Microsoft launches month-long initiative to skill 1 lakh developers in India

Microsoft has introduced a new initiative called AI Odyssey with the aim of upskilling 1,00,000 developers in India on the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and tools. The month-long programme will provide comprehensive learning on AI technologies aligned with business goals, enabling developers to execute critical projects.

Microsoft emphasises the need for a skilled workforce in India to leverage AI for solving complex problems and driving growth. The AI Odyssey programme will focus on empowering developers to build solutions for real-world challenges and contribute to India’s technological advancement.

Microsoft, headquartered in Redmond, Washington, has been actively promoting AI adoption in India. The company’s president in India, Puneet Chandok, highlighted the importance of ensuring ‘AI fluency’ in the country, making it a major priority. The conmpany also plans to collaborate with the government to train 3 million government officers on AI fluency by 2024. This initiative follows Microsoft’s previous collaboration with Nasscom’s Future Skills initiative to skill one million students in AI.

The two-tier AI Odyssey programme includes hands-on training using Microsoft’s Azure AI services to create and deploy AI solutions in practical scenarios. Participants will have access to resources and coding samples. The second level involves an inline assessment, allowing participants to earn Microsoft Applied Skills credentials.

Microsoft India’s managing director, Irina Ghose, encourages developers to join in creating meaningful AI solutions that contribute to India’s economy. The Applied Skills credential aims to showcase developers’ competence and creativity in the most in-demand AI skills and scenarios.