NSDC International Ltd., a National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) subsidiary, has acquired a 10% equity stake in Startup Stairs Pvt. Ltd., a venture spearheaded by AVPL International’s promoters. This investment underscores NSDC International’s dedication to promoting entrepreneurship, especially in rural regions, while driving innovation in emerging fields like drones, electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics.
Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and MD of NSDC International, remarked, “By investing in Startup Stairs, we are reinforcing our commitment to empowering rural entrepreneurs and driving innovation across the country. Our goal is to nurture around 100,000 rural entrepreneurs and create an ecosystem where skills and creativity come together to produce sustainable solutions. This partnership is not just about financial support; it’s about helping entrepreneurs access the tools and guidance they need to succeed.”
Deep Sihag Sisai, Founder and Director of Startup Stairs and AVPL International, stated, “At Startup Stairs, a DPIIT-recognized incubator, we are dedicated to supporting innovation in emerging sectors like drones, EVs, AI, robotics, and AR/VR. With the launch of our platform, Drone Planet, we are providing mentorship, networking, and marketing opportunities for drone startups. Our vision is to expand this initiative and transform it into a Unicorn by introducing similar platforms for other sectors.”
Startup Stairs nurtures drone entrepreneurs by providing resources, expertise, and funding in exchange for equity. Through its Drone Planet platform, the company will organize startup hackathons every 3-6 months, offering participants access to expert guidance and valuable industry networks. As part of this collaboration, NSDC International will contribute its expertise in skilling and marketing. At the same time, Startup Stairs will deliver seed-stage acceleration, market strategy development, legal assistance, financial support, and product development mentorship.
This partnership aligns with the government’s mission to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in India. By addressing the growing need for reskilling and upskilling in a technology-driven business landscape, NSDC International and Startup Stairs aim to empower young entrepreneurs, foster innovation, and drive economic growth in the country. The initiative looks forward to creating 100,000 rural entrepreneurs, meeting the rising demand for skilled professionals.
As a key supporter of the Indian Government’s Skill India Mission, NSDC operates as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to establish a robust vocational training ecosystem. Since its inception, NSDC has trained over 30 million individuals in collaboration with training partners nationwide. The corporation oversees major skill development initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).
NSDC International aims to achieve the international objectives of the Skill India Mission by positioning India as a global hub for skilled talent. Its focus is on creating overseas employment opportunities, improving career mobility for Indian professionals, and building a world-class skill development ecosystem with global recognition. Startup Stairs Pvt. Ltd., an incubator recognized by the DPIIT and an initiative of AVPL International, is committed to supporting startups in the drone, EV, AI, and robotics sectors. It provides mentorship, resources, and guidance to help entrepreneurs innovate and thrive.
