The Andhra Pradesh Government has reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with big tech major Microsoft to train 2 Lakh students in the state in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

The pact will also see Microsoft equip local students with skills in other “advanced technologies” over the course of one year.

“The agreement will facilitate the training of secondary school students and the youth in AI and other advanced skills. This will help them prepare for careers in IT and other industries in the state,” Andhra Pradesh IT and education Minister Nara Lokesh said as per The Hindu businessline.

Lokesh also said that the MoU will enable the state’s youth to capitalise on the growing opportunities in the AI space globally. Besides, the big tech major will also offer training to 500 teachers and 10,000 engineering students from rural institutions in AI and cloud computing.

“Microsoft will impart training in AI and cloud computing to 500 teachers and 10,000 engineering students from 50 rural engineering colleges in the State. Also, 30,000 students from 30 ITIs (industrial training institutes) will be given AI training in digital productivity,” Lokesh reportedly added.

In addition, he also noted that nearly 50,000 “people “ will receive 100 hours of AI training to improve public services, adding that government officials will also be exposed to AI skills.

This comes a couple of months after Microsoft chairman and CEO Satya Nadella, in January, said that the to expand its AI and cloud capabilities. At the time, he also said hat

Not just this, the company, at the time, also said that it plans to train 10 Mn people in the country with AI skills in 2030, as a part of its ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA initiative launched last year. Part of Microsoft’s social impact charter, the AI skilling programme will be undertaken in partnership with the government, nonprofit and corporate organisations and communities.

This also comes close on the heels of Microsoft inking a pact with SaaS collective SaaSBoomi to upskill more than 1.5 Lakh startup employees in AI skills through focussed workshops.

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