Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with Microsoft to launch the groundbreaking initiative ‘AI Careers for Women.’
This program aims to empower women in higher education institutions by equipping them with industry-aligned skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The collaboration with Microsoft will establish 30 Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in women’s colleges across six states in India.
These centers will focus on bridging the gender gap in emerging technologies and promoting innovation-driven growth.
MSDE Partners with Microsoft: Objectives of the Initiative
The ‘AI Careers for Women’ program addresses the underrepresentation of women in the tech industry, particularly in AI and related fields.
By providing specialized training and resources, the initiative seeks to enable women to actively contribute to the digital economy.
Union Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary emphasized the transformative potential of this collaboration.
He stated, “Empowering young women with in-demand digital skills will not only transform individual careers but also accelerate the nation’s journey toward a more equitable and innovation-driven economy.”
Key Features of the Program
The initiative will offer a comprehensive 240-hour training curriculum under the AI Skilling and Innovation framework.
The curriculum was developed in consultation with the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET).
It follows industry standards to ensure both relevance and applicability.
The training will follow a hub-and-spoke model, ensuring efficient delivery of programs.
It will include 30 Centers of Excellence (CoEs) as hubs and 150 educational institutions functioning as spokes.
This structure is designed to maximize outreach and impact, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III towns.
Focus Areas and Benefits
The program will offer specialized undergraduate AI courses designed to empower young women.
These courses will equip them with skills in machine learning, data analytics, and AI programming.
By embedding these courses within credit-linked university curricula and aligning them with the National Education Policy (NEP), the initiative aims to make learning flexible, interdisciplinary, and deeply rooted in industry needs.
Microsoft’s role in the partnership includes providing advanced training resources and facilitating virtual on-the-job training (OJT).
The Edunet Foundation will implement the program, working closely with academic institutions, government bodies, and industry partners to ensure its success.
This collaborative approach is expected to create a robust ecosystem for women in AI, enhancing their workforce participation and opening up new economic opportunities.
Impact on Women’s Colleges
The establishment of CoEs in women’s colleges will serve as a catalyst for change, fostering an environment that encourages innovation and inclusivity.
These centers will not only provide technical training but also promote leadership development and entrepreneurial skills among women.
The initiative aligns with MSDE’s broader goals of expanding opportunities for women in emerging tech fields and driving workforce development in high-growth sectors.
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