FUEL SkillTech University has trained 568 students at three colleges in north Karnataka in artificial intelligence, coding and job-readiness skills under NIPUNA Karnataka, a skilling programme run with the Government of Karnataka and the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM). The update, shared by the university on 2 November 2026, focuses on students from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds who want careers in the technology sector.
What NIPUNA Karnataka students are learning
The programme pairs technical training with employability preparation so that students graduate closer to what recruiters expect. The curriculum covers:
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML).
- Programming in Core Java and Python.
- Aptitude building, soft skills, communication and interview preparation.
The aim, according to the partners, is to prepare learners for higher education, campus placements and entry-level technology jobs, rather than offering coding as a stand-alone certificate.
Where the 568 students were trained
The training has so far reached three institutions outside Bengaluru:
- KLS Vishwanathrao Deshpande Institute of Technology (VDIT), Haliyal: 345 students have completed the programme.
- Shri Siddhalingeshwar BCA College, Gokak: 84 students have completed the programme.
- SECAB College of Engineering, Vijayapura: training is under way for 134 students in Core Java and Python.
Participating colleges said the sessions helped students build technical confidence and exposure to skills employers look for, with aptitude and interview practice improving placement readiness.
What the university and KDEM said
Dr Ketan Deshpande, Founder, FUEL SkillTech University, said the move from education to employment needs students to keep building skills that match changing industry needs. “Through NIPUNA Karnataka, we are bridging academia and industry to deliver future-oriented technical training alongside aptitude and employability development,” he said, adding that the goal is to equip students “irrespective of their background” for the digital economy.
Sanjeev Gupta, CEO, KDEM, said programmes like NIPUNA Karnataka strengthen the link between academic institutions and the technology industry, and help build “a stronger, more industry-ready talent pool across Karnataka.”
Why it matters for Karnataka’s digital economy
Karnataka’s technology growth has long been concentrated in Bengaluru, and KDEM’s mandate includes spreading digital jobs and talent to tier-2 and tier-3 districts. Digital Learning has tracked how the state is building its future workforce for the digital economy. Other states are moving in the same direction at larger scale, including the Telangana TASK and AWS AI and cloud skilling plan for one lakh students, Uttar Pradesh’s ₹1,725 crore skill mission with AI and robotics training and Odisha’s AI for All course across 81 colleges.
More on the state mission is available on the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission website, and the programme update was reported by The Economic Times.
Key takeaways
- FUEL SkillTech University has trained 568 students under NIPUNA Karnataka with the state government and KDEM.
- Training covers AI/ML, Core Java, Python, aptitude and soft skills.
- 345 students completed at VDIT Haliyal and 84 at Shri Siddhalingeshwar BCA College, Gokak; 134 are in training at SECAB, Vijayapura.
What is NIPUNA Karnataka?
NIPUNA Karnataka is a state skilling initiative run with the Government of Karnataka and KDEM to give students industry-aligned technology and employability training.
Who is the programme aimed at?
It focuses on students from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds preparing for higher studies, campus recruitment and technology jobs.
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