In a decisive move to address the rising demand for advanced digital skills and bridge the widening gap between academic learning and industry needs—validated by a comprehensive skill gap survey conducted across its business units—the MEPZ Special Economic Zone has formally partnered with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), a premier R&D institution under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) that brings its deep technical expertise and national mission focus to the collaboration.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today in New Delhi at Tech-Verse 2025 event, in the presence of Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Shri S. Krishnan and Director General C-DAC Shri E. Magesh.

This strategic partnership is aimed at bridging critical skill gaps and enhancing employability aligned with Skill India and Digital India missions. It will support the upskilling of the workforce across MEPZ SEZ across Tamil Nadu, Andaman and Puducherry (TAP region) through a multi-pronged approach.

A dedicated IT Skill Development Centre will be established within MEPZ SEZ to offer practical, hands-on training in emerging technologies such as High-Performance Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Drone Technologies, Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity, equipping participants with in-demand digital competencies.

Emphasizing the initiative’s impact, Dr. S.D. Sudarsan, Executive Director of C-DAC Bangalore, stated, this collaboration is a strategic step toward creating a resilient, tech-empowered workforce by combining C-DAC’s R&D strength with MEPZ’s strong industrial base.

In addition to technical training, the partnership will focus on structured capacity-building programs for SEZ personnel, ensuring continuous alignment with industry trends. This effort is designed to promote inclusive, innovation-driven industrial growth across the region.

Thiru. Alex Paul Menon, Zonal Development Commissioner, MEPZ SEZ, remarked, our collaboration with C-DAC is not just about training, but a conscious step in building capabilities that truly matter. Together, we aim to establish the TAP region as a leading hub for digitally skilled professionals.

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(Release ID: 2140149)