The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Microsoft have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a special training initiative called 'AI Careers for Women'. This initiative aims to empower young women in higher education institutions to build careers in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The strategic partnership is a significant step towards bridging the gender gap in emerging technologies and integrating women into the digital economy.
This programme, Microsoft has developed a 240-hour training curriculum in consultation with the National Council of Vocational Education and Training. The training will be delivered using a 'hub-and-spoke' model, where 30 Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities across six states will serve as the hubs, supported by 150 affiliated institutions (spokes). The program will be implemented in collaboration with state government departments for higher education.
Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, expressed, "This partnership with Microsoft demonstrates the Ministry's commitment to strengthening women's empowerment and technical education. This initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) and will be integrated into university curricula, making education flexible, interdisciplinary, and industry-oriented."
The program will be implemented by the Edunet Foundation, which will work closely with participating institutions, academic bodies, corporations, and industry organizations. The goal is to equip women with industry-relevant AI skills and ensure economic opportunities. More than 20,000 female students will benefit from this initiative, receiving training in AI tools, project-based learning, expert guidance, certifications, internships, apprenticeships, and career opportunities. Additionally, the program aims to inspire young women in rural India to contribute to AI innovation and entrepreneurship, thereby creating an AI talent pipeline in rural India.
Empowering Daughters from Small Towns with AI Careers: Aparna Gupta, Global Delivery Center Leader at Microsoft India, said, "We are proud to partner with MSDE to help young women in India build careers in AI. This collaboration will strengthen the capabilities of institutions in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and provide women with the opportunity to thrive in an AI-driven economy."
