In a vibrant celebration of innovation, skill, and youth empowerment, the Skill Development and Technical Education Department marked World Youth Skills Day 2025 at the World Skill Center (WSC) in Bhubaneswar.
The event resonated with this year’s global theme, “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills.” Industries and Skill Development Minister, Sampad Chandra Swain, affirmed the Odisha Government’s unwavering commitment to developing future-ready talent capable of thriving in the digital era. He described the newly launched AI Policy 2025 as a visionary blueprint for the inclusive and transformative integration of Artificial Intelligence across governance, education, and industry sectors.
A highlight of the event was the announcement of placement offers for over 700 youths trained through the World Skill Center and state-led skilling initiatives such as Nua Odisha and the Placement Linked Training Programme. Notably, more than 50 candidates secured global placements, with opportunities in the United Arab Emirates and beyond, showcasing the global competitiveness of Odisha’s skilled workforce.
The Space Tech Skilling Workshop provided a week-long, hands-on immersion in Nano Satellite Technology, jointly organised by WSC, Earth Now Pvt. Ltd., Smart Circuits, and TM@SPACE Technologies. Using the MANHA Satellite Kit, students engaged in assembling, testing, and simulating launches of Nano satellites, including drone-based launches and real-time data analysis. Thirty young learners from WSC, RD Women’s Higher Secondary School, and BJB Higher Secondary School participated in this pioneering experience.
As part of Odisha’s Nano Unicorn Programme, three budding entrepreneurs were awarded seed funding of ₹1 lakh each by Minister Shri Swain, enabling them to turn their ideas into real ventures. The event also featured the grand finale of the Entrepreneurship Pitch Fest, where “Skill Cart – Life Skills in a Box,” an AI-driven digital learning platform, won first prize for its innovative approach to life skills education. “Cool Hollox Bricks,” a sustainable building material promoting green construction, secured second prize.
The event showcased 49 student-led innovation projects, with six receiving special awards for excellence and creativity. Live demonstrations highlighted ideas ranging from sustainable technology to AI-powered educational tools, underscoring the ingenuity and potential of Odisha’s youth.
Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the department, Ms. Rashmita Panda, Director of Skill Development-cum-Employment and CEO of the World Skill Center, along with senior officials, industry partners, academic leaders, and training agencies, participated in the celebration.
As Odisha progresses towards its centenary in 2036 and aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, this celebration reaffirmed the State’s commitment to cultivating a skilled, empowered, and globally competitive youth, prepared to lead in the age of AI and digital transformation.
