Bengaluru, March 20, 2024: Taking a significant step forward in promoting skill development and employability among youths in industry, SAP Labs India has expanded its CSR initiative, Code Unnati, into Telangana under which centres of excellence dedicated to emerging technologies in 17 locations will be established across the state.
The project will be implemented by Edunet Foundation and is supported by Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge (TASK).
Speaking about the partnership, Sindhu Gangadharan, SVP & MD, SAP Labs India and Head, SAP User Enablement said, “As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Gen AI emerges as a powerful force in shaping the future of technical education. By harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence, we have the opportunity to revolutionize the way we prepare our youth for the jobs of tomorrow. However, we must not overlook the critical role of faculty members in this transformation. It is through their expertise, guidance, and mentorship that we can truly empower the next generation of technocrats.”
“By working hand in hand with our dedicated faculty, we can ensure that our youth are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and adaptability to thrive in the rapidly changing technological landscape. Collaboration between the Government, corporates, academia, and civil society is crucial in fostering innovation and ensuring a well-rounded education. We are therefore excited to partner with TASK and Edunet to offer this support to the technical institutions in the state of Telangana," he said.
The Code Unnati program underscores the importance of industry-relevant skills in preparing individuals for the future of work, eventually creating pathways towards employability and future readiness for both faculty and students.
The inaugural event was held on March 14, 2024, at TASK Regional Centre in Hyderabad in the presence of leadership and senior officials from TASK, SAP Labs India and Edunet Foundation. At the inauguration ceremony, select faculty members completed the first phase of the three-day Faculty Development Program (FDP) and received completion certificates.
On the occasion, Shrikant Sinha, CEO, TASK said, “The industrial landscape is constantly evolving. We've witnessed the rise of Industry 2.0 and 3.0, characterized by incremental advancements. Today, we stand at the cusp of Industry 4.0 and 5.0, which is defined by a rapid explosion of innovation across multiple dimensions. From Artificial Intelligence and robotics to the Internet of Things and big data, the technological landscape is teeming with possibilities. Amidst this exhilarating rush towards the future, it's crucial to strike a balance. While staying adaptable to emerging trends and embracing new technologies is essential, a strong foundation in core principles remains equally important. Equipping students with a solid grasp of fundamentals in various subjects empowers them to not only navigate the complexities of these advancements but also become active contributors to shaping the future.”
Ravinder Singh Bidhan, Associate Director, EDUNET, said, “SAP started this program for students from economically weaker sections of the society, studying in Tier 2 and Tier 3 colleges. The 300+ hours’ Code Unnati program equips the colleges with SAP centres of excellence to enable experiential learning of deep tech. With elements such as capstone projects, mentoring, and capacity building of faculty, the program uses a sustainable hands-on approach towards levelling up the skills of underserved students and establishing a pathway to industry.”
