Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that 8.6 lakh candidates have enrolled in the IndiaAI Future Skills platform, a program aimed at democratizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) education and skilling.

The IndiaAI Mission, built on seven foundational pillars, seeks to make AI technology accessible to all, fostering inclusivity and innovation. Vaishnaw underscored the transformative potential of this mission in democratizing AI and its applications.

The Future Skills initiative, developed in partnership with industry stakeholders, provides cutting-edge training programs tailored to meet evolving industry demands. This effort aims to create a workforce ready to navigate the AI-driven future.

A key focus of the initiative is decentralizing technology by empowering Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Vaishnaw shared that AI Data Labs are being established in cities such as Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Shimla, Aurangabad, Patna, Buxar, and Muzaffarpur. This move aims to spread technological advancements across the country, ensuring they are not limited to urban hubs.

The government is also creating an ecosystem that supports startups, AI labs, 5G facilities, and semiconductor training centers, ensuring technological opportunities are evenly distributed nationwide.

Highlighting the vast potential of AI, Vaishnaw emphasized its role in transforming critical sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, logistics, and finance. By developing AI solutions tailored to India’s unique challenges, the government aims to enhance productivity and improve lives.

“AI’s most impactful applications will be in sectors that directly influence people’s lives. These solutions will address the specific needs of our country,” Vaishnaw added.