30 lakh youth with technical education backgrounds, will be subjected to AI-based assessments
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, August 7, 2025: As part of the Maharashtra Startup, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Policy 2025, a new scheme titled “Chief Minister’s Mega Fund for Entrepreneurship and Innovation” will be implemented. The state has a record of 30 lakh youth with technical education backgrounds. All of them will be contacted via email and subjected to AI-based assessments. Of these, 5 lakh candidates will be shortlisted after initial evaluation. Through further screening processes such as competitive exams, hackathons, and assessments, 1 lakh candidates will be selected. Ultimately, 25,000 candidates will be chosen and provided with technical support, financial assistance, and training, with the goal of developing them into successful entrepreneurs and startup founders.
In addition, 20 new short-term courses focused on personality development and supplementary skills will be introduced in ITIs (Industrial Training Institutes) starting 15th September, announced Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Minister Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha.
The Minister was speaking at a press conference organized at the Ministry to provide details about various initiatives of the Skill Development Department. Also present was Skill Development Commissioner Shri Lahuraj Mali.
Shri Lodha said, “The Maharashtra Startup, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Policy 2025 has been approved and will be officially implemented. The policy will be executed through the Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS), aiming to establish Maharashtra as the most dynamic and future-ready startup hub in India.”
This policy outlines an ambitious five-year vision with the goal of creating 1.25 lakh entrepreneurs and officially recognizing 50,000 startups. The focus will be on urban and rural youth, women entrepreneurs, emerging technologies, and marginalized communities.
A key feature of the scheme is financial support to selected candidates in the form of loans ranging from Rs5 lakh to Rs10 lakh through partnerships with financial institutions. Rs500 crore corpus fund will be raised for a period of five years. Startups selected under the Maharashtra Startup Week will get a direct opportunity to work with government departments and will be given pilot project orders worth up to Rs25 lakh.
Every state department will allocate 0.5% of its annual budget to innovation and entrepreneurship. All these initiatives will be executed with the assistance of MSInS, which will serve as the apex body for innovation and entrepreneurship in the state.
20 New Short-Term Courses in ITIs Starting from 15th September
Minister Shri Lodha announced that 20 new short-term courses will begin in ITIs from 15th September, covering both technical education and personality development. These courses aim to equip students with additional skills needed for employment.
Some of the management-oriented courses include:
1. Business Analytics – 4 months (~400 hours)
2. Marketing Management – 3 months (~300 hours)
3. Production Management – 3.5 months (~350 hours)
4.Financial Management – 3 months (~300 hours)
5. Behavioural Management – 3.5 months (~350 hours)
Soft Skills Courses
1.Advanced Communicative English & Professional Skills Trainer – 3 months
2. Fundamentals of Content Writing – 3 months
3. Communicative English Trainer – 3 months
4. Personality Development & Grooming – 3.5 months
5. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) – 3 months
Service Sector Courses
1. Advanced Courses in Gardening – 3.5 months
2. Electrician & Plumbing – 3 months
3. Nursing – 3 months
4.Front Desk Coordinator – 3 months
5.Housekeeping Supervisor – 3.5 months
*Emerging Sector Courses*
1. AI & Machine Learning Developer – 3 months
2. Solar Panel Installation & Maintenance – 3.5 months
3. Drone Technology & Operations – 3 months
4. EV Mechanic – 3.5 months
Industrial Robotics & Digital Manufacturing Technician – 4 months
Additionally, based on local demand, each ITI has the liberty to choose 5 more specialized courses, including Urban Areas: Co-op Housing Society Management, Coastal Regions: Fish Processing, Ornamental Fisheries, Agricultural Belts: Agro-Processing, Food Processing Technician
