Palakkad: The state's first unit under the 'Industry on Campus' initiative will be launched at the Government Polytechnic College in Palakkad on Monday.

The unit, established with the support of the startup 'Genrobotics,' is part of the Kerala government's initiative to offer students opportunities to earn while learning. Polytechnic students will have the chance to gain practical skills alongside their diplomas and potentially earn a modest income through the program.

Twenty selected students from the Electrical, Mechanical, and Electronics departments will be given the opportunity to work in the unit, said Dr M. Pradeep, the State Coordinator for the project and Head of the Mechanical Department at the Polytechnic College, along with Dr P. Dileep, Principal-in-charge. The government had previously signed an agreement with Genrobotics. Initially, the unit has been granted permission for three years.

Students will work for four hours daily after their regular classes, and they will work for 20 days a month. They are expected to earn an average of ₹10,000 as remuneration.

The unit will also develop a robot designed to help clear waste from manholes in large sewerage systems. The unit will be inaugurated by Minister R. Bindu on Monday at 5 pm.