News Update

Microsoft Launches ‘AI Odyssey’ to Upskill 1 Lakh Indian Developers in AI Technologies

• ByStartupStory     |    January 9, 2024

Tech giant Microsoft announced the launch of its upskilling initiative ‘AI Odyssey’ on Monday (January 8), aiming to train 1 Lakh Indian developers on the latest AI technologies and tools.

In a statement, Microsoft expressed its goal to provide opportunities to developers to build solutions for India’s growth and showcase their talent in solving real-world problems. The month-long upskilling programme consists of two different levels, which participants need to complete by January 31.

The first level involves training participants to use Azure AI services to create and deploy AI solutions for various scenarios. This level grants them access to Microsoft resources, code samples, and guides to AI skills.

The second level requires participants to test their newly acquired AI skills by completing an online assessment with interactive lab tasks. Successful completion will earn them Microsoft Applied Skills credentials, validating their ability to solve real-world problems with AI.

Irina Ghose, Managing Director, Microsoft India, stated, “AI is the future of innovation, and India is leading the way with its tech talent. The Microsoft Applied Skills credential will help developers demonstrate their competence and creativity in the most in-demand AI skills and scenarios.”

The completion of the AI Odyssey program also offers participants a chance to win a VIP Pass to attend Microsoft’s AI Tour in Bengaluru on February 8, 2024. Microsoft’s AI Tour began in New York in September 2023 and has different variations catering to various professionals.

Additionally, Microsoft will host a tour in Mumbai on January 31, 2024, focusing on senior decision-makers and industry experts in AI. The Bengaluru leg of the tour will engage developers, data scientists, and cutting-edge technologists to further explore AI.

This initiative comes at a time when the success of ChatGPT has led to a generative AI boom globally and in India. With India boasting one of the fastest-growing AI talent pools globally, an increasing number of companies and startups are adopting AI to launch new services and features.

Several big tech firms, including Google, are focusing on AI talent in India. Google recently announced the shortlisting of 20 AI-first startups in India for the eighth batch of its startup accelerator.

Last year, Meta partnered with India AI to foster collaboration in AI and other emerging technologies. According to Inc42 data, India is home to over 70 GenAI startups that raised capital exceeding $440 Mn between 2019 and Q3 2023. The Indian GenAI market is expected to grow to $17 Bn by 2030 from $1.1 Bn in 2023.

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