Microsoft India to set up AI labs, train 5 lakh people in the technology in the next 3 years

At 'Media and Analyst Days 2019' held recently, the company pledged its commitment to bridge the skills gap and enhance employability through its Intelligent Cloud Hub programme.

In an attempt to evangelise artificial intelligence (AI) technology, US major Microsoft, through its India arm, aims to skill over 10,000 developers, set up AI labs in 10 universities and train five lakh individuals across the country over the next three years.

At 'Media and Analyst Days 2019' held on January 16 and 17 at Bengaluru, the company pledged its commitment to bridge the skills gap and enhance employability through its Intelligent Cloud Hub programme, with plans to equip research and higher education institutes with AI infrastructure and help the faculty as well as students to build their skills in cloud computing, data sciences, AI and IoT.

With the goal of creating suitable conditions for human-centred AI, Microsoft has been working with stakeholders across players in the public sector, private sector, civil society and academia.

It is partnering with NITI Aayog to combine the cloud and AI across areas in agriculture, healthcare and environment. Last year, Microsoft partnered with Apollo Hospitals to use AI for early detection of cardiac diseases. SRL Diagnostics also uses Microsoft AI for diagnosis in digital pathology and early detection of cancer.

At the event, the company demonstrated the progress of its #AIforAll vision through its Artificial Intelligence and Research (AI & R) group, which was created in 2016 to bring AI to every individual and organisation.

Anant Maheshwari, President of Microsoft India, said,

"The next wave of innovation for India is being driven by the tech intensity of companies - how you combine rapid adoption of cutting edge tech with your company's own distinctive tech and business capabilities. We believe AI will enable Indian businesses and more for India's progress, especially in education, skilling, healthcare and agriculture."

According to the company, it has digitally transformed more than 700 customers, 60 percent of which are large manufacturing and financial enterprises by using its cloud and AI technologies.

"Microsoft believes that it is imperative to build higher awareness and capabilities on security, privacy, trust and accountability. The power of AI is just beginning to be realised and can be a game-changer for India,” Anant added.

Microsoft has 715 partners helping customers design and implement an AI strategy with the aim to boost employee productivity, increasing business agility, improve customer engagement and start new product innovation, a press statement said.