The Karnataka Government is stepping up efforts to align higher education with industry needs, Dr M.C. Sudhakar, minister for higher education, announced during the valedictory session of the Global Women Entrepreneurs Summit in Bengaluru.

Dr Sudhakar highlighted a pioneering initiative introduced last year — a set of B.Com degree programmes that integrate apprenticeships with academic learning. The programmes, offered in Logistics, Retail, E-commerce, and Banking & Finance, incorporate hands-on industry training in the fifth and sixth semesters, aiming to produce job-ready graduates.

He emphasised that the government is working to enhance skill development within public institutions and is collaborating with industry partners to keep curricula current with technological and market demands.

Addressing the rise in women’s participation in business, Dr Sudhakar noted a surge in academic success among female students, with around 70% achieving top ranks. He lauded this trend as a promising sign for future entrepreneurship and acknowledged the challenges women face in traditionally male-dominated sectors.

However, he also admitted that the broader education system still falls short in supporting industrial growth. “We are reforming our focus to strengthen skilling and entrepreneurial capabilities through dynamic, industry-responsive education,” he said.

Highlighting Bengaluru’s advantages — including a robust infrastructure, thriving startup ecosystem, and leading IT sector — the minister underscored the need for educational institutions to evolve in step with rapid technological change.

The summit also featured key voices from the entrepreneurship ecosystem. Radhika Shetty, president of eMERG (Engineering Manufacturers Entrepreneurs Resource Group), called the summit a vital platform for empowering women in business. Uma Reddy, founder and past president of eMERG, praised the government’s backing of women-led initiatives, while acknowledging that more progress is needed.

The event drew women entrepreneurs from across the globe, marking a step forward in promoting inclusive economic development.

Also Read: Maharashtra delegation studies Karnataka’s CET model, lauds reforms