November 6, 2025: The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) has launched a new Skill Development Centre under its Rural Development Centre (RDC). Named the NBV Skilling Centre, the initiative which will operate under the Next Bharat Skilling Foundation (NBSF) model, aims to train over 50,000 youth and reach an equal number of school students by 2035.
This effort is a collaboration between IIT Hyderabad, Next Bharat Ventures (an initiative of Suzuki Motor Corporation), and the Deshpande Foundation. Together, they have established the NBSF, a national platform that brings together education, entrepreneurship, and employability under a single framework.
Speaking at the inauguration, Prof. B. S. Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad , said, “The new Skill Development Centre takes our vision for rural innovation forward by empowering India’s youth through practical education and real-world skill-building.”
IITH Partners with Suzuki and Deshpande Foundation to Skill Young Learners
The centre will provide hands-on learning through innovation challenges, soft skills training, and exposure to modern technologies. It will also focus on developing communication, problem-solving, and technical abilities among participants, preparing them for emerging industry roles and opportunities.
Dr. Satish Regonda, Chairperson of the RDC, added that the NBV Skilling Centre strengthens the centre’s work across its three themes, Education, Environment, and Entrepreneurship, turning rural areas into spaces of innovation and opportunity.
The flagship programs at the Institute, SkillPlus (for rural graduates), Skill in Village (SiV) (for schoolchildren), and Technical Skilling for MSMEs, aim to make skill development accessible across different age and education levels.
Supported by Next Bharat Ventures and implemented by the Deshpande Foundation, the initiative is designed to build an ecosystem where education connects directly to livelihoods.
Dr. Gururaj “Desh” Deshpande, Founder of the Deshpande Foundation, noted that such collaborations can bridge “the gap between talent and opportunity,” ensuring youth from smaller towns are part of India’s growth story.
Mr. Kinji Saito, Director of Next Bharat Ventures and Global Marketing Councilor at Suzuki Motor Corporation, shared that this partnership aligns with Suzuki’s goal of empowering India’s youth with practical skills and meaningful opportunities.
During the launch, Mr. Ranga Rao Nutakki, Chairman of Sai Deepa Rock Drills Pvt. Ltd., highlighted the importance of creating a strong talent base for the MSME sector. He appreciated IIT Hyderabad’s commitment to grassroots skilling and pledged his support for the initiative.
With the NBV Skilling Centre, IIT Hyderabad continues to uphold its mission of “Inventing and Innovating in Technology for Humanity” , connecting knowledge with livelihoods and promoting inclusive growth across India.
