Archives

Our Approach to Education and TrainingCenturion has focused on ‘hands-on’, ‘experience based’, ‘practice oriented’ learning that creates transformative impact through community centric innovation and action research. While promoting Nano, Mini and Micro Enterprises, the University works toward learning experiences that are ‘quantifiable’, ‘sustainable’, ‘scalable’ and ‘replicable’.

Centurion University has both built and participated in building eco-systems that include and integrate the community around it’s campuses and beyond, industry, entrepreneurs and other education institutions. Its education and training delivery approach is:

• Skill Integrated and Employability Linked Teaching/Learning Process
• Focuses/Leverages Industry and Community Partnerships
• Creates/co-creates Enterprises

University has five campuses and a number of social entrepreneurial outreach entities that, along with collaborating institutions and networks, form its ecosystem. The campuses are located at Paralakhemundi, Bhubaneswar, Rayagada, Bolangir and Balasore. Its courses are delivered through the following schools:

Research and Training Centers

Centurion University has established dedicated centers for research and training. Each of these centers focuses on building and improving specific areas ranging from curriculum design, product development and designing multi-disciplinary courses. Each of the centers is anchored by a senior faculty who acts as a coordinator and has faculty and leading industry leaders as participants. Some of the centers also deliver skill training and other related services besides undertaking research.

Centers of Applied Research and Product Development

University has formally established 20+ applied research and product development centers. These centers are necessary multidisciplinary and cover a myriad of topics ranging from sustainability, AI/ML and Bio-engineering. Some of these centers are also engaged in product development including power train for e-Vehicle and a low cost insulin pump specifically for a developing country like India.

The Institute of Knowledge Societies (IKS)
IKS was set up in 2014 with a view to develop it into Category II Institute of UNESCO. It focuses on the interface between traditional knowledge systems and modern technologies. This interdisciplinary Institute with a research and education focus has a new vision of liberal education that, when combined with Indian enterprise and technology, aims to shape a free society. It will initiate multidisciplinary courses in the areas of Media and Communications, which includes ICT. It explores all avenues of reducing the gap between classroom-based education and livelihoods and to that end, aims to set up demonstration laboratories to create the conditions for linking Education, Livelihoods and Community.

Centurion University Centre for Renewable Energy and Environment (CUCREE)
CUCREE promotes development, acquisition and transfer of appropriate renewable energy systems, entrepreneurs, and enterprises for the local area, including proofs-of concept. It has established active in partnership with Schneider Electric, Harsha Trust, SELCO, ADEME, IIT Mumbai and Green Sector Skill Council and created on-campus RE systems including a micro-grid and transformer stations. It has also undertaken skill development programs (such as the ‘Suryamitra Skill Development Program’ to build human resources to work on RE systems at the last mile. It also develops a network of quality instructors, trainers and maintains a database as a portal for matching the demand and supply of skilled work force for solar based energy systems.

Center for Innovators and Entrepreneurs (CIE)
CIE is an incubator for nano and micro enterprises. It leverages Centurion’s industry class production facilities/labs, 3D printing infrastructure, digital design lab and research outputs created by various research centers to attract and nurture entrepreneurs. It also promotes Entrepreneurship Development among Centurion’s own students as well as the community around our campuses. It also has a multi-seat co-working space that currently hosts 8+ ventures at various stages of their development. CIE is supported by Government of Odisha’s ‘Start-up Odisha’ program as well as a network of mentors.

It very recently tied with FICCI-FLO (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry’s women wing) for a program specifically targeted at women entrepreneurs in Odisha. This program is expected to nurture women entrepreneurs by connecting them with mentors as well as support them in areas such as access to capital and creating market linkages.

Centurion Institute for Training of Trainers (IToT)

Centurion University as an accredited Skill University operates Directorate General of Training (DGT) affiliated Institute for Training of Trainers (IToT) in Odisha. It is the only such institution in the private sector. Its outcomes include a pool of skilled trainers, interactive training content (based on digital technologies) as well as ensure trainers career progression through continuous learning.

Centurion IToT currently offers a 1 year CITS (Crafts Instructor Training Scheme) training in Mechanic Motor Vehicle (MMV), Electrician & Wireman, and Fitter trades.

National Institute of Open schooling (NIOS)

Centurion University was accredited by NIOS on 15th March 2013 for secondary and Senior secondary courses for the Bhubaneswar campus in the first instance and subsequently for campuses at Paralakhemundi, Rayagada and Balangir. Till date, it has enrolled more than 6000 learners at Secondary and Sr. Secondary levels. On an average, more than 70% of students enrolled have graduated. We have integrated NIOS with the skill training which has led to higher wages and better work prospects for candidates.

NIOS caters to the education needs of marginalized segment of society who have been deprived education because of acute poverty or have been unable to access the formal education system. NIOS is different from the formal education system, where learners with different capabilities can choose the subjects they want to pursue as well as exam. For such learners, NIOS nurtures formal Secondary education courses, Senior Secondary education courses, vocational education courses and life enrichment programs through open learning system or distance mode. The pedagogy in NIOS is inclusive, sustainable, flexible and learner oriented. Study materials are available in English, Hindi and Odia (and other regional languages). NIOS provides elementary education for school dropouts and neo-literates, out of school learners through accredited agencies. NIOS Certificates are equal in value to that of State Boards, CBSE and ICSE.

At a Senior Secondary level, streams like Arts, Science and commerce are available. NIOS provides a special platform for first generation leaners, physically, mentally, visually challenged learners and candidates from disadvantage sections of society.

Center for Assessment and Certification
The center undertakes assessment of skill courses and recognition of prior learning in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal and other states. The Centre is recognized by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India. It works closely with a number of Sector Skill Councils such as Automotive, Telecom, Tourism & Hospitality, Furniture & Fittings, Electronics, Agriculture, Retailers Association, Plumbing and Health.

Social Enterprises

Centurion University has incubated and developed multiple social outreach initiatives to address challenges faced by the communities, create/enhance livelihood opportunities as well as spark/create an eco-system of enterprises both locally and nationally.

Gram Tarang Employability Training Services Pvt. Ltd. (GTET)
GTET was setup by the University in partnership with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in 2009. Tracing its origins in a skill development program undertaken by Centurion University in 2006 for the placement of unemployed tribal youth of Gajapati, a tribal & naxal effected district, Gram Tarang was formally incorporated in 2009 and was selected as one of the first ever partners of National Skill Development Corporation in 2010. Since inception, it has trained 300,000 people across ~ 32 centers in Odisha, AP, Jharkhand, Assam and Punjab and is working towards an overall mission of making 100,000+ youth employable annually.

GTET has established a unique institutional model of skill development and its centers include 5 large centers which offer long term courses (ITI, Diploma, DVoc & BVoc) in Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive, Mining, Hospitality & Healthcare domains. The smaller skill development centers offer fully residential short-term placement linked training through schemes like PMKVY, DDU GKY, OSDA etc. in trades ranging from CNC Operator, Machinists, Fitters, Welders, Electricians, Forklift Operators, RAC mechanics to Sewing Machine Operators & Café Brewmasters. Gram Tarang also runs joint skill development programs with some of the leading companies in India, with centers setup by Ashok Leyland, Café Coffee Day, Yamaha, Volvo Eicher, Schneider, Godrej & Boyce etc. The pedagogical focus has been on hands on, experiential learning through strong industry involvement & live production environments which has ensured a placement rate of over 80% for its vocational trainees into jobs across the country in more than 200 companies. The focus has been to develop an inclusive model in education & skill development by ensuring that over 50% of the youth are from scheduled castes & tribes, 40% of the beneficiaries are women and there is even a special program for the differently abled.

It also works closely with the University for integrating skills into higher education & mainstreaming of school & college dropouts through work integrated skill training & apprenticeships (WISTA) after the vocational students are placed. This is achieved through co-development of industry spec labs & workshops with leading players in six sectors of focus (Automotive, Apparel & Textiles, Manufacturing, Energy, Hospitality & Healthcare) like Ashok Leyland, Yamaha, Hyundai, Volvo Eicher, Godrej & Boyce, Schneider Electric, Gap, Shahi Exports & Cotton Blossom, Café Coffee Day etc. GTET was awarded by NSDC as the Best Skill Provider/Best Center in five different years by NSDC and also recognized as top skill provider by FICCI for 3 consecutive years at the global skills summits.

Gram Tarang Inclusive Development Services Pvt. Ltd. (GTIDS)
GTIDS is a social entrepreneurial outreach initiative of the University. It was started in 2011 to provide access to much needed financial services in some of the remotest part of India. Lack of these formal financial services has been identified as a major developmental impediment in multiple studies done on the subject.

GTIDS recruited over 8500 agents in 25,000 villages across 14 states for 13 Banks. It opened over 1.6 crore no-frills accounts, mobilized fixed deposits of INR 200 Crores+, savings of INR 2,000 Crores+ and collected over INR 400 Crores+ of NPAs from the beneficiaries on behalf of Partner Banks. GTIDS disbursed more than INR 400 Crores of microfinance loans to 1,60,000+ beneficiaries under Government’s Mudra Scheme.

GTIDS also developed its own technology in 2018, signed agreements with 5 banks i.e. (Andhra Bank, Andhra Pradesh Gramina Vikasa Bank, Telangana Gramina Bank, Bank of India, KBS Bank) as a principal services provider. GTIDS currently employs 1500 Business Correspondent Agents across East & South India and through them provides banking services like withdrawals, mobilization of savings, FDs, RDs, marketing government insurance policies like APY, PMJJBY, PMSBY, recovery of NPAs etc. GTIDS on behalf of its partner Banks extends financial services to 500,000+ beneficiaries with a monthly turnover of INR 500 Crores+. This is expected to increase to 2500+ Business Correspondent Agents by March 2021.

GTIDS recently developed a Fintech app called Insta Money to empower the local kiranas, shops, retail stores & other merchants to make extra income by providing Aadhaar Banking, Individual & Group Loans, Digital Payment Services across India. GTIDS intends to appoint atleast 20,000 Agents across East & South India by June 2021 and market Insurance, Mutual Funds & non-financial products too in future.

This has placed GTIDS as a leading player in the fin-tech space.

Gram Tarang Foods (GTF)
GTF is a social enterprise incubated and developed by Centurion University. Its current product portfolio includes high-quality extracts (selective oils, oleoresins, total extracts, and natural colors) from raw organic spices, herbs, medicinal plants, beans, and flowers. These extracts are used by the Pharmaceuticals, Nutraceuticals, Perfume, and Cosmetic industries. It has 10 Research Scientists that are fully engaged with the farmer community around our campus as well as create similar facilities on our own campus at Parlakhemundi to identify new products and processes to derive maximum value sustainably. GTF supports local value addition, local market creation, and market linkages for farmers. We are associated and working closely with companies such as Himalaya, Naturals and Robertet.

Urban Micro-Business Center (UMBC)
UMBC A Section 8 Company, it is actively involved in institutionalizing the social disruptive innovation in Bhubaneswar slums. The entrepreneurship development programme undertaken by the center has resulted in identifying and training 220 potential entrepreneurs from chronically poor families for undertaking nano businesses. Further, it supported 150 women with zero interest loans through established bank linkages.

It also serves as a center for research and learning activities for students of management and engineering from India and abroad. Students and faculty from Centurion University, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University (RMIT) and University of Queensland, Australia, University of California, Santa Cruz, USA, Tata Institute of Social Science and other institutions have used the center for their learning and research.

One of the residents of the Kargil Slum, Ms. Meenakshi Chand, a representative of the socio-economic transformation process initiated by UMBC, presented her life’s journey at a global conference at Deakin University, Australia on 25th October 2016.

UMBC has received financial support from Government of India; Government of Odisha; Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Government of Australia, Odisha Milk Marketing Federation (OMFED), Mindtree Foundation, Bosch and Union Bank.

Gram Tarang Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (GT Tech)

Gram Tarang Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (GT Tech) is a technological firm incubated within Centurion University of Technology and Management. It is a private limited company incorporated on 13 August 2018 and based in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. It works on Technological and Innovative Digital Products and solution under different verticals, namely, agriculture, mining and architecture engineering construction (AEC) for government, private sectors and educational institutes. GT Tech attempts to respond to the business challenges of the customers and provides innovative products and solutions. It works closely with young talent of educational institutions and experts from different fields to develop affordable intellectual products and unique value propositions for its customers and community and manages Centre of Excellence’s for skilling of students. It strives to deliver the best of the technology solutions to the industries and help them stay at par with the rest of the world. With the 4th industrial revolution, GT Tech tries to digitize organizations with the governing technologies like augmented reality, robotics, 3-D printing, automation, and artificial intelligence. GT Tech provides solution support for niche technologies using open source and licensed software. It partners with Dassault Systemes India, Aarav Unmanned Systems-Bangalore, Advance Mechanical Services P Ltd (AMS) – Bangalore and other organizations to work collaboratively in engineering services and solution implementation. GT Tech partners with reputed automotive equipment manufacturers and product development firms to deliver development and manufacturing solutions. It provides design and development services in railway locomotives, rail dynamics and infrastructure. It supports design, optimization, validation, and certification for marine applications. GT Tech addresses dynamic market challenges of aerospace & defense industries. It helps the aviation industry to sustain against competition regarding fuel efficiency, production rate and quality, environmental emission and noise, maintenance. GT Tech has the expertise to understand the needs of the world and believes in sustainable infrastructure for cities, commercial and residential and mega structures such as bridges and roads. GT Tech arranged high end virtual reality training for farmers on latest agricultural techniques to increase productivity. It also helped in vermicomposting through digital simulation on Dassault platform. Being supported by the government of Andhra Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation it reached nearly 10000 farmers in 50+ villages of 15+ districts. With a dedicated team of 130 engineers in mechanical, civil and software disciplines GT Tech has become a solution provider for all sectors of technology.