Microsoft to train 100,000 Indian developers on AI

Global software firm, Microsoft, has announced the AI Odyssey initiative, aiming to skill 100,000 developers in India on the latest artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and tools.  

As per the company, the program aims to offer a comprehensive learning experience to help developers acquire and demonstrate relevant skills for executing critical projects aligned with business goals. 

The initiative consists of two levels to be completed by the end of this month. The first level educates participants on using Azure AI services to create and deploy solutions for various scenarios. The second level includes an online assessment with interactive lab tasks, earning participants 'Microsoft Applied Skills credentials,' a new verifiable credential validating their ability to solve real-world problems with AI, the company said. 

Irina Ghose, Managing Director, Microsoft India, said, “AI is the future of innovation and India is leading the way with its tech talent. The Microsoft Applied Skills credential will help developers demonstrate their competence and creativity in the most in-demand AI skills and scenarios. We welcome all developers to join us in creating meaningful AI solutions that will contribute to India's economy." 

Microsoft had previously announced that the AI Skills Initiative in June last year, part of the Skills for Jobs program, offering free coursework developed with LinkedIn. The initiative also included a grant challenge with data.org for organisations to create innovative ways of training, upskilling, and reskilling workers in generative AI. 

The company also shared insights from its Work Trend Index, highlighting that AI is poised to revolutionise the way we work. According to the Index's India findings, 76% of Indian workers struggle with time and energy for work, while 74% express concerns about job replacement by AI. Interestingly, 83% would delegate tasks to AI to reduce their workloads.