The Webel-Fujisoft-Vara Centre of Excellence (CoE), an initiative of the Government of West Bengal, plans to empower the MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) sector and startups with consulting and advisory services on new and emergent technologies (Industry 4.0) such as data science, cybersecurity, embedded systems/ IoT (Internet of Things) and additive manufacturing (3D printing), of the state. The project is being executed by Japan’s Fujisoft and Vara Technology of India.

The Webel-Fujisoft-Vara Centre of Excellence has collaborated with one of the world’s leading 3D equipment manufacturing companies, Stratasys and Dassault Systemes, for setting-up a state-of-the-art 3D Printing lab with seven industrial grade machines, which are the first-of-its-kind in the east.

The CoE, trains the youth, corporate executives, industry and working professionals in emerging technologies and 3D manufacturing services, aims to enrol over 3,500 trainees in the next one year.

Rashmi Sharma, head, Webel Fujisoft Vara Centre of Excellence: Industry 4.0, said, “The CoE offers youths in West Bengal opportunities to develop in-demand specialised skills and brings new technologies to MSMEs and industry to boost their productivity, product quality as well foster innovation. We have brought students, academia, industry, technology providers and startups under one roof.”

The CoE has worked in providing prototypes and designs for MSME clusters such as fan, gems and jewellery, furniture, plastics and various other units from Bengal and the neighbouring states. “We go beyond theory with 70% hands-on learning, giving the beneficiaries valuable real-world insights. The courses entail case-studies, real time projects, brought by the corporates,” said Debashis Majumdar, country head, Fujisoft India.