IndiaAI and Microsoft Partner to Boost AI Adoption and Innovation Across India

The Collaboration Aims to Train 500,000 Individuals, Establish AI Centers of Excellence, and Drive Rural AI Innovation

New Delhi, January 8: In a significant step towards advancing artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and innovation in India, IndiaAI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft. IndiaAI, an Independent Business Division (IBD) under the Digital India Corporation, aims to accelerate AI development aligned with the India AI Mission’s core objectives.

This partnership comes shortly after Microsoft announced a $3 billion investment in cloud and AI infrastructure in India over the next two years, including the establishment of new data centers.

Key Highlights of the Partnership:

1. Skill Development Initiative:
   • Microsoft, in collaboration with IndiaAI, will train 500,000 individuals by 2026.
   • The initiative targets students, educators, developers, government officials, and women entrepreneurs to build a robust AI talent pool.
2. AI Centers of Excellence – ‘AI Catalysts’:
   • A Center of Excellence named ‘AI Catalysts’ will focus on rural AI innovation in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
   • The initiative aims to equip 100,000 AI innovators and developers through hackathons, community building, and an AI marketplace.
3. AI Productivity Labs:
   • AI Productivity Labs will be set up in 20 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) and NIELIT centers across 10 states.
   • These labs will train 20,000 educators and empower 100,000 students with foundational AI knowledge across 200 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
4. AI Models with Indic Language Support:
   • Foundational AI models will be developed with Indic language support, ensuring solutions cater to India’s linguistic diversity and are culturally contextual.

Leadership Perspectives:

Abhishek Singh, CEO of IndiaAI Mission, emphasized the inclusive and transformative goals of the partnership:
“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, ethical AI practices, and startup support to drive economic growth and innovation.”

Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India and South Asia, highlighted Microsoft’s commitment:
“This collaboration underscores Microsoft’s dedication to copiloting India’s AI-first journey. Through training programs, AI Centers of Excellence, and Productivity Labs, we aim to democratize access to AI and foster rural innovation, driving a sustainable and inclusive future.”

Microsoft’s $3 Billion Investment in India:

On Tuesday, Microsoft’s Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella announced the company’s plans to invest $3 billion in cloud and AI infrastructure in India over the next two years. This investment aims to expand data center campuses and build AI capabilities across the country.

Microsoft also revealed its long-term goal of skilling 10 million people by 2030, further strengthening India’s AI ecosystem.

Tech Diplomacy:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met Satya Nadella in New Delhi to discuss technology, innovation, and AI-driven growth strategies. The meeting underscored the shared vision of AI-powered development for India’s future.

Conclusion:

This IndiaAI-Microsoft collaboration represents a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global AI leader. With a focus on skilling, rural innovation, and inclusive AI adoption, this partnership is poised to transform India’s digital and technological landscape.