Microsoft joins hands with IndiaAI, an Independent Business Division (IBD) under the Digital India Corporation, to drive the development and adoption of Artificial Intelligence in India. To this purpose, both entities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that aligns with the mission and vision of the IndiaAI mission. 

Under the MoU, Microsoft plans to skill around 500,000 individuals, including students, educators, developers, government officials, and women entrepreneurs, by 2026.

Focus on Tier-2, Tier-3 cities 

Under the MoU, the collaboration stands to establish “AI Catalysts”, a center of Excellence aimed at promoting rural AI innovation in Tier-2 & Tier-3 cities. Under this, the collaboration will equip 100,000 AI innovators and developers through hackathons, community building, and an AI marketplace.

AI Productivity Labs 

The collaboration will set up AI Productivity Labs in 20 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs)/NIELIT centers across 10 states with an objective of training 20,000 educators and empowering 100,000 students with foundational AI courses in 200 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).

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Founder’s Hub Program 

Under this collaboration, Microsoft’s Founders Hub program will extend benefits, including Azure credits, business resources, and mentorship, to up to 1,000 AI startups under the IndiaAI Mission, fostering innovation and growth in India’s startup ecosystem.

India’s AI leadership 

Highlighting the power of collaborative innovation for India, Shri Abhishek Singh, CEO of IndiaAI Mission stated that "India AI Mission is being implemented by the Government of India with the objective of addressing key issues that can help India take the leadership in building applications using AI. This strategy focuses on building partnerships with Industry and Academia. Towards this, the collaboration with Microsoft aligns with the core pillars of the IndiaAI Mission, focusing on skills, innovation, and responsible AI development". 

This partnership highlights the shared commitment of IndiaAI and Microsoft to leverage AI's potential for inclusive development and economic transformation. The collaboration aims to tackle large-scale societal challenges, promote entrepreneurship, and strengthen India's AI ecosystem. 

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