Are you ready for the AI-powered future? Learn the skills that will shape it

What do a coder in Hyderabad, a teacher in Bhopal, and a climate activist in Shillong have in common? They’re all using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to solve real-world problems. Whether you’re building products, leading teams, or just starting your journey, one thing is clear: the future belongs to those who speak the language of AI.

India’s AI ecosystem is on the brink of explosive growth. According to reports, the country’s AI market is projected to touch $17 billion by 2027, with demand for skilled professionals across industries like healthcare, finance, logistics, education, agriculture, and beyond. Yet, access to quality AI education and clear career pathways remains a challenge for many.

That’s where Microsoft and YourStory come in. With a shared vision to democratise access to AI skills and create an inclusive digital economy, we have organised a webinar ‘Empowering the Next Generation: AI Skills for Tomorrow's Leaders’. This webinar is a must-attend for students and young professionals who want to take charge of their futures in the AI era.

Why this webinar matters and what you’ll learn

Taking place on June 9, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM IST, the session will delve into why AI skilling is no longer optional but essential.

The digital economy is evolving at breakneck speed, with AI playing a central role in everything from healthcare and logistics to education and finance. Yet, a growing gap in AI readiness threatens to leave behind those without access to the right skilling pathways.

This webinar zooms in on this very challenge, addressing the importance of AI skilling and capacity building, especially for students, early-career professionals, and developers eager to stay relevant. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how AI is being applied across industries and how new career opportunities are emerging as a result.

The conversation will also shine a spotlight on Microsoft’s AI Skills Navigator, a guided learning platform that offers personalised pathways for different proficiency levels from beginner to advanced, helping you move forward no matter where you start. From real-world AI applications to navigating career paths in an AI-first economy, this session will equip you with a strategic roadmap to thrive.

Learn from experts who’ve been at the forefront

Moderated by Sangeeta Bavi, COO at YourStory Media, the session brings together two industry leaders who are actively shaping India’s AI skilling movement:

• Somanna Palacanda, International Social Impact Leader at Microsoft Philanthropies, brings a global perspective on the role of partnerships and community-driven skilling efforts. Expect insights into how Microsoft is empowering developers, youth, and underrepresented communities through its various AI interventions.
• Sunita Mohanty, President and Chief Revenue Officer at UpGrad, will share how UpGrad is helping build a scalable AI-ready workforce through its education platforms and upskilling programs. From student-centric learning modules to workforce development at scale, her experience will add rich context to the conversation.

Don’t just watch the AI revolution, be part of it

This isn’t just another webinar. It’s your roadmap to being future-ready in a world where AI is no longer a buzzword, it’s a basic skill.

Register now to reserve your seat, and take the first step toward building the AI-driven career of your dreams. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to scale up, this conversation will equip you with the clarity, confidence, and connections you need.