Will Assam See a New Centre of Excellence for Aerospace and Defence?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Centre of Excellence will provide specialised training in high-demand sectors.
- It aims to reduce dependency on other cities for advanced skilling.
- The investment will significantly enhance the local talent ecosystem.
- The facility is expected to foster industry-academia collaboration.
- It will create new job opportunities for Assam's youth.
Guwahati, Dec 13 (NationPress) – The opportunity for specialised training in high-demand sectors like aerospace, defence, and electric mobility is set to flourish in Assam. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has revealed plans for a cutting-edge Centre of Excellence (CoE) at the Assam Engineering College (AEC) campus in Guwahati.
In a post on the X platform, the Chief Minister highlighted that previously, individuals seeking advanced skills in these fields had to travel to major cities and incur substantial expenses for training. “That will change,” he noted, emphasizing that the new facility will provide world-class training resources directly within reach of Assam’s youth.
The forthcoming Centre of Excellence, centred on the Aerospace and Defence, Automotive, and Electric Vehicle (EV) sectors, is backed by a total investment of Rs 243.66 crore, with Rs 200 crore coming from Dassault Systemes India. Encompassing an area of 5,000 sq ft, this centre aims to train and enhance the skills of 10,000 candidates, including students, industry professionals, and employees from diverse sectors.
A high-ranking official confirmed that the CoE will deliver specialised skills, assist in upskilling and reskilling, and offer essential support to start-ups and MSMEs engaged in emerging technologies. By incorporating advanced simulation tools, digital manufacturing processes, and industry-relevant modules, the facility aspires to cultivate a highly skilled workforce ready to meet global industry benchmarks.
The Assam government believes this initiative will significantly fortify the state's talent ecosystem, reducing reliance on larger urban areas for specialised education.
Additionally, the centre is anticipated to enhance collaboration between industry and academia, establishing Guwahati as a centre for cutting-edge technological innovation in the Northeast.
Given the rapid advancements in aerospace, defence production, EV proliferation, and advanced automotive technologies throughout India, the Centre of Excellence is perceived as a strategic investment that could unlock new job and entrepreneurship prospects for the region's youth.
A senior government representative stated that the facility will commence operations shortly, marking a significant advancement in transforming Assam into a destination for progressive skills and innovation.