FUEL SkillTech University Inaugurated in Pune

Friends Union for Energising Lives (FUEL), a non-profit organisation focused on education, vocational training and youth empowerment, has marked its 20th Foundation Day and second convocation with the inauguration of FUEL SkillTech University in Bhugaon, Pune.

The ceremony was held on October 24, 2026, in the presence of Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar, who attended as the chief guest. The event celebrated FUEL’s work in expanding educational opportunities for young people and recognised graduates from the Postgraduate Management Batch of 2024–26 and students who completed corporate social responsibility (CSR)-supported certification programmes.

Dr. Ketan Deshpande, FUEL’s founder and chairman and the university’s founding vice-chancellor, presided over the ceremony. Smt. Sulabha Deshpande, the university’s chancellor, was also present. The guests of honour included Ganesh Mohan of Bajaj, Pratyush Mehrotra of SBI Foundation and Ranajagjitsinha Patil, vice-chairman of MITRA.

Governor Highlights the Role of Skills and Entrepreneurship

Addressing students and industry representatives, Governor Rajendra Arlekar emphasised the need to connect academic learning with practical skills, entrepreneurship and industry exposure.

He highlighted the importance of preparing young people not only to secure employment but also to create opportunities for others. He also stressed that education should help students become self-reliant and contribute to society.

Arlekar described FUEL’s approach as a model that other educational institutions could consider adapting to their local requirements. The approach combines formal education with practical training and industry collaboration to improve young people's readiness for the workplace.

His remarks underlined the growing importance of employment-oriented education as businesses adapt to technological changes and evolving workforce requirements.

FUEL SkillTech University Focuses on Industry-Linked Education

The event marked the launch of FUEL SkillTech University, established under Maharashtra Act No. 23 of 2026, according to information provided by the organisation. The institution aims to promote skill-based higher education with a focus on entrepreneurship, employability and industry-relevant learning.

FUEL is working with corporate partners to develop educational programmes and training facilities aligned with emerging employment opportunities.

Its initiatives include a programme with SBI Foundation to provide skills training to 2,000 young people, a Digital Academy supported by Capgemini and a campus laboratory supported by Syngenta.

The university also plans to develop specialised Schools of Finance and Logistics in collaboration with industry partners. FUEL has indicated that it is in discussions with Allcargo Group regarding a proposed School of Logistics.

Other areas under consideration include artificial intelligence (AI), green skills, emerging technologies and entrepreneurship.

Industry Partnerships to Support GCC Talent Development

FUEL is also seeking to strengthen its engagement with India's growing Global Capability Centre (GCC) ecosystem. GCCs are offshore or regional centres through which multinational companies manage functions such as technology, finance, analytics, research and business operations.

Through its Impact Hiring initiative, FUEL aims to connect young people, particularly first-generation learners, with corporate employers. The organisation's approach combines employability training with opportunities to access jobs and build long-term careers.

The university is working towards developing programmes that respond to employers' changing requirements while widening access to professional opportunities for students from underserved backgrounds.

A roundtable discussion at the event brought together the Governor, corporate representatives and industry leaders to discuss industry–academia collaboration, GCC workforce requirements and the development of specialised academic institutions.

Participants included representatives from Bajaj, SBI Foundation, Tata Capital, Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals, Cognizant and Philips, among others.

FUEL Invites Corporates to Establish Schools and Centres of Excellence

FUEL has invited companies, philanthropic foundations and individual donors to collaborate with the university by supporting academic Schools, establishing Centres of Excellence, creating endowments and funding scholarships.

The proposed partnerships will cover areas including finance, logistics, AI, green skills, emerging technologies and entrepreneurship. The initiative is intended to bring industry expertise and resources into higher education while improving access for students who face financial barriers.

The organisation cited the Dr. Yusuf Hamied School of Science, associated with Cipla chairman Dr. Yusuf Hamied, as an example of industry-backed academic institution building.

FUEL also highlighted its presence on the National Stock Exchange's Social Stock Exchange as part of its broader funding model for education and skill development initiatives.

Organisation Reports Impact on One Million Young People

According to figures shared by FUEL, the organisation has reached approximately one million young people since its establishment in 2007. It reports having provided education to around 2.93 lakh students and awarded 2,907 scholarships.

FUEL also reports a placement rate of approximately 90% and says that more than 75% of its learners come from families in which they are the first generation to access such educational opportunities. These figures are based on the organisation's own reported data and have not been independently audited for this report.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Ketan Deshpande said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the students, supporters and partners who had contributed to FUEL's journey.

He said the university would build on the organisation's experience to expand access to skill development, employability training and entrepreneurship education. He also encouraged corporate partners to collaborate with the institution in creating specialised academic Schools and preparing a skilled workforce for India's changing economy.

Allcargo Group chairman Shashi Kiran Shetty expressed an intention to sign a memorandum of understanding with FUEL to establish a School of Logistics and strengthen industry–academia collaboration.

The programme was conducted by Dr. Prrachi Ahirao, while Mayuri Deshpande, chief operating officer of FUEL, delivered the vote of thanks.

The anniversary and convocation mark a new phase in FUEL's work, with the organisation seeking to strengthen the connection between higher education, practical skills and employment opportunities for young people across India.

About FUEL SkillTech University

FUEL SkillTech University, promoted by Friends Union for Energising Lives (FUEL), is based in Bhugaon, Pune. The institution aims to develop employment-oriented and entrepreneurship-focused higher education programmes by combining academic learning, practical training and industry engagement.

FUEL was established in 2007 and works in education, skill development and youth empowerment, with an emphasis on widening access to learning and career opportunities for underserved communities.