In a bid to boost Bharat leading workforce with advanced skills, Microsoft has launched a major initiative called ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA. The goal is ambitious: to equip 2 million individuals with essential Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills by the year 2025. This initiative falls under Microsoft’s broader ‘Skills for Jobs’ program, aimed at preparing the workforce for the jobs of the future.
The ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA initiative emphasizes Microsoft’s commitment to accelerating Bharat’s AI transformation responsibly. Training will be provided through partnerships with governments, nonprofits, corporations, and communities. The aim is to ensure inclusive growth and socio-economic progress across the country.
Microsoft’s Chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella, announced the initiative during his visit to Bharat. According to a recent report by Microsoft, 90% of Bharatiya leaders recognize the need for new skills due to the growing influence of AI, while 78% of workers feel they lack the necessary AI capabilities for their current roles.
To bridge this skills gap, ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA will focus on training individuals in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, as well as rural areas. The objective is to enable widespread participation in the AI revolution, unlocking opportunities for all segments of society.
Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India and South Asia, highlighted the significance of ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA in democratizing access to AI skills. He expressed Microsoft’s commitment to empowering inclusive growth through technology, citing India’s potential to become a global leader in AI.
The initiative will concentrate on three key areas: equipping the future workforce, upskilling government officials, and enhancing AI capabilities in nonprofit organizations. Microsoft will collaborate with Bharat Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and 10 state governments to provide basic and advanced AI training to half a million students and job seekers in rural vocational institutions.
Moreover, Microsoft plans to offer in-depth AI technical training to 100,000 young women in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. The company also aims to raise awareness about responsible AI use and AI-enabled careers among 400,000 students in remote regions, nurturing the next generation of AI innovators.
In partnership with Bharat National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building, Microsoft intends to train 250,000 government officers in essential AI knowledge. Additionally, it will support 2,500 nonprofits in leveraging AI resources to train 750,000 learners, including underserved youths and job seekers.
Microsoft’s commitment to Bharat extends beyond skill development. With over 23,000 employees across 10 Bharat cities, the company is actively engaged in various sectors, including sales, marketing, research, and development. Furthermore, Microsoft’s local datacenters offer global cloud services, facilitating digital transformation for startups, businesses, and government organizations nationwide.
Through initiatives like ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA, Microsoft aims to drive sustainable growth and empower individuals and organizations to thrive in an AI-driven future.
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