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Written by: JK Monitor News Network

Published: 21 February 2024

•  The global construction industry faces an annual productivity loss of $1.6 trillion, underscoring the urgency to address challenges
• Novatr's strategic partnership with NSDC and Autodesk aims to empower over 40,000 learners, addressing the critical skills gap in AEC and contributing to the solution for the high graduate unemployability rate among engineers.
• The partnerships focus on delivering outcome-driven, industry-relevant, and tech-first skills to bridge education gaps and improve learners’ employability and credibility in the AEC industry 

DELHI: Novatr, the innovative upskilling startup reshaping the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry in India through cutting-edge education technology, has announced strategic partnerships with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Autodesk. These partnerships are aimed at empowering the next generation of AEC professionals with skills indispensable in shaping the landscape of urban development and economic growth in India. By empowering learners with these skills, these partnerships not only enhance employability and credibility but also grant certified learners the competitive edge necessary to thrive in this rapidly evolving industry.

In a significant move aligned with Novatr's mission to revolutionize tech upskilling in the AEC sector, the partnership with NSDC and Autodesk will offer co-branded certificates upon successful completion of courses. Addressing the global annual loss of $1.6 trillion due to productivity challenges in the construction industry, this initiative seeks to combat sluggish technology integration and insufficient upskilling within AEC.

On the partnership, Harkunwar Singh, Co-founder & CEO, Novatr, says “The collaboration with NSDC and Autodesk marks a significant milestone in our mission to revolutionise tech upskilling in the AEC industry. By providing co-branded certificates from two industry giants, we are not only empowering our learners with cutting-edge skills but are also arming them with the credibility and employability required to thrive in the dynamic AEC job market. Our revamped BIM Professional Program for Architects showcases our commitment to staying ahead in the industry and empowering future leaders for India's growth.”

Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC & MD, NSDC International also commented on the collaboration, "We are excited to collaborate with Novatr in this essential upskilling initiative for India's AEC sector. This partnership marks a significant milestone by offering industry-endorsed credentials and empowering the next generation with the digital expertise required to spearhead India's infrastructure boom. The global construction industry faces a productivity challenge, and upskilling in digital solutions such as BIM is crucial for unlocking efficiency and competitiveness. Our goal is to narrow the skill gap, fostering a workforce that can not only excel in this dynamic landscape but also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our cities and our economy.”

Every year, India sees 2.1 million new tech graduates, a number expected to double by 2030, creating an urgent demand for scalable education solutions. Traditional universities struggle to deliver quality curricula and effective learning methods, contributing to a high graduate unemployment rate among engineering graduates. In response to this challenge, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) was established with the mission to fulfil the growing need in India for skilled manpower across sectors. NSDC collaborating with scalable vocational training institutes, plays a pivotal role in fostering skill development among India’s youth and narrowing the existing gap between the demand and supply of skills.

With this vision, NSDC has joined forces with Novatr, targeting the empowerment of AEC learners with outcome-driven, industry-relevant and tech-forward skills. All three Novatr programs, including the updated Building Information Modeling (BIM) Professional Course for Architects, are approved by NSDC. To elevate the standards further, Novatr is diligently pursuing accreditation from global bodies, ensuring that their BIM courses meet industry benchmarks and provide learners with a recognized and valuable skill set for a strong CV. Concurrently, Autodesk, a global leader in software for AEC professionals, has partnered with Novatr to certify Novatr graduates. With Novatr as an Autodesk ATC (Authorised Training Centre), the mentors and guides can also become Autodesk Certified Instructors (ACI) at zero cost. Novatr is committed to certifying over 40,000 graduates through these partnerships, aligning with both entities' broader mission to enhance employability and contribute to socio-economic growth.

About Novatr

Started in 2021, Novatr is an ed-tech startup focused on transforming the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. The startup was founded by Harkunwar Singh, Vipanchi Handa, Mehul Kumar, and Chaithanya Murali, architects and engineers from reputed institutions like SPA Delhi, and IIT Madras. Novatr aims to bridge the gap between traditional AEC education and the fast-evolving technological landscape, empowering learners to become future-ready professionals. The platform offers a range of courses and programs, including Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Computational Design, to help learners build critical skills and stay ahead of the curve. They raised $1.2 million in seed funding from  Y Combinator, Powerhouse Ventures, Soma Capital, and notable angels like Amit Ranjan, Co-Founder, Slideshare.