New Delhi: IndiaAI, an Independent Business Division under the Digital India Corporation, has partnered with Microsoft to advance the adoption and development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India.
This collaboration aims to train 500,000 individuals by 2026, establish innovation centres in rural areas, and promote responsible AI practices.
Key Initiatives for Skilling and Innovation
The partnership will focus on equipping students, educators, developers, government officials, and women entrepreneurs with AI skills. A network of “AI Catalysts,” or Centers of Excellence, will be set up to foster rural innovation in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, engaging 100,000 AI innovators and developers.
Furthermore, AI Productivity Labs will be established in 20 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) and NIELIT centres across 10 states to train 20,000 educators and empower 100,000 students in 200 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
Microsoft will also extend its Founders Hub program benefits, such as Azure credits and mentorship, to 1,000 AI startups under the IndiaAI Mission, which was launched on 7 Marc March 2024.
Additionally, efforts will focus on building foundational AI models supporting Indic languages to address India’s linguistic diversity and creating a robust dataset platform with advanced curation tools.
Promoting Responsible AI and Economic Growth
This collaboration between IndiaAI and Microsoft will emphasize responsible AI development through frameworks and standards, supporting the establishment of an AI Safety Institute in India. Leveraging Microsoft Research’s expertise, AI-enabled solutions will be developed for critical sectors to address citizen-scale challenges.
Abhishek Singh, CEO of IndiaAI Mission, highlighted the partnership’s alignment with IndiaAI’s objectives, stating, “This strategy focuses on building partnerships with Industry and Academia. Towards this, the collaboration with Microsoft aligns with the core pillars of the IndiaAI Mission, focusing on skills, innovation, and responsible AI development.”
“By training 500,000 individuals, fostering innovation through AI Centers of Excellence, and delivering AI-driven solutions in critical sectors, we are advancing India’s AI ecosystem. This partnership emphasizes inclusivity by empowering underserved communities, promoting ethical AI practices and supporting startups to drive economic growth. Together, we are committed to positioning India as a global AI leader and creating a sustainable and equitable future for all,” he further added.
Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India and South Asia, echoed this vision, stating, “This collaboration underscores Microsoft’s commitment to cooperating with India on its journey to become an AI-first nation. By skilling 500,000 individuals, establishing AI Centers of Excellence, and setting up AI Productivity Labs, we aim to democratize access to AI, empower communities, and foster innovation, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Together with India AI, we are dedicated to accelerating AI adoption and creating a sustainable future for all.”
This partnership underlines a shared commitment to harness AI’s potential for inclusive development and economic transformation. By prioritizing skilling, innovation, and responsible AI practices, IndiaAI and Microsoft aim to create a sustainable and equitable AI ecosystem that positions India as a global leader in AI-driven growth.
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