Novatr, the innovative upskilling startup reshaping the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry in India through cutting-edge education technology, has announced strategic partnerships with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Autodesk, a global leader in software for AEC professionals. According to an official statement, these partnerships aim to empower the next generation of AEC professionals with indispensable skills to shape India’s urban development landscape and economic growth.
By providing learners with these skills, these collaborations enhance employability and credibility and give certified learners the competitive advantage they need to survive in this fast-changing industry. In a significant move aligned with Novatr’s mission to revolutionize tech upskilling in the AEC sector, the alliance with NSDC and Autodesk will offer co-branded certificates upon successful completion of courses. The initiative aims to combat sluggish technology integration and insufficient upskilling in the AEC sector, thereby addressing the $1.6 trillion global annual loss due to productivity challenges in the construction industry.
Every year, India sees 2.1 million new tech graduates, which is expected to double by 2030, creating an urgent demand for scalable education solutions. Traditional universities need help to deliver quality curricula and effective learning methods, contributing to a high unemployment rate among engineering graduates. In response to this challenge, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) was established to fulfil India’s growing need for skilled workforce across sectors. The organization works with scalable vocational training institutes to boost skill development among India’s youth and close the existing skills gap.
Harkunwar Singh, Co-founder & CEO of Novatr, commented on the partnership:
The collaboration with NSDC and Autodesk marks a significant milestone in our mission to revolutionize tech upskilling in the AEC industry. By providing co-branded certificates from two industry giants, we are not only empowering our learners with cutting-edge skills. Still, we are also arming them with the credibility and employability required to thrive in the dynamic AEC job market. Our revamped BIM Professional Programme for Architects showcases our commitment to staying ahead in the industry and empowering future leaders for India’s growth.
With this vision, NSDC has joined forces with Novatr, targeting the empowerment of AEC learners with outcome-driven, industry-relevant and tech-forward skills. All three Novatr programmes, including the updated Building Information Modeling (BIM) Professional Course for Architects, are approved by NSDC. Autodesk has worked with Novatr to certify its graduates. With Novatr as an Autodesk ATC (Authorised Training Centre), the mentors and guides can also become Autodesk Certified Instructors (ACI) at zero cost.
Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC & MD, NSDC International, stated on the association:
We are excited to collaborate with Novatr in this essential upskilling initiative for India’s AEC sector. This partnership marks a significant milestone by offering industry-endorsed credentials and empowering the next generation with the digital expertise required to spearhead India’s infrastructure boom. The global construction industry faces a productivity challenge, and upskilling in digital solutions such as BIM is crucial for unlocking efficiency and competitiveness. Our goal is to narrow the skill gap, fostering a workforce that can excel in this dynamic landscape and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our cities and economy.
Novatr, established in 2021 by Harkunwar Singh, Vipanchi Handa, Mehul Kumar, and Chaithanya Murali, aims to bridge the gap between traditional AEC education and the rapidly evolving technological landscape by empowering learners to become future-ready professionals. It is committed to certifying over 40,000 graduates through these partnerships, aligning with both entities’ broader mission to enhance employability and contribute to socio-economic growth. The company raised $1.2 million in seed funding from Y Combinator, Powerhouse Ventures, Soma Capital, and notable angels like Amit Ranjan, Co-founder of Slideshare.