30 centers of excellence in women colleges across six states

Ministry of Skill Development and Microsoft came together

IH News Desk

NEW DELHI, April 22, 2025: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Microsoft have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch AI Careers for Women, a programme aimed at empowering women in higher education institutions to pursue careers in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The initiative aims to bridge the gender gap in emerging tech by equipping women with industry-aligned AI skills enabling them to participate meaningfully in the digital economy and contribute to India's innovation-led growth.

Microsoft will provide 240-hours of training curriculum under the AI skilling and Innovation framework, developed in consultation with the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET).

The training will be delivered in a hub and spoke model in partnership with state government departments for higher education, across a network of 30 Centre of Excellence - Hubs and 150 educational institutions - spokes in Tier-II and Tier-III towns across six states.

The Edunet Foundation will implement the program, working closely with academic institutions, government bodies, corporate organisations and industry bodies to bring ecosystem change and enable industry relevant skills and economic opportunities for women in AI.

The programme will also create opportunities for women in rural India to innovate on AI and enhance their economic opportunities, equipping them to be AI developers and build AI applications and datasets.

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