AICTE and SAWiT join forces to equip 1.6 million women with generative AI skills

In a significant initiative to empower women in the technology sector, the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has teamed up with South Asian Women in Tech (SAWiT) and GUVI. This collaboration is set to engage over 1.6 million female students from more than 8,200 technical colleges across India, with a particular focus on Generative AI (Gen AI) skills.

On September 21, SAWiT.AI will launch a Gen AI learning challenge exclusively for women, aiming to train 500,000 participants. This initiative provides free and unrestricted online access to students nationwide, with an ambitious goal of equipping 10 million women with Gen AI skills. This move is designed to enhance career opportunities for women in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

AICTE, operating under the Department of Higher Education, plays a pivotal role in shaping and maintaining standards in technical education across India. This partnership with SAWiT and GUVI addresses the growing demand for future-ready education by integrating Gen AI training into the academic curriculum. The initiative is closely aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to strengthen the skilling ecosystem through the National Credit Framework and the Academic Bank of Credit (ABC).

The AICTE-SAWiT.AI collaboration offers numerous benefits. Students will have the opportunity to acquire Gen AI skills in six Indian languages, as well as English, making the course both accessible and comprehensive. Upon completion of the 15-hour Gen AI course, which includes Python programming, students will earn one academic credit, thereby enriching their institutional curricula. Moreover, participants will have the chance to compete in the SAWiT hackathon scheduled for October 2024, where they can vie for recognition and prizes. Additionally, students are encouraged to join the SAWiT network, which supports professional success and entrepreneurial endeavors.

According to an official release, “This partnership marks a significant step in democratising access to AI education, promoting gender equality, and fostering technological innovation. It positions India to seize a $1.3 trillion GDP opportunity and improve its economic complexity index rankings.”

This initiative underscores the commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse technology sector, empowering women with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world. By focusing on Generative AI, AICTE and its partners are not only addressing current educational needs but also paving the way for future technological advancements driven by a more balanced and skilled workforce.