IndiaAI, the government’s artificial intelligence programme, has joined forces with Microsoft to train 5 lakh individuals by 2026. This initiative will focus on equipping students, educators, developers, government officials, and women entrepreneurs with AI skills. Puneet Chandok, Microsoft India and South Asia President, confirmed the collaboration during an announcement.
Chandok also highlighted Microsoft’s commitment to India, referencing a $3 billion investment announced by Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft. This investment will focus on building technological infrastructure, enhancing AI capabilities, and nurturing human capital.
Expanding AI Training Across India
Microsoft and IndiaAI aim to establish AI Productivity Labs in 20 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) and NIELIT centers across 10 states. These labs will train 20,000 educators and introduce foundational AI courses to 1 lakh students in 200 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
Additionally, a Centre of Excellence named “AI Catalysts” will be set up to drive rural AI innovation in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. The initiative aims to equip 1 lakh innovators and developers through hackathons, community-building activities, and an AI marketplace.
Support for AI Startups
Microsoft’s Founders Hub programme will extend its support to up to 1,000 AI startups as part of the IndiaAI mission. This includes benefits like Azure credits, business resources, and mentorship, fostering innovation within India’s startup ecosystem.
Promoting Responsible AI and Linguistic Diversity
The collaboration will also focus on developing foundational AI models with Indic language support, addressing India’s linguistic diversity. Efforts will ensure these AI models are culturally and contextually relevant to India’s unique requirements.
Furthermore, Microsoft and IndiaAI will work together to establish frameworks, standards, and evaluation metrics for responsible AI development. This includes plans to set up an AI safety institute in India, ensuring ethical and secure AI adoption.
Government’s AI Vision and Investments
The partnership aligns with the government’s ambitious AI vision. In March 2024, Rs 10,372 crore was approved for AI ecosystem development over five years. This collaboration between IndiaAI and Microsoft highlights a focused effort to upskill talent, boost innovation, and establish India as a global leader in AI development and adoption.
