Dubbed ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA, Microsoft’s latest endeavour is poised to revolutionize India’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI) education and training. The initiative aims to reach 2 million people across the country by 2025 to bridge the growing gap between the demand for AI skills and the available talent pool.
Aligned with Microsoft’s responsible AI principles, ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA will leverage partnerships with government entities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses to deliver comprehensive training programs tailored to the diverse needs of India’s populace. Recognizing the pressing need for AI proficiency in the workforce, the initiative will focus on upskilling individuals in smaller cities and rural areas, ensuring inclusive growth and equitable access to opportunities.
Puneet Chandok, president of Microsoft India & South Asia, emphasized the initiative’s significance in democratizing access to AI skills and fostering inclusive growth nationwide. Chandok remarked, “The ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA initiative is a significant step towards democratizing access to AI skills across the nation and reflects Microsoft’s deep commitment to enabling inclusive growth with technology.”
The ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA program comprises three main components:
Training for rural students: Collaborating with the national government and 10 states, Microsoft aims to train 500,000 students in basic and advanced AI skills at rural vocational centres, building upon existing digital and cybersecurity training partnerships.
Empowering women in AI: Microsoft plans to provide in-depth AI training for 100,000 young women in smaller cities through higher education institutions. This initiative will distribute Microsoft’s AI Trainer Toolkit and offer industry mentorships to foster career advancement.
AI education outreach: Microsoft will raise awareness of AI careers among 400,000 students in remote, tribal areas through initiatives such as TEALS, Farm Beats, and AI Guidance for Schools. These efforts aim to inspire the next generation of AI leaders and innovators.
In addition to these initiatives, Microsoft will facilitate generative AI knowledge for 250,000 government officers to enhance citizen services and convene a summit for 2,500 nonprofits to explore AI integration in their work, with support from LinkedIn.
Speaking at a conference in Mumbai, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella underscored the importance of global collaboration in regulating AI and ensuring its equitable distribution. Nadella hoped that consensus would emerge to facilitate the widespread adoption of AI technology and promote inclusive economic growth.
