MSDE, Meta partner to launch AI chatbot, VR-based CoEs

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with Meta to build an Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistant and establish centers for excellence (CoE) in virtual reality. The Llama model-powered AI assistant will be used for the Skill India Mission, accessible through the Skill India Digital (SID) portal to improve learner experience. Further, as part of the partnership, Meta will be launching five CoEs at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) located at Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jodhpur, Chennai and Kanpur. 

These centers will equip students and instructors with the latest VR technology to enhance skills in a ‘safe, immersive, and engaging environment’. The five CoEs will also provide realistic simulations, improve engagement, and increase accessibility to skill development training. On behalf of Meta, technical partner Skillveri will establish the CoEs, providing VR and MR resources, curriculum, and trained professionals.

The AI chatbot will be developed and deployed by homegrown startup Sarvam AI, which will also be the technical partner for the initiative. The chatbot will be piloted over a six-month period. It will offer 24/7 assistance to users, enabling quick discovery of course information, interactive Q&A for course content, and access to lecture summaries and relevant videos for revision.

Available over WhatsApp, the chatbot will support English, Hindi, and Hinglish, along with voice capabilities for greater accessibility. In addition, users can search for specific course topics, find skilling centers, explore job listings based on location and interest, and receive tailored feedback. The chatbot will also provide valuable analytics to the MSDE to further optimise the platform.

“These partnerships with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MDSE) are a testament to our commitment to bridging the gap between technology and education. Through the integration of advanced technologies like Open-Source Llama we aim to empower not just the students, but also educators and entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital-first world,” said Shivnath Thukral, Vice President and Head of Public Policy, Meta India.