NSDC International Ltd. (NSDC International), a wholly owned subsidiary of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), is proud to announce its acquisition of a 10% equity stake in Startup Stairs Pvt. Ltd., an initiative of AVPL International promoters. This strategic investment underscores NSDC International’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly among rural startups in emerging sectors such as drones, electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics.
Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and MD of NSDC International, stated, “This investment in Startup Stairs signifies our dedication to empowering rural entrepreneurship and driving innovation across India. By nurturing around 1 lakh rural entrepreneurs, we aim to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem where creativity and skills converge to create sustainable solutions. This partnership is not merely about financial support; it is about building a self-reliant India where every entrepreneur has access to the resources and guidance needed to thrive.”
“At Startup Stairs, a DPIIT-recognized incubator, we are committed to fostering innovation in futuristic sectors such as drones, EVs, AI, robotics, and AR/VR. With the recent launch of our dedicated portal, Drone Planet, we aim to support drone startups by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and marketing access. We are also planning to introduce similar platforms for other sectors as part of our vision to transform this initiative into a Unicorn in the coming years.” said Mr. Deep Sihag Sisai, Founder and Director of Startup Stairs and AVPL International.
Startup Stairs aims to drive AVPL International’s success by incubating drone entrepreneurs and providing them with expertise, resources, and funding in exchange for equity. The proprietary platform, Drone Planet, will facilitate startup hackathons every 3-6 months, allowing participants access to expert mentorship and robust networks. While NSDC International will extend its expertise in skilling and marketing to support youth entrepreneurs, Startup Stairs will focus on providing seed-stage acceleration and expert guidance across market strategies, legal frameworks, finance, and product development.
This partnership aligns with the government’s vision of fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in India. By addressing the growing demand for reskilling and upskilling in a digital-first business environment, NSDC International and Startup Stairs aim to empower youth, foster innovation, and contribute to India’s economic growth. The initiative is expected to create around 1 lakh rural entrepreneurs across the country to address the growing demand for a skilled workforce.
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