Microsoft has unveiled an ambitious plan to provide artificial intelligence (AI) skills to 2 million individuals in India by next year.
The initiative, ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA, seeks to expedite India’s AI evolution and prepare its workforce for future employment opportunities.
As a component of Microsoft’s broader Skills for Jobs initiative, the announcement aligns with the company’s responsible AI principles. Training will be provided through collaborations with government entities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses nationwide.
Meanwhile, Microsoft’s recent work trend index report shows that 90% of Indian business leaders believe new hires need AI skills. However, 78% of workers need these capabilities for their existing positions.
To aid the gap, the initiative concentrates on enhancing the skills of individuals in smaller towns and rural regions. The objective is to promote nationwide AI proficiency for inclusive development.
Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India and South Asia, stated that the ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA initiative is crucial in making AI skills accessible nationwide, underscoring Microsoft’s strong dedication to fostering inclusive growth through technology.
He also said that New Delhi has a significant chance to lead in AI globally, and creating artificial intelligence fluency at scale is a critical step in that journey. This initiative strives to boost India’s AI expertise, empowering citizens nationwide for success in the AI era.
India’s Opportunities on Microsoft’s Initiative
Microsoft aims to open three different opportunities for Indians to its ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA program.
The initiative aims to work with the Indian government and 10 states to provide training in basic and advanced AI skills to 500,000 students at vocational centers in rural areas. This extends a current partnership focused on providing training in digital and cybersecurity skills.
Moreover, it offers comprehensive AI training to 100,000 young women in smaller cities through higher education institutions, including distributing Microsoft’s AI Trainer Toolkit and industry mentorships.
Furthermore, the goal is to raise awareness about AI careers for 400,000 students in remote tribal areas through Microsoft’s Technology Education and Learning Support (TEALS), Farm Beats, and AI Guidance for Schools initiatives.
