CHAKRA: SBI’s New Centre of Excellence to Mobilize $1.09 Trillion Investment in Emerging Technologies by 2030

State Bank of India (SBI), the nation’s largest public sector bank, announced the launch of ‘CHAKRA’ – Centre of Excellence (CoE) for financing sunrise sectors that are critical to India’s economic transformation. Reinforcing the bank’s strategic commitment to Viksit Bharat 2047, the centre will serve as a knowledge-led platform to enable financing for next-generation, technology-driven and sustainability-focused sunrise sectors.

SBI’s focus lies in enabling these capital-intensive sectors by directing capital flows responsibly, strengthening risk assessment capabilities and developing innovative financing structures aligned with evolving business models and policy priorities.

The Centre was inaugurated by Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, in the presence of SBI Chairman, Shri Challa Sreenivasulu Setty. The Bank’s Managing Directors, and representatives from other Public Sector Banks and global banks, leading conglomerates, financial institutions, industry bodies and other key ecosystem participants were also present at the launch event.

On the launch, Shri M Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Govt. of India said —

The CHAKRA Centre of Excellence is a commendable initiative by State Bank of India. The vision of the Centre to become a coordinated ecosystem platform covering knowledge-sharing, project appraisal, capacity building, and evidence-based policy engagement will meaningfully accelerate India’s progress towards Viksit Bharat 2047.”

The Centre proposes to focus on eight sunrise sectors viz. Renewable Energy, Advanced Cell Chemistry & Battery Storage, Electric Mobility, Green Hydrogen, Semiconductors, Decarbonisation, Smart Infrastructure, and Data Centre Infrastructure, that are emerging as key drivers of India’s economic future. By 2030, these eight sunrise sectors are expected to entail capital investment of over INR100 lakh crore (≈ $1.09 Trillion). The Centre will work towards enabling this massive investment.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, Chairman, State Bank of India, said —

India’s growth over the coming decades will be anchored in innovation, sustainability and advanced manufacturing. With CHAKRA, SBI is strengthening its institutional capability to understand emerging sectors, design specialised financing solutions and partner with the ecosystem to enable projects that meaningfully contribute to the nation’s development journey. The Centre of Excellence reinforces SBI’s leadership in new-age technologies and climate finance, enhancing India’s integration into the global value chain, and accelerating progress toward Viksit Bharat 2047.

CHAKRA will drive tangible outcomes through white papers, sector reports, knowledge series, industry roundtables and policy dialogues, supporting informed decision-making for clients, investors, and policymakers. The Centre will facilitate structured engagement with development finance institutions, multilateral agencies, banks, NBFCs, industry bodies, corporates, start-ups, academia and policy think-tanks. Through CHAKRA, State Bank of India aims to build strong capabilities, support innovation‑focused enterprises, and improve the flow of capital to sectors driving India’s sustainable and technology-led future. This initiative builds on the bank’s earlier Centre of Excellence for MSMEs at the State Bank Academy.

Indian Army Internship IAIP 2025 Offers Hands-On Training in AI, Cyber & Drones

The Indian Army has launched the Internship Program IAIP 2025, inviting students nationwide to apply for 75-day internships in AI, cyber security, drones, AR/VR, and emerging technologies. Applications are open until December 7, 2025, with interviews scheduled for December 10.

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Key highlights of IAIP 2025

• Organizer: Spearheaded by the Wargaming Development Centre (WARDEC).
• Duration: 75 days, from January 1 to March 31, 2026.
• Domains offered:
  • Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
  • Cybersecurity
  • Drone technology
  • Database management
  • Augmented Reality (AR) / Virtual Reality (VR)
  • User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) design
  • Defence simulations
• Eligibility: Open to students from universities and institutes across India.
• Application window: December 1–7, 2025.
• Interview date: December 10, 2025.
• Certification: Interns will receive recognized certificates from the Indian Army, plus opportunities for project incubation and recruitment pathways.

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Purpose of the program

• Bridge academia and defence innovation: The Army aims to connect student talent with real-world defence applications.
• Hands-on exposure: Interns will work directly on cutting-edge defence technologies like AI-driven simulations, cyber defence systems, and drone operations.
• Career boost: As Lt. Gen. Rakesh Kapoor noted, interning with the Army is a “cherished entry in anyone’s CV”, offering credibility and unique experience.
• Annual initiative: Following a successful pilot, IAIP will now be a regular annual feature.

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Things to keep in mind

• Competitive selection: With nationwide eligibility, expect high competition. Prepare thoroughly for the December 10 interview.
• Defence context: Unlike corporate internships, projects will be defence-oriented, requiring adaptability to military protocols.
• Limited seats: The Army has not disclosed exact numbers, so early application is crucial.
• Commitment: The internship runs full-time for 75 days; balancing with academic schedules may be challenging.

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How to apply

• Portal: Submit applications via the official IAIP portal: iaip.easecruit.com
• Deadline: December 7, 2025.
• Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on December 10, 2025.

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In short

IAIP 2025 is a prestigious opportunity for Indian students to gain hands-on experience in AI, cyber, drones, and defence tech, with direct recognition from the Army. It’s not just an internship—it’s a potential career gateway into defence innovation.

India, Singapore Forge Deeper Ties in Semiconductors and Advanced Tech

India and Singapore are strengthening their partnership in advanced technologies, with a special focus on semiconductors. According to the news agency IANS, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed after high-level meetings in Singapore that the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) will collaborate with India to support its approved semiconductor projects.  

Key highlights of the cooperation

• Strategic Partnership: The SSIA is partnering with India to help accelerate its semiconductor mission, providing industry expertise and support for ongoing projects.
• Skill Development: Discussions also covered training technicians and engineers, ensuring India builds a strong talent pipeline for semiconductor manufacturing.
• High-Level Engagements: Vaishnaw met Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, to expand cooperation in emerging technology domains beyond semiconductors.
• Global Ambition: Vaishnaw reiterated India’s goal of achieving world-class chipmaking capabilities by 2031–2032, aiming to be on par with leading nations like South Korea, Taiwan, and China.

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Why this matters

• India’s Semiconductor Push: Backed by a $10 billion incentive program, India is attracting global players like Micron (plant in Gujarat) and Tata Group (domestic fabrication projects).
• Singapore’s Role: As a hub for semiconductor design and manufacturing, Singapore’s collaboration provides India with access to global supply chains, expertise, and advanced R&D ecosystems.
• Geopolitical Significance: With chip supply chains becoming a strategic priority worldwide, India–Singapore cooperation strengthens resilience and positions India as a future semiconductor powerhouse.

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Challenges ahead

• India still lags behind established leaders such as Taiwan and South Korea in terms of fabrication scale and technological maturity.
• Building a skilled workforce and ensuring supply chain stability will be critical to meeting the ambitious 2032 target.
• Global competition for semiconductor investment is intense, meaning India must continue offering competitive incentives and infrastructure.

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Takeaway

This partnership signals a major step forward in India’s semiconductor journey. By combining Singapore’s established industry expertise with India’s ambitious investment program, both nations are positioning themselves to play a stronger role in the global chip ecosystem.
Would you like me to map out India’s semiconductor roadmap to 2032—including milestones, key players, and expected capacity—so you can see how this cooperation fits into the bigger picture?

Centre of Excellence Unveiled in Bengaluru, Anchoring AI, 5G, and Quantum Research

Union Minister of Communications and Minister for Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, on Thursday, inaugurated the VTU-VRIF-TCOE Hub and Spoke Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, a major milestone in India’s mission to accelerate innovation across emerging technologies.

The Centre is the result of a strategic collaboration between Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Visvesvaraya Research and Innovation Foundation (VRIF), and Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCOE) India, forming an academic-industrial powerhouse focused on future-forward domains including 5G/6G communications, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), quantum computing, and healthcare technologies.

“In the last 11 years, PM Modi has fundamentally redefined the role of government—from a regulator to a facilitator,” said Minister Scindia. “This Centre is a direct extension of that transformation.”

A Launchpad for Deep-Tech Innovation

The Bengaluru facility operates under a hub-and-spoke model, connecting 228 affiliated colleges and over 400,000 students through VTU’s academic network. The campus boasts over 1 lakh sq. ft. of infrastructure, equipped with cutting-edge R&D labs, collaborative spaces for startups, video conferencing rooms, and student-friendly amenities including daycare and cafeteria services.

Currently, the ecosystem hosts 20+ startups and engages 30+ academic institutions, supported by industry leaders like Keysight Technologies, QpiAI, and Televerge. Skill development programs are being steered by the Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) to align talent with industry needs.

Aligning with Bharat 6G Vision

The Centre’s focus on 6G innovation ties directly into India’s broader ambitions under the Bharat 6G Alliance, which aims to place the country at the forefront of global 6G development by 2030. Areas under active exploration include Indigenous Radio Access Networks (RAN), rural connectivity, and cross-sectoral applications of 6G in agriculture, healthcare, and sustainability.

Connectivity and Impact

Minister Scindia highlighted India's rapid digital transformation:

• Internet users have surged from 250 million to 974 million.
• Broadband subscribers now exceed 940 million.
• India boasts the world’s largest optical fiber network, spanning every village.

CoE Centre represents a paradigm shift in India's tech-driven policy framework, blending academic excellence with industrial agility. By serving as a crucible for deep-tech research, startup incubation, and nationwide skill development, it reinforces the government’s vision of "facilitation over regulation", setting the stage for India’s next decade of innovation.