Tamil Nadu Govt Signs MoU with Google and Unity to Train Final-Year Engineering Students in Game Development

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Tamil Nadu Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today (29.07.2025) at the Secretariat between global companies Google and Unity and the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation. This partnership is part of the “Naan Mudhalvan” initiative and aims to provide specialized skill training in Game Development, Game Artistry, and Programming to final-year Computer Science engineering students in Tamil Nadu.

Launched on March 1, 2022, by Hon’ble Chief Minister Thiru M.K. Stalin, the “Naan Mudhalvan” scheme is a transformative initiative to revolutionize higher education and skill development in Tamil Nadu. The program targets over 10 lakh students each year, equipping them with industry-relevant skills through expert-led training. So far, the scheme has issued more than 41 lakh skill certificates, with over 13 lakh students trained and around 1 lakh faculty members certified.

The program offers free, integrated online and offline training modules across engineering, arts & science, polytechnic, and ITI colleges. Major global corporations such as Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, Google, Cisco, Infosys, AWS, HCL, Siemens, and L&T collaborate with the scheme to offer job-oriented skill training in areas like Big Data, AI, IoT, Robotics, Machine Learning, Industry 4.0, and more.

To ensure accessibility for rural students, the training is provided entirely free of cost. A dedicated portal www.naanmudhalvan.tn.gov.in enables easy access to resources.

Over the last three years, 3.28 lakh final-year students have been placed in jobs through campus and Naan Mudhalvan job fairs.

Special Initiatives under the Scheme:

• SCOUT Program: Enables global internships for Tamil Nadu students in collaboration with international universities and companies. Examples include students interning and getting placed at top firms like Bank of New York, Citicorp, Zoho, and HCL.
• Global Opportunities: 10 girl students from Tamil Nadu undertook internships in Japan. Six were placed with Next Zen Corp, five were hired by Asahi Corporation, and four others were selected for higher studies in Bio-Technology at Kisyatsu University, Japan, with research opportunities at IIT Roorkee.
• In 2025, six more students secured internships in South Korea at Pusan and Gachon Universities. Three of them have received offers for higher studies from Gachon University.

Game Developer Training Launch:

As part of the latest initiative under Naan Mudhalvan, Google and Unity have introduced a Game Developer, Game Artist & Programmer Training Program specifically designed for final-year Computer Science students and graduates. The training includes:

• Free Unity license worth ₹32,000 per student (USD 378)
• Specialized training in game design, development, monetization
• Certification and placement assistance
• Access to mentors, workshops, and incubation for startup aspirants

An initial batch of 250 students will undergo this training, with the total value of the program being ₹80.32 lakh.

The global gaming industry is currently valued at $200 billion, with India expected to reach $9 billion by 2029. This initiative aims to tap into that market by equipping students with world-class game development skills.

Present at the signing ceremony were:

• Mr. Kunal Soni, Director of Google APAC Partnerships & Ecosystems
• Ms. Aditi Chatterjee, Google India – Platforms, Business & Public Policy
• Mr. Pradeep Yadav, IAS, Additional Secretary for Implementation of Special Projects
• Mr. Kranthi Kumar Pati, IAS, Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation

Issued by: Director, Department of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9