Microsoft's Mission: 2 Million Indians Trained in AI by 2025

Microsoft has set forth an ambitious plan to enhance the skills of 2 million people in India with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) by 2025. Named ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA, this program is a pivotal component of Microsoft's broader Skills for Jobs initiative, aligning with the company's responsible AI principles. The initiative aims to accelerate India's AI transformation and prepare its workforce for the jobs of the future.

The pressing need for AI skills is underscored by Microsoft's recent Work Trend Index, revealing that 90% of Indian business leaders believe new hires will require AI skills. However, a staggering 78% of current workers lack these capabilities for their present roles. ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA is designed to bridge this gap by upskilling individuals in smaller cities and rural areas, promoting nationwide AI fluency for inclusive growth.

Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India & South Asia, emphasized, "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 program comprises three key components:

Partnership for Rural Education: Collaborating with the national government and 10 states to train 500,000 students at rural vocational centers in both basic and advanced AI skills. This builds upon existing collaborations in digital and cybersecurity training.

Empowering Young Women: Providing in-depth AI training for 100,000 young women through higher education institutions in smaller cities. This involves distributing Microsoft's AI Trainer Toolkit and offering industry mentorships.

Promoting AI Awareness: Raising awareness of AI careers for 400,000 students in remote, tribal areas through Microsoft's TEALS, Farm Beats, and AI Guidance for Schools initiatives.

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In addition to these components, Microsoft will support 250,000 government officers in gaining generative AI knowledge for delivering next-gen citizen services. The company will also host a summit for 2,500 nonprofits to harness AI in their work, leveraging LinkedIn for collaboration.

CEO Satya Nadella, speaking at a conference in Mumbai, expressed his hopes for a consensus in global efforts to regulate AI, emphasizing the importance of equal distribution of economic growth through the diffusion of AI technology.

Microsoft's ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA initiative is poised to drive a transformative shift in India's workforce, unlocking AI skills for 2 million individuals and fostering inclusive growth in the age of artificial intelligence.

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