In a major move towards fostering inclusive growth, Microsoft has announced the ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA initiative, aimed at providing AI skills to 2 million individuals in India by 2025. This program is a pivotal component of Microsoft’s Skills for Jobs program, designed to equip the Indian workforce with the essential skills needed for the future.
Highlights of the ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA program
- Inclusive Reach:
- ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA strategically targets Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, as well as rural areas, ensuring that AI skills are accessible to individuals in diverse geographical locations.
- The program will deliver focused training in 100 rural vocational education institutions and training centers, reaching those who may have limited access to such opportunities.
- Empowering Women in Tech:
- Recognizing the importance of gender diversity in the tech industry, Microsoft will provide in-depth AI technical skills training for 100,000 young women.
- This will be achieved through collaboration with 5,000 trainers at higher education institutions in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, empowering women to take an active role in the evolving tech landscape.
- Strengthening Government Capacities:
- To enhance AI capabilities in government employees, Microsoft will partner with India’s National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building, aiming to empower 250,000 government officers with essential knowledge of generative AI.
- This collaboration is expected to not only enhance productivity but also transform digital governance in rural India, bringing about positive changes in administrative processes.
- Youth Empowerment:
- Collaborating with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and 10 state governments, Microsoft will provide basic and advanced AI training to 500,000 students and job seekers.
- Additionally, the initiative offers access to Azure AI services, allowing participants to build tech solutions, and fostering industry collaborations for mentorship, internships, and job placements.
- 5. Educational Initiatives:
- Microsoft plans to raise awareness of responsible AI use and AI-enabled careers for 400,000 students in schools located in remote and tribal regions.
- This will be achieved through the piloting of global initiatives such as Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS), Farm Beats for Students, and the AI Guidance for Schools Toolkit for teachers.
- Nonprofit Sector Transformation:
- As a significant step towards the transformation of the nonprofit sector, Microsoft, in collaboration with LinkedIn, will convene the India Nonprofit Leaders Summit in April 2024.
- This summit aims to enable 2,500 nonprofits and NGOs to leverage AI skilling resources and technologies, further training 750,000 learners, including underserved youths, young women, and job seekers, in AI fluency and technical skills.
In short, the ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA program,
- Democratizes access to AI skills, ensuring a more inclusive and empowered society.
- Fosters gender diversity by empowering women with in-depth technical AI skills, contributing to a more balanced tech workforce.
- Enhances government capacities, leading to improved digital governance in rural areas, thereby ensuring efficient public service delivery.
- Equips the youth with essential skills for the evolving job market, enhancing their employability and contributing to economic growth.
- Drives awareness of responsible AI use in schools, shaping the next generation of AI innovators who understand the ethical implications of AI technology.
- Catalyzes social impact through nonprofit organizations, leveraging AI for positive change and addressing societal challenges effectively.
Wrapping up:
Microsoft’s ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA initiative transcends traditional skilling programs, representing a transformative journey towards a more inclusive and technologically empowered India. By strategically targeting diverse demographics and sectors, Microsoft is poised to drive positive change and create a more resilient and AI-fluent society. This initiative highlights Microsoft’s commitment to shaping a better future through technology.
