14 October,2026 10:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department has signed a non-financial MoU with EkStep Foundation to implement the pilot project. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Maharashtra will pilot an artificial intelligence (AI)-based digital platform to connect job seekers with industries in Mumbai Suburban and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar districts, state Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha said on Wednesday.
The initiative, called the âBlue Dot AI Economy', aims to match candidates' skills with the workforce requirements of industries, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to streamline recruitment and improve employment opportunities.
The Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department has signed a non-financial memorandum of understanding (MoU) with EkStep Foundation to implement the pilot project. The department has also signed an MoU with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to strengthen skill development, employability and international employment opportunities in the state.
According to the state government, the Blue Dot AI Economy platform, developed by EkStep Foundation, is based on the principles of digital public infrastructure. It is designed to identify local employment demand and supply based on individual requirements and geographical locations.
The platform will cover areas such as livelihoods, education and training, MSMEs and the economic participation of persons with disabilities. It is also expected to connect citizens, entrepreneurs, industries and institutions to help make better use of local skills, resources and economic opportunities.
The government plans to assess the pilot project's outcomes before considering an expansion. Funding for the initiative has been proposed.
Under the MoU with the NSDC, the state government will work on skill development scheme assessments, international workforce development, future-ready training, industry-linked training and women's entrepreneurship.
A Skill India International Centre will be established in Mumbai. The government also plans to develop global skill training institutions across six divisions - Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Training will focus on emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, drone technology, cybersecurity and data analytics, based on industry requirements.
The initiative will also provide training in German, Japanese and English, facilitate coordination with overseas employers and guide candidates seeking international employment.
The NSDC and the state department will also work to strengthen industry-linked skill development and apprenticeship training. Support for women entrepreneurs will include access to markets, digital commerce, financial literacy and mentorship.
Senior officials present at the MoU signing included Additional Chief Secretary Manisha Verma, Skill Development, Employment and Entrepreneurship Commissioner Dr Amit Saini, Maharashtra State Skill Development Society Additional Chief Executive Officer Anand Mali, NSDC Chief Executive Officer Arun Kumar Pillai and representatives of the department and EkStep Foundation.
