IndiaAI, a division of the Digital India Corporation, has partnered with Microsoft to accelerate the adoption and development of artificial intelligence (AI) in India. This collaboration is aimed at furthering the goals of the India AI Mission, with a focus on building AI capabilities and promoting inclusive growth across the country.
The partnership between Microsoft and IndiaAI outlines several ambitious initiatives aimed at driving AI adoption and empowering individuals across India. By 2026, Microsoft and IndiaAI will provide AI training to 500,000 people, including students, educators, developers, government officials, and women entrepreneurs. This initiative will ensure that a wide array of individuals are equipped with essential AI skills, contributing to a more inclusive workforce and a robust AI ecosystem in India.
To foster innovation in rural areas, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the partnership will establish “AI Catalysts,” a Center of Excellence. This initiative will train 100,000 AI innovators through hackathons, community-building efforts, and the creation of an AI marketplace. The goal is to bridge the urban-rural divide and provide underserved communities with the tools and resources to innovate and contribute to India’s AI landscape.
In addition to these efforts, AI Productivity Labs will be set up in 20 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) across 10 states. These labs will train educators and provide foundational AI courses to 100,000 students in 200 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). This initiative aims to build a strong pipeline of skilled AI professionals who will drive the future of AI in India, enhancing the country’s ability to compete in the global AI market.
The partnership also focuses on leveraging Microsoft’s research expertise to develop AI-driven solutions for critical sectors. These solutions will address pressing challenges in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and education, helping to improve quality of life and efficiency in vital industries. By developing AI solutions tailored to India’s unique needs, the collaboration aims to create a more sustainable and prosperous future.
Further enhancing the AI ecosystem, Microsoft’s Founders Hub program will provide support to up to 1,000 AI startups under the IndiaAI Mission. This will include access to Azure credits, mentorship, and business resources, fostering innovation and enabling the growth of India’s AI startup ecosystem. The collaboration will also focus on developing AI models with support for Indic languages, improving accessibility for India’s diverse population, and building a robust datasets platform to advance AI research and development. Additionally, the partnership will set standards for responsible AI development and work toward the establishment of an AI Safety Institute in India, ensuring ethical and safe AI usage across the country.
Shri Abhishek Singh, CEO of IndiaAI, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in making India a leader in AI applications and addressing key issues for sustainable and inclusive development. The partnership is committed to advancing India’s AI ecosystem, fostering innovation, and empowering underserved communities, particularly in rural areas.
Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India, highlighted the shared vision of both organizations in democratizing AI access and positioning India as an AI-first nation, contributing to economic growth and social transformation. Together, IndiaAI and Microsoft aim to create a robust AI-driven future that is sustainable, inclusive, and equitable.
Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT, @microsoft) develops AI-powered platforms and tools to provide cutting-edge solutions tailored to the ever-changing needs of its customers. Dedicated to making AI widely accessible and advancing its use responsibly, Microsoft strives to fulfill its mission of empowering every individual and organization worldwide to achieve more.
