In a bid to provide youth with hands-on exposure to new and emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, the Chhattisgarh government will establish 100 Emerging Technology Labs and a JOB Engine under the ‘Chief Minister Startup and New-Age Industry Preparedness through Up-skilling of New Generation Youth (NIPUN) Mission’.

At a recent Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the government approved the Rs 500-crore ‘Chief Minister Startup and NIPUN Mission’ for the next five years, along with the ‘Chhattisgarh Export Promotion Policy 2026-30’. Both initiatives are aimed at benefiting the state’s youth and business community.

Entrepreneurship Development Centres will be established in all 33 districts, along with 100 Emerging Technology Labs to provide youth with hands-on exposure to new and emerging technologies. The labs will enable young people to work on modern technologies, undertake practical experiments and develop technology-based solutions rather than limiting learning to theoretical knowledge.

A government official told , “The labs can provide opportunities in areas such as Artificial Intelligence and machine learning, internet of things (IoT), big data and data analytics, AR/VR, blockchain, fintech and enterprise technology. Considering Chhattisgarh’s local needs and economic activities, the initiative can also open new opportunities for startups working in health-tech, agri-tech, green technology, mining-tech and technology-based solutions to local challenges.”

According to a senior official of the Industries Department, the NIPUN JOB Engine will be an important component of the mission. It will establish a direct linkage between the actual requirements of industries and the skills of young people.

The key feature of the NIPUN Mission is its integrated approach, bringing together startups, skill development, emerging technologies and employment within a single ecosystem. It will provide young people opportunities to develop business ideas, acquire relevant skills, gain hands-on experience in new technologies, secure industry employment or start their own ventures. The focus will go beyond training and certification to building an industry-ready and technology-ready workforce.