs who have successfully crossed significant revenue benchmarks, symbolising the emergence of a new generation of Marathi wealth creators.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Omkaar Hari Maali emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship as a vehicle for economic empowerment and employment generation.

“Entrepreneurship is no longer limited to metropolitan cities. Today, entrepreneurs from towns and districts across Maharashtra are building global businesses and contributing meaningfully to the nation’s economy. I am so proud of all the entrepreneurs who have built businesses ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹50 crore in turnover — many of them, starting with zero prior experience,” he said.

Adding industry perspective to the event, Mr. Hanmantrao Gaikwad, Chairman and Managing Director of BVG Group, attended as the Special Speaker and shared insights on enterprise growth and nation-building through entrepreneurship.

The event also marked several key announcements, including the launch of 24 chapters of the Federation of Marathi Entrepreneurs, aimed at building a structured statewide entrepreneurial ecosystem. The platform further unveiled Maharashtra Connect, an initiative designed to enable collaboration, mentorship, and market access for emerging business owners.

Dr Omkaar Hari Maali also launched his upcoming book Marathi te Millionaire, featuring 51 entrepreneurial success stories, in the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Hanmantrao Gaikwad, his parents, and senior leaders of Udyami Maharashtra, including co-founder Mrs. Aakankssha Omkaar Maali, CEO Mrs. Dolly Ritesh Dave, and CTO Mr. Shivam Thakur.

The event was also marked by another important announcement — the unveiling of a new movie banner that highlights the movement’s expanding focus on education, inspiration, and storytelling within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Building an Entrepreneurial Movement

​​Dr. Omkaar Hari Maali founded Udyami Maharashtra in 2020, a movement focused on empowering Marathi entrepreneurs in the import-export sector. Since then, the initiative has trained over 10,000 youth, enabling many to establish businesses across Maharashtra and international markets, including Dubai, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine.

Beyond training, the movement supports entrepreneurs in setting up export businesses with mentorship and operational guidance, while also conducting vocational programs for women and export training for manufacturing units across the state. Its initiatives have strengthened market access for farmers and small businesses, facilitated exports generating significant economic value, and led to the establishment of India’s first import-export cooperative society.

Guided by the inclusive principle of “To Feed All,” inspired by the vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr. Maali continues to promote entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic self-reliance across Maharashtra.

The UDYAMI Awards have emerged as a prominent platform recognising business achievement within Maharashtra’s regional entrepreneurial ecosystem while encouraging first-generation entrepreneurs to scale sustainable enterprises.

In Dr. Omkaar Hari Maali’s words, “Our identity is not defined by words, but by the success of the entrepreneurs we have built!”

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HYDERABAD: As the world celebrates Women Entrepreneurship Day, Hyderabad continues to emerge as a city where women-led small businesses are bringing fresh ideas, purpose-led innovation, and consumer-first thinking to digital commerce. From nutritious baby food to sustainable household products, women entrepreneurs here are using Amazon as a platform to scale their ideas and reach customers across the country.

Telangana continues to strengthen its position as a fast-growing digital commerce hub, with more than 57,000 sellers operating on Amazon from across the state. The ecosystem also includes over 18,000 Local Shops in Telangana on Amazon, enabling neighborhood stores to expand their reach beyond their immediate communities and serve customers nationwide.

Gaurav Bhatnagar, Director, Sales, Amazon India, said: “At Amazon, we’re humbled to play a part in empowering women-led brands that are turning their ideas into sustainable, high-growth businesses. This Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, we celebrate the sellers who are using Amazon’s digital tools, training, and marketplace programs to make online selling more lucrative than ever. As more women embrace the digital economy, we remain committed to supporting their journeys by helping them scale, reach customers nationwide, and unlock the full potential of their businesses.”

Among Hyderabad’s most inspiring stories is Harshi’s, founder of Rorosaur, a brand built around the idea that nutritious and convenient baby food should be easily accessible for Indian parents. A computer science engineer and Wharton MBA, Harshi spent years observing how Indian families struggled with preparing multiple meals a day for infants while still wanting nutrient-rich, digestible food. Despite India’s rapid development, she realized the country lacked ready-to-eat, wholesome baby food options — especially those rooted in Indian dietary traditions.

“Nutrition has been at the centre of everything from day one,” Harshi says. Named after “roro,” meaning brain, the brand reflects her belief that 80–90% of a baby’s brain development happens before age two. Rorosaur’s flagship products are the World’s first grain-based ready-to-eat purees — inspired by what Indian households truly feed their babies, such as khichdi, ragi porridge, and sattu maavu. Using only natural ingredients and no synthetics, the brand focuses on easy-to-digest formulations that solve the common discomfort babies face with complex carbohydrates. Over time, Rorosaur has also expanded into porridge powders and Yogurt-based snacks designed for nutrition, digestibility, and convenience.

Harshi credits Amazon for playing a pivotal role in Rorosaur’s early growth. Just a few months after onboarding, Amazon’s Launchpad team helped her optimize listings, understand customer behavior, and adopt the right offers for scale. The IXD supply-chain program also helped streamline her logistics by centralizing dispatches through a single facility. “I’m not from an e-commerce background, so that early support really helped us get the kickstart we needed,” she says. “Today, Amazon is the most important marketplace for us, and we’re excited to deepen this relationship going forward.”

Stories like Harshi’s highlight a larger shift taking place in Hyderabad — where women are building purpose-driven businesses that reflect both modern aspirations and local needs. Supported by digital tools and a fast-growing entrepreneurial culture, they are shaping what the future of consumer innovation looks like.

On Women Entrepreneurship Day, their journeys stand as a reminder that empowerment in Hyderabad is being built in kitchens, home offices, and small production units — one thoughtful idea at a time.

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• Strengthen Pune’s creator ecosystem
• Open doors for collaboration among brands, creators & entrepreneurs
• Provide insights from leading industry voices
• Educate & inspire the next generation of digital talent
• Highlight Pune as a rising cultural hub for creators

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This biennial competition is designed to identify, nurture, and reward India’s most talented youth, preparing them to represent the nation on international stages such as the WorldSkills Competition (WSC) 2026, which is the largest international skills competition for young professionals in the world, showcasing the skill and expertise of young people in more than 60+ Skills. The competition aims to inspire young people to pursue careers in vocational education and to recognize the importance of skilled work in today’s economy.

The competition is open to all Indian nationals, with participants required to meet specific age criteria. The minimum age is 16 years, and the maximum age limit is 25 years. In general, participants must be born on or after 1 January 2004. For certain advanced technology skills, such as Cyber Security, Mechatronics, Aircraft Maintenance, among others, participants must be born on or after 1 January 2001.

IndiaSkills 2025 follows a structured, multi-tiered selection process. Each participant can apply for only one skill. The competition unfolds across two primary tracks. Track I involves State-level competitions conducted by State Skill Development Missions (SSDMs), while Track II is led by Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) for skills not opted by the states/UTs. Both tracks will feed into Regional Skill Competitions (RSCs), followed by boot camps and the final national competition. The competition includes both individual and team-based skills, closely aligned with the categories identified by WorldSkills International.

Regional competitions will be hosted across five zones— North, South, East, West, and Northeast—while the final IndiaSkills National Competition will be organized centrally by MSDE. Winners of the national competition will receive extensive training and mentorship to represent India at the WorldSkills Competition 2026 and other international forums.

For additional details, visit- www.skillindiadigital.gov.in.

Registration Link-

https://www.skillindiadigital.gov.in/account/register?returnUrl=%2Findia-skills-2025&utm_source=BannerClicks&utm_medium=Web&utm_campaign=IndiaSkills

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