The first Industry–Academia Conclave under Skill Connect 2026 was organized in Delhi, focusing on skill development, internships and industry collaboration for students.
27 March 2026, Delhi.
The Government of Delhi organized the first Industry–Academia Conclave under “Skill Connect 2026” at CM Shri School, Civil Lines. Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood attended the event as the Chief Guest and visited exhibition stalls put up by students, appreciating their innovation, skills and confidence. The conclave was organized by the Directorate of Education with the objective of strengthening collaboration between the education sector and industry while equipping students with employability oriented skills. Experts from various industries, academicians, policymakers and representatives from training institutions participated in the event, making it a significant platform for dialogue and engagement.
*Over 30,000 Internship Opportunities Announced*
During the conclave, the Education Minister emphasized that the Delhi Government is committed to equipping youth with modern and relevant skills through Skill Connect 2026. He highlighted that more than 30,000 internship opportunities have been facilitated through participation of over 2,000 employers, showcasing the scale and effectiveness of Delhi’s vocational education initiatives. On this occasion, the minister also released two important booklets titled “Internship Gear for Students” and “Internship Saathi,” aimed at making internship processes more structured, accessible and efficient for students.
Focus on Skills, Innovation and Emerging Technologies
The program included panel discussions and experience sharing sessions, where employers, students, trainers and alumni exchanged insights and success stories. Industry partners were also recognized for their contribution in offering large scale internship opportunities. The minister stated that the current era is defined by rapid technological transformation, with Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies becoming integral to everyday life. He noted that while knowledge is widely accessible through digital platforms, it is not sufficient on its own, and young people must develop strong skills and passion to stand out in a competitive environment.
Entrepreneurship and Practical Learning Encouraged
The Education Minister underlined that the government’s aim is not only to produce degree holders but to create a skilled workforce capable of generating employment. He informed that 29 different vocational trades are currently being taught in Delhi schools, including modern subjects such as AI programming and drone technology. Through the NEEV entrepreneurship program, around 5,000 student teams have been provided seed capital of ₹20,000 each to develop business ideas, while the top 1,000 teams are being supported to build scalable solutions.
He also urged industry leaders to extend support beyond internships by offering mentorship, exposure and real world problem solving opportunities. Encouraging students, he advised them to adopt a mindset of continuous learning, take risks and not fear failure, as it is an essential part of growth. He added that today’s students are the builders of a developed India by 2047 and their skills and confidence will play a key role in shaping the nation’s future.
The conclave saw participation from major employers including Reliance Trends, McDonald’s, Decathlon, Lakmé, FirstCry, Max Hospital, LIC, LG and Tata Croma, representing diverse sectors such as retail, healthcare, finance and consumer electronics. The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and aims to strengthen vocational education by providing practical skills, real world exposure and career readiness to students.
