Government Launches New Technology & Extension Centres for MSMEs

India Expands MSME Support with 20 New Technology Centres and 100 Extension Centres Under Rs. 3,500 Crore Initiative

By Wajida Shaikh --
Thursday, 06 Feb, 2025

In a major push to enhance the technological capabilities of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Government of India has announced the establishment of 20 new Technology Centres (TCs) and 100 Extension Centres (ECs) under the Technology Centres/Extension Centres (TCEC) scheme. With a total outlay of Rs. 3,500 crores, this initiative aims to strengthen MSMEs by providing cutting-edge technological solutions, skill development, and advisory support.

Key Features of the TCEC Scheme

Technology Centres (TCs)

A total of 20 new TCs will be set up across India.
State Governments will provide land for these centres free of cost on a long-term lease basis.
TCs will cater to the local technological needs of MSMEs, enhancing their competitiveness and profitability.
These centres will be equipped with advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Internet of Things (IoT), and Robotics.
The total budget allocation for TCs under the scheme is Rs. 2,500 crores, with each centre receiving Rs. 125 crores.

Extension Centres (ECs)

100 Extension Centres will be set up to expand the reach of Technology Centres in underserved areas.
ECs will require relatively smaller investments and will be housed in available State Government/MSME-DI/ITI/Polytechnic buildings.
These centres will provide technical support, skill development, and localized advisory services to MSMEs.
The total budget allocation for ECs is Rs. 1,000 crores, with Rs. 10 crores allocated for each centre.

Objectives & Benefits

Advanced Manufacturing Technologies: MSMEs will have direct access to state-of-the-art technology, enabling them to innovate and stay competitive.
Skill Development: The centres will offer training programs to create a skilled workforce ready for high-tech industries.
Business Advisory Support: MSMEs will receive expert guidance on improving efficiency, adopting new technologies, and scaling their operations.

Eligibility & Application Process

Who Can Apply?

MSMEs seeking technological support and business growth opportunities.
Individuals and professionals looking for skill development and training.

How to Apply?

Interested MSMEs and trainees can directly avail themselves of the facilities and services offered by their nearest Technology Centre or Extension Centre.

This ambitious initiative is set to significantly strengthen India’s MSME sector, fostering innovation, increasing productivity, and positioning MSMEs for sustainable growth in an increasingly technology-driven market.

India Expands MSME Support with 20 New Technology Centres and 100 Extension Centres Under Rs. 3,500 Crore Initiative. <p>In a major push to enhance the technological capabilities of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Government of India has announced the establishment of 20 new Technology Centres (TCs) and 100 Extension Centres (ECs) under the Technology Centres/Extension Centres (TCEC) scheme. With a total outlay of Rs. 3,500 crores, this initiative aims to strengthen MSMEs by providing cutting-edge technological solutions, skill development, and advisory support.</p>

<h2><strong>Key Features of the TCEC Scheme</strong></h2>

<h3><strong>Technology Centres (TCs)</strong></h3>

<ul>
 <li>
 <p>A total of 20 new TCs will be set up across India.</p>
 </li>
 <li>
 <p>State Governments will provide land for these centres free of cost on a long-term lease basis.</p>
 </li>
 <li>
 <p>TCs will cater to the local technological needs of MSMEs, enhancing their competitiveness and profitability.</p>
 </li>
 <li>
 <p>These centres will be equipped with advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Internet of Things (IoT), and Robotics.</p>
 </li>
 <li>
 <p>The total budget allocation for TCs under the scheme is Rs. 2,500 crores, with each centre receiving Rs. 125 crores.</p>
 </li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Extension Centres (ECs)</strong></h3>

<ul>
 <li>
 <p>100 Extension Centres will be set up to expand the reach of Technology Centres in underserved areas.</p>
 </li>
 <li>
 <p>ECs will require relatively smaller investments and will be housed in available State Government/MSME-DI/ITI/Polytechnic buildings.</p>
 </li>
 <li>
 <p>These centres will provide technical support, skill development, and localized advisory services to MSMEs.</p>
 </li>
 <li>
 <p>The total budget allocation for ECs is Rs. 1,000 crores, with Rs. 10 crores allocated for each centre.</p>
 </li>
</ul>

<h2><strong>Objectives & Benefits</strong></h2>

<ul>
 <li>
 <p><strong>Advanced Manufacturing Technologies:</strong> MSMEs will have direct access to state-of-the-art technology, enabling them to innovate and stay competitive.</p>
 </li>
 <li>
 <p><strong>Skill Development:</strong> The centres will offer training programs to create a skilled workforce ready for high-tech industries.</p>
 </li>
 <li>
 <p><strong>Business Advisory Support:</strong> MSMEs will receive expert guidance on improving efficiency, adopting new technologies, and scaling their operations.</p>
 </li>
</ul>

<h2><strong>Eligibility & Application Process</strong></h2>

<h3><strong>Who Can Apply?</strong></h3>

<ul>
 <li>
 <p>MSMEs seeking technological support and business growth opportunities.</p>
 </li>
 <li>
 <p>Individuals and professionals looking for skill development and training.</p>
 </li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>How to Apply?</strong></h3>

<p>Interested MSMEs and trainees can directly avail themselves of the facilities and services offered by their nearest Technology Centre or Extension Centre.</p>

<p>This ambitious initiative is set to significantly strengthen India’s MSME sector, fostering innovation, increasing productivity, and positioning MSMEs for sustainable growth in an increasingly technology-driven market.</p>