New Delhi, March 27 The Delhi government organized its first Industry-Academia Conclave on Friday, under the "Skill Connect 2026" initiative, aimed at strengthening collaboration between the education sector and industry while equipping students with skills relevant to the job market.
The event, held at a government school in Civil Lines, was attended by Delhi's Education Minister, Ashish Sood, who visited exhibition stalls set up by students and appreciated their innovation and confidence, according to a statement.
The conclave saw participation from industry experts, academics, policymakers, and representatives of training institutions, and featured discussions on bridging the gap between education and employment.
Addressing the gathering, Sood said the initiative reflects the government's commitment to providing youth with modern and relevant skills, enabling them to become self-reliant in a rapidly evolving economy and contribute to the country's development.
He said more than 30,000 internship opportunities have been facilitated through over 2,000 employers under Delhi's vocational education program.
The minister also released booklets titled 'Internship Gear for Students' and 'Internship Saathi', aimed at making internships more structured and accessible.
The program included panel discussions and experience-sharing sessions, where employers, students, trainers, and alumni shared their insights. Industry partners were also felicitated for their contribution in providing internship opportunities, according to the statement.
Highlighting the role of emerging technologies, Sood said 2026 marks a phase of rapid transformation driven by artificial intelligence and innovation. While information is easily accessible, he said, it is essential for students to develop strong skill sets to stand out.
He added that the government's focus is not only on producing degree holders but on creating a skilled workforce capable of generating employment.
According to the minister, 29 trades, including subjects such as artificial intelligence and drone technology, are currently being taught in Delhi government schools, with an emphasis on practical learning.
Under the NEEV entrepreneurship program, around 5,000 student teams have received seed funding of Rs 20,000 each to develop their ideas into business ventures, while the top 1,000 teams are being supported to scale their projects.
Sood urged industry representatives to extend mentorship and real-world exposure to students alongside internships, stating that meaningful learning takes place beyond classrooms.
Encouraging students to adopt a mindset of continuous learning, he said, skills, rather than access to information, define identity and success.
He also called for closer collaboration between educators and industry leaders to nurture future-ready individuals capable of contributing to India's growth.
Companies from sectors such as retail, healthcare, finance, and consumer electronics participated in the conclave, reflecting a broad-based industry partnership, it stated.
The "Skill Connect 2026" initiative is part of the Delhi government's efforts to align vocational education with national education frameworks and enhance students' readiness for the job market, the statement added.