CII in collaboration with ITC Hotels and EHL, hosted the Kolkata edition of its flagship Industry–Academia Connect 2025 initiative on 30th May. Held after a successful launch in New Delhi and a high-impact run in New Delhi and Agra, the event drew strong participation from key stakeholders including senior representatives from sectors such as IT, Hospitality, Animation, Healthcare, BFSI, and Gaming.
The initiative aims to foster stronger collaboration between industry and academia, building on the success of the 18-month VET by EHL Swiss Professional Diploma programme. Currently being run across 10 ITC Hotels, the programme has trained over 800 students and achieved a 100% placement rate—underscoring the growing role of industry-led vocational education in shaping India’s future workforce. With its focus on thought leadership and actionable insights, Industry–Academia Connect 2025 continues to advance the shared goal of bridging the education-to-employment gap.
In Kolkata, a distinguished cohort of academic heads, principals and counsellors from across the state were in attendance. The esteemed panel of Industry leaders included Mr. Nilesh Mitra, Vice President, Talent Management, ITC Hotels Limited; Mr. Praveen Roy, Advisor, Confederation of Indian Industry; Mr Kanav Mata, Director and Regional Head (South Asia, Myanmar & Middle East); Mr Arijit Saha, Senior Consultant – Animation; and Mr Ravindra Pai, MD & Board Member, Peerless Hospitals.
The engagement featured high-impact discussions, specific sectoral insights, and dialogues on aligning the youth with the dynamic industry demands.
Mr. Nilesh Mitra, Vice President, Talent Management, ITC Hotels Limited, said, “Through our collaboration with CII and EHL, we are proud to contribute to a platform that brings academia and industry closer. The Industry–Academia Connect 2025 initiative reflects our commitment to nurturing a skilled, job-ready workforce that can thrive in the fast-evolving service economy. This is not just a dialogue—it’s a decisive step toward shaping the future of vocational education in India.”
Mr. Kanav Mata, Director and Regional Head (South Asia, Myanmar & Middle East), EHL said, “The momentum we’ve built so far is just the beginning. We’re excited to take this dialogue to more cities in the coming months, creating deeper engagement between academia and industry nationwide. Our goal is to scale this impact across the country—ensuring that young people, wherever they are, have access to the skills, mentorship, and opportunities that meet international standards.”
Mr. Praveen Roy, Advisor, CII, said, “The response we’ve seen in New Delhi and Agra, has been incredibly encouraging—with each city adding its own depth to the dialogue between industry and academia. As we bring Industry–Academia Connect 2025 to Kolkata, a city known for its intellectual heritage and skilled youth, we’re confident the impact will be even more meaningful. The enthusiasm here gives us strong hope for deeper collaboration and stronger outcomes in bridging the education-to-employment gap.”
Mr. Sougata Roy Choudhury, Executive Director, CII, “What makes this initiative truly impactful is the diversity of expertise it brings to the table. From animation and manufacturing to healthcare and hospitality, the panel features seasoned industry leaders who offer rich, sector-specific insights. For young learners, this translates into exposure to a wide range of career pathways and the chance to develop practical skills that align with real-world demand. Our psychometric tests and career counselling will enable school children to understand their strengths and how they can align themselves to the modern day & evolving employment landscape.”
As part of its nationwide rollout, Industry–Academia Connect 2025 aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2025, aiming to strengthen ties between academic institutions and industry. The initiative will bring together over 600 educators and industry leaders. After successful editions in New Delhi and Agra, Industry–Academia Connect now moves to Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, with Chennai and Hyderabad lined up next following the Kolkata event. At a time when the World Bank is urging the integration of ‘skill hubs’ in 20–30% of secondary schools over the next few years, the initiative serves as a timely push to turn classroom learning into real-world employability.