Scaler School of Technology (SST), a fully residential undergraduate programme in computer science by Scaler, has announced a partnership with eGov, a non-profit organisation founded by Nandan Nilekani and Srikanth Nadhamuni. The partnership will see the launch of a specialised GovTech credit course on DIGIT (Digital Infrastructure for Governance and Inclusive Transformation), eGov's open-source technology platform for public service delivery with a practical project-led approach. The partnership will also work towards establishing a joint innovation lab, fostering a new generation of tech talent dedicated to improving public services.
According to a recent report, India's GovTech sector is rapidly expanding with over 4,97,000 workers and over 2,450 relevant technologies in use. This growth is further fueled by significant investor interest, with the industry attracting over USD 1.7 billion in funding in recent years. This highlights the growing opportunity for tech professionals to address civic issues through GovTech initiatives.
The course will equip students with the skills and knowledge to leverage eGov’s open-source platform, DIGIT, to build innovative digital public goods (DPGs) and sectoral digital public infrastructure (DPIs). The eGov team will work closely with Scaler’s teaching assistants to develop the course content. This practical learning approach will empower students to contribute effectively to the evolving landscape of GovTech and social impact technology, ultimately preparing them for a successful career in the tech industry.
In addition to the three-month experiential course, this partnership will explore internship opportunities for SST students, enabling them to work alongside industry experts and apply their skills in real-world environments, enriching their educational journey. Furthermore, eGov and Scaler will establish the eGov Public Services Tech Innovation Lab by Q1 2025 within the Scaler Innovation Lab, a dedicated space for SST students to solve impactful problems using advanced technologies. This collaborative space will serve as a hub for experimentation, research and development in GovTech, fostering a culture of innovation and public service.
In its first year, Scaler School of Technology has already made a notable impact with its students' impressive projects and achievements. From developing sign language applications to launching successful startups, SST students are gaining invaluable industry experience. Additionally, twenty-one students from this inaugural batch have secured internships at Dukaan, while others are working on prominent projects such as building features and apps in collaboration with “The Bhashini Project” by the government of India.
The three-month experiential credit course on DIGIT or ‘Tech For Good’ was kick started in December at Scaler’s campus in Electronic City.