The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Microsoft have joined hands to launch a new initiative to train 20,000 women from six states with industry-relevant Artificial Intelligence (AI) skillsets.
With a special focus on training women hailing from tier-2 and tier-3 towns, the initiative will consist of 240-hours training curriculum under AI skilling and Innovation framework for women, aligned to the industry standards, and 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 the state government departments for higher education, across a network of 30 Centre of Excellence – Hubs and 150 educational institutions – spokes.
“This initiative exemplifies how government and industry can come together to shape an inclusive and future-ready workforce,” said Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State, Ministry of Education.
He emphasised that empowering young women with in-demand digital skills not only transforms individual careers but also supports India’s journey towards a more equitable and innovation-driven economy.
The program will be implemented by Edunet Foundation and will offer students not just classroom learning, but also hands-on training, certifications, internships, apprenticeships, fellowships, and job opportunities in AI-related fields.
“Equitable access to AI skills is essential for inclusive economic development. We’re proud to support young women in India as they build careers in AI and contribute to a digitally empowered workforce,” said Aparna Gupta, Global Delivery Center Leader, Microsoft India.
By integrating AI learning with university curricula and aligning it with the National Education Policy (NEP), the initiative seeks to create future-ready digital career paths and increase female workforce participation in the tech sector.
This initiative will not only strengthen digital education ecosystem for women, but also build a talent pipeline from rural India to meet the growing demand for future-ready professionals.
