In a notable endeavor to address India’s growing need for AI skills, Microsoft is set to equip two million individuals with AI proficiency by 2025 through its ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA initiative. This initiative, forming a crucial part of Microsoft’s ‘Skills for Jobs’ programme, aims to arm India’s workforce with essential skills tailored for the future job market.
The ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA initiative by Microsoft aims to accelerate India’s AI transformation while upholding principles of responsible AI adoption. By partnering with governments, nonprofit organizations, and corporations, Microsoft seeks to democratize access to AI education and foster inclusive socio-economic progress across India.
During his recent visit to India, Microsoft chairman and CEO Satya Nadella unveiled the plan, emphasising the importance of AI fluency in India’s journey to becoming a global leader in technology. Citing Microsoft’s Work Trend Index, which highlights the skills gap hindering AI adoption, Nadella stressed the urgency of equipping the Indian workforce with the necessary capabilities.
ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA targets individuals in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities as well as rural areas, ensuring that opportunities for AI education are accessible across diverse demographics. Through strategic partnerships with government bodies, Microsoft aims to provide basic and advanced AI training to students and job seekers, thereby empowering them to thrive in the AI-driven era.
Moreover, the initiative pledges to advance gender inclusivity by offering specialized AI technical training to young women in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. By raising awareness and promoting responsible AI usage, Microsoft endeavors to nurture the next generation of AI innovators among school students in remote and tribal regions.
In alignment with its commitment to public service, Microsoft will collaborate with India’s National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building to enhance government officers’ understanding of AI, thereby bolstering the nation’s administrative capabilities in the digital age.
Furthermore, ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA will extend its reach to nonprofit organizations, equipping them with AI skilling resources to empower underserved youths, young women, and jobseekers with AI fluency and technical expertise.
With over 23,000 employees spread across 10 cities in India, Microsoft remains dedicated to driving digital transformation through its cloud services and technology solutions, thereby fostering innovation and growth across Indian startups, businesses, and government sectors.
With inputs from ANI.