MSDE and Microsoft Launch ‘AI Careers for Women’ Initiative to Empower Women in Emerging Tech

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with Microsoft to launch the ‘AI Careers for Women’ initiative, aimed at bridging the gender gap in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and empowering young women with the necessary skills to build successful careers in this rapidly growing sector. This collaboration seeks to equip women with industry-aligned AI skills, helping them become key contributors to India’s digital economy.

In a landmark move, the initiative will establish 30 Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in women’s colleges across six states in India, particularly focusing on Tier-II and Tier-III towns. These centers will provide specialized AI training to students enrolled in undergraduate and diploma courses. The program will offer 240 hours of training, developed in partnership with the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) and aligned with industry standards. The training will be delivered through a hub-and-spoke model, involving state government departments and 150 partner educational institutions.

Union Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary, addressing the significance of the partnership, stated, “This initiative exemplifies how government and industry can come together to shape an inclusive and future-ready workforce. Our collaboration with Microsoft underlines our commitment to expanding opportunities for women in emerging tech fields like AI, transforming individual careers and accelerating India’s journey towards a more equitable and innovation-driven economy.”

The initiative aims to create equal access to AI skills in both urban and rural areas, with a focus on women in smaller towns. Participants will receive hands-on exposure to AI tools, real-world applications, and AI certifications, and they will be provided with internship and job placement opportunities. Over 20,000 learners are expected to benefit from the program, which will also foster AI innovation in rural India by enabling women to develop AI applications and datasets.

Aparna Gupta, Global Delivery Center Leader at Microsoft India, expressed excitement about the initiative: “We believe that equitable access to AI skills is crucial for inclusive economic growth. Through this collaboration, we’re enabling more women to thrive in an AI-powered economy and shape the workforce of tomorrow.”

The initiative aligns with the government’s goal of creating a more inclusive digital workforce and supports the national mission of offering equitable access to future-ready skills. With both hands-on technical training and industry support, the ‘AI Careers for Women’ program is set to make a significant impact on the participation of women in India’s digital economy.