Tech Giants Halt Hiring in Key Divisions as AI Costs Surge

Microsoft has reportedly paused hiring across major cloud and sales divisions as part of a broader effort to rein in labor costs, even while continuing to pour resources into artificial intelligence.

Microsoft’s decision to freeze hiring in its cloud and North American sales divisions is a clear signal of shifting priorities. The company is pulling back on workforce expansion in areas that have traditionally been its growth engines, citing the need to cut costs and improve margins.

This freeze applies to candidates who don’t yet have offers in hand, while those already extended offers remain unaffected. For employees, it means heavier workloads as teams operate without the reinforcements they were expecting. For job seekers, it’s a sudden pause in opportunities at one of the most influential tech employers.

Strategically, the move reflects the broader post-2025 trend in tech: profitability is being prioritized over aggressive expansion. Microsoft Azure, despite being a leader in the cloud market, faces intense competition from AWS and Google Cloud. Tightening hiring in sales and cloud suggests the company is focusing on efficiency and margin discipline rather than chasing growth at all costs.

This move from Microsoft mirrors a wider tech industry trend: companies are cutting traditional roles while channeling billions into AI infrastructure. Firms like Block, Close Brothers, and even media giants have announced layoffs or freezes, citing AI-driven efficiencies.

Microsoft’s Move

• Affected divisions: Azure cloud and North American sales
• Reason: Cost discipline amid rising GPU and AI infrastructure expenses
• Exception: AI-focused teams (e.g., Copilot) continue to hire
• Risk: Heavy reliance on OpenAI, which accounts for ~45% of Azure’s revenue backlog

Industry-Wide Scenario

• Global trend: Two-thirds of CEOs froze or cut hiring in Q1 2026, while global AI capital spending surged to $2.5 trillion
• Layoffs: Over 150,000 tech jobs have been cut in 2026, with at least 20% explicitly attributed to AI adoption
• Examples:
  • Block (Jack Dorsey’s firm): Cut 4,000 jobs (~40% of workforce), citing AI tools replacing human tasks
  • Close Brothers (UK banking group): Cutting 600 jobs while rolling out AI “at pace”
  • CBS News: Announced 6% workforce reduction
  • IKEA’s parent company: Cutting 800 office-based roles, citing efficiency gains

Comparative Snapshot

Company	Action Taken	AI Investment/Driver
Microsoft	Hiring freeze in cloud & sales; AI teams exempt	Rising GPU costs, OpenAI dependency
Block	4,000 jobs cut (40% workforce)	AI tools replacing human tasks
Close Brothers	600 jobs cut	AI rollout in banking
CBS News	6% layoffs	AI-driven newsroom efficiencies
IKEA (parent)	800 office roles cut	AI + automation in operations
Global CEOs (survey)	66% froze/cut hiring	$2.5T capital spending on AI

Risks & Challenges

• Margin squeeze: AI infrastructure costs (notably GPUs) eroding profitability
• Workforce disruption: Tens of thousands of jobs eliminated or frozen, especially in non-AI divisions
• Concentration risk: Heavy reliance on single AI partnerships (e.g., Microsoft–OpenAI)
• Investor pressure: Balancing cost discipline with AI growth promises

This move reflects the broader post-2025 tech industry shift: companies are tightening hiring even in high-growth divisions like cloud, balancing expansion with profitability. For Gurugram’s tech and editorial ecosystem, where Microsoft’s cloud services are widely used, the freeze underscores the importance of cost efficiency and strategic scaling in global tech operations.

Microsoft’s hiring freeze in cloud and sales is more than a U.S. story—it’s a cautionary signal for India’s enterprise ecosystem. As AWS and Google double down locally, Microsoft’s pause may reshape competitive dynamics in one of the fastest-growing cloud markets.

India’s Cloud Market Ripple Effect

Microsoft’s hiring freeze in U.S. cloud and sales divisions could slow global expansion plans, indirectly affecting India’s enterprise adoption of Azure. With AWS and Google Cloud aggressively scaling their India operations, Microsoft’s pause may create an opening for rivals to capture market share in sectors like BFSI, healthcare, and government digitization.

Talent Pipeline Disruption

India has been a major beneficiary of Microsoft’s global hiring cycles, especially in engineering and sales support. A freeze in North America often signals tighter controls worldwide. This could mean fewer lateral hires in India’s cloud sales teams, slowing Azure’s ability to win new enterprise contracts.

Cost Discipline vs. Growth in India

Microsoft’s pivot toward margin discipline mirrors a broader industry trend. For India, where cloud adoption is still accelerating, this raises a key question: will Microsoft prioritize profitability over aggressive customer acquisition? If so, AWS and Google Cloud may gain ground by offering more flexible pricing and localized services.

Enterprise Customer Impact

Large Indian enterprises—banks, IT services firms, and government agencies—depend on Microsoft’s cloud stack. A slowdown in sales hiring could affect deal velocity, customer onboarding, and support responsiveness. This is particularly critical as India pushes digital public infrastructure and AI adoption at scale.

Investor & Policy Angle

For India’s policy and investment community, Microsoft’s freeze is a reminder that global tech majors are recalibrating. It underscores the importance of nurturing domestic cloud players and ensuring resilience against global hiring cycles that may affect service delivery.

OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and Microsoft Unite to Set Global Standards for AI Agents

OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Microsoft, and several other major technology companies have come together under the Linux Foundation to form the Agentic AI Foundation. The goal of this alliance is to establish open, neutral standards for AI agents as they move from research into widespread deployment.

By anchoring projects such as OpenAI’s AGENTS.md, Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol, and Block’s goose framework, the foundation is creating a technical backbone that allows agents to communicate, collaborate, and integrate across different platforms.

This collaboration is significant because it addresses one of the biggest challenges in the emerging agent ecosystem: interoperability. Without shared standards, each company could end up building siloed systems that don’t work well together, leading to fragmentation and vendor lock-in. By agreeing to work within a neutral governance structure, these companies are signaling that they see open standards as essential for trust, scalability, and enterprise adoption.

The impact of this move is twofold. For developers, it means they can build agentic systems that are portable and extensible, without being tied to a single vendor’s ecosystem. For enterprises, it provides a clearer path to deploying agents in production environments with confidence that they will remain compatible as the technology evolves. At the same time, challenges remain, including ensuring broad adoption beyond the founding members, balancing corporate interests within the foundation, and addressing security and privacy concerns that come with standardizing agent protocols.

In essence, this agreement marks a turning point in the evolution of AI: the shift from standalone models and chatbots toward autonomous, interoperable agents that can act across digital infrastructure. By aligning under the Linux Foundation, these companies are laying the groundwork for a shared ecosystem that could define how agentic AI develops in the coming years.

How AGENTS.md, MCP, and goos reshape workflows for developers and enterprises. 

Let’s understand how these standards could reshape workflows for both developers and enterprises in practical terms.

For developers, AGENTS.md provides a lightweight, open format for giving agents project-specific instructions and context. Instead of reinventing how to pass goals or metadata into every agent framework, developers can rely on a shared schema. This means faster prototyping, easier collaboration across teams, and less friction when moving projects between platforms. It’s similar to how README.md became a universal convention in open-source projects — AGENTS.md could become the “instruction manual” for agents.

Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol (MCP) is more ambitious: it defines how agents connect to external tools, APIs, and data sources. In practice, this means developers won’t have to build custom integrations for every model or vendor. An agent built with MCP could plug into a CRM, a database, or a cloud service using standardized connectors. That reduces duplication of effort and makes agents more composable, much like how HTTP standardized communication across the web.

Block’s goose framework adds infrastructure-level support for agent development. It’s designed to give developers scaffolding for building, testing, and deploying agents in production environments. Goose could become the backbone for enterprise workflows, ensuring that agents are not just experimental prototypes but reliable systems that can scale.

For enterprises, these standards collectively lower the barrier to adoption. Compliance teams benefit because open standards make it easier to audit how agents handle data and interact with external systems. Product teams gain flexibility: they can design workflows knowing that agents will remain interoperable across vendors. And IT departments avoid vendor lock-in, since agents built on these standards can migrate between ecosystems without costly rewrites.

The practical impact is that agentic AI moves from being a fragmented, experimental technology into something enterprises can confidently integrate into their operations. Developers get speed and flexibility, enterprises get reliability and compliance, and the broader ecosystem gains a foundation for interoperability.

Microsoft Has Shut Down Its Office in Pakistan After 25 Years

Microsoft has shut down its office in Pakistan after 25 years, marking the end of a significant chapter in the country’s tech landscape.

It is to be noted that Microsoft has not released a formal public statement or press release specifically announcing the closure of its Pakistan office. However, the decision has been widely confirmed through statements by Jawwad Rehman, Microsoft Pakistan’s founding country manager, who shared the news on LinkedIn and called it a “sobering signal” about the business climate.

Why Did Microsoft Exit Pakistan?

Microsoft cited a combination of global restructuring and a strategic shift to a cloud-based, partner-led model as the primary reasons for the closure. But the story runs deeper:

Global Factors

• Microsoft is undergoing massive layoffs—over 9,100 jobs cut globally—as part of its cost optimization strategy.
• The company is consolidating operations and shifting to regional hubs like Ireland for licensing and commercial contracts.

Local Challenges

• Economic instability: Currency depreciation, high inflation, and a shrinking tech investment climate.
• Regulatory hurdles: Inconsistent policies, import restrictions, and taxation on IT and telecom sectors.
• Political uncertainty: Frequent regime changes and lack of long-term digital policy planning.

What Microsoft Leaves Behind

Despite the closure, Microsoft’s products and services will continue in Pakistan via:

• Certified local partners
• Cloud platforms and regional offices (e.g., Ireland)

However, the loss of direct presence means:

• Fewer local training programs and digital skilling initiatives
• Reduced corporate engagement and innovation partnerships
• A symbolic blow to Pakistan’s aspirations of becoming a regional tech hub

Reactions

• Former President Arif Alvi called it a “troubling sign” and revealed that Microsoft had once considered Pakistan for expansion but chose Vietnam instead due to instability.
• Jawwad Rehman, Microsoft Pakistan’s founding country manager, said: “Even global giants like Microsoft find it unsustainable to stay.”

What’s Next for Pakistan?

• Stabilize macroeconomic policies
• Reform regulatory frameworks
• Improve ease of doing business
• Foster a consistent digital strategy

AGI Clause Sparks Showdown: Microsoft and OpenAI Wrestle for Control of AI’s Future

Things are getting tense at the top of the AI food chain. The heart of the feud between Microsoft and OpenAI is a contract clause tied to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—a milestone that, if declared, could radically shift control over some of the most powerful AI tech on the planet.

Here’s what’s going down:

• The AGI Clause: Since 2019, Microsoft-OpenAI contract has included a provision that allows OpenAI to limit Microsoft’s access to its technology once AGI is achieved.
• Definition Dispute: OpenAI defines AGI as a system that outperforms humans at most economically valuable work. Microsoft argues that such a declaration is subjective and could be used to unfairly cut them out.
• Trigger Tiers: OpenAI reportedly has an internal paper outlining “Five Levels of General AI.” The contract now includes two tiers:
  • AGI: Declared unilaterally by OpenAI’s board.
  • Sufficient AGI: Tied to economic performance and requires Microsoft’s approval.
• What’s at Stake: Microsoft has invested over $13 billion and holds a 35% equity stake in OpenAI’s for-profit arm. The contract prevents Microsoft from developing AGI independently until 2030.
• Philosophy Meets Power Play: OpenAI’s leadership believes AGI is near. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has dismissed unilateral declarations as “nonsensical benchmark hacking.”

This isn’t just a corporate spat—it’s a philosophical and economic tug-of-war over the future of intelligence itself. Want to dig into how this could reshape the AI landscape or what it means for developers and users like us?

Microsoft, IFC Backed Builder.ai Collapses After AI Fraud Exposed

Founded in 2016 by Sachin Dev Duggal and headquartered in London, Builder.ai burst onto the tech scene with the promise of revolutionizing app development. The company marketed its platform as an artificial intelligence–powered solution, touting an AI assistant named Natasha that could build software as effortlessly as ordering a pizza.

With a dazzling valuation of $1.5 billion, Builder.ai attracted heavyweight investors including Microsoft, the Qatar Investment Authority, SoftBank’s DeepCore, and IFC, and raised more than $450 million in funding.

Beneath the glossy marketing narrative, however, a very different story was unfolding. Rather than relying on groundbreaking algorithms and autonomous machine learning, Builder.ai’s “AI” was fueled by human ingenuity. Investigations revealed that more than 700 skilled engineers in India were manually crafting the code that the company claimed was generated by Natasha. These engineers, working from hubs in cities like Bengaluru and Noida, were responsible for delivering customized software solutions for clients, all while their efforts were misrepresented as the output of advanced AI.

The exposure of this deception sent shockwaves through the industry. Former employees and insiders began to speak out, pointing to a well-orchestrated façade where human developers were camouflaged as an AI solution. What initially appeared to be a leap forward in technology turned out to be a classic case of “AI washing”—where a company exaggerates its technological capabilities to lure in investments and boost its market presence. This revelation not only undermined the credibility of Builder.ai but also called into question the ethics of promoting technology based on inflated claims

The financial repercussions were swift and severe. Builder.ai’s management had previously reported stellar revenue figures—claims of $220 million in 2024 were later debunked by an independent audit showing actual earnings closer to $50 million. With lender Viola Credit seizing $37 million from the company’s accounts and mounting debts including approximately $85 million owed to Amazon and $30 million to Microsoft, the startup found itself on a downward spiral.

These financial misrepresentations led to insolvency proceedings across multiple jurisdictions, forcing the company to lay off nearly 1,000 employees in India, the UK, and the US.

Beyond the immediate fallout, the collapse of Builder.ai has ignited a broader debate about transparency and accountability in the AI industry. The scandal stands as a stark reminder that in a time dominated by the promise of artificial intelligence, authenticity remains paramount. Investors and regulators are now urged to conduct greater due diligence and demand verifiable evidence behind any claims of AI-driven innovation. The Builder.ai debacle serves as a cautionary tale, urging the tech community to distinguish genuine technological breakthroughs from marketing-driven illusions.

As the industry reels from this saga, many are left questioning the ethical responsibilities of startups seeking to capitalize on AI hype. The case of Builder.ai underscores the need for clear standards and robust verification mechanisms to prevent similar deceptions in the future. In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the lessons learned from this collapse may pave the way for stronger industry regulations and a renewed focus on real, substantive innovation.

The story of Builder.ai is more than just a tale of financial misrepresentation; it is a reminder that in the race toward the future, innovation built on transparency and truth will always outlast the fleeting allure of hype. The fallout is prompting a broader discussion on how best to balance bold visions with ethical practices in the age of artificial intelligence.

HCLTech Collaborates with Microsoft to Roll Out AI-enabled Solution to Accelerate RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migrations

HCLTech, a leading global technology company, and Microsoft announced that they are collaborating to enable global enterprises to accelerate RISE with SAP S/4HANA migrations on the Microsoft Cloud through a transformative, AI-led, business-value-first approach.

This collaboration brings together HCLTech's GenAI-led service transformation platform, AI Force, the Microsoft Cloud and AI Tools and Solutions and the HCLTech SAP Migration+ model. This will enable an AI-powered near-zero disruption approach to RISE with SAP S/4HANA migrations that significantly reduces transformation complexity, time and total cost of ownership. It will empower enterprises with a business-first transformation roadmap—enabling them to quantify ROI, uncover AI-driven innovation opportunities and prioritize high-impact value creation.

Together, HCLTech and Microsoft are addressing a critical market gap by offering:AI-led SAP assessments to help enterprises realize a compelling business outcome for RISE with S/4HANA adoption.
A business-first transformation roadmap that enables clients to effectively prioritize ROI, uncover AI-infused innovation opportunities and focus on value creation.
An AI-powered SAP Migration+ model that streamlines execution, minimizes risk and embeds intelligence into operations from day one.

"Unlike traditional approaches that primarily focus on migration execution, HCLTech and Microsoft are addressing a critical gap in the market by offering a business case-first approach that empowers clients to quantify value, identify AI-led transformation opportunities and develop a clear strategic roadmap for RISE with S/4HANA adoption. Together with SAP, we are charting a new path for enterprises seeking to modernize their ERP systems and embrace the future with confidence and agility," said Pawan Vadapalli, Corporate Vice President and Global Head, Digital Business Services at HCLTech.

“Our customers are looking for the most agile and effective way to modernize their SAP estate, and at the same time, focusing on how they achieve their broader goals of business transformation, leveraging Microsoft Artificial Intelligence Tools and Solutions. The collaboration with HCLTech puts this vision into action, with a balanced approach focused on business outcomes paired with HCLTech’s advanced migration capability, enhanced with the power of AI,” said Wael El Kabbany, Global Vice President, SAP Business Unit at Microsoft.

HCLTech is a global technology company, home to more than 223,000 people across 60 countries, delivering industry-leading capabilities centered around digital, engineering, cloud and AI, powered by a broad portfolio of technology services and products. We work with clients across all major verticals, providing industry solutions for Financial Services, Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Technology and Services, Telecom and Media, Retail and CPG and Public Services. Consolidated revenues as of 12 months ending March 2025 totaled $13.8 billion. To learn how we can supercharge progress for you, visit hcltech.com.

Microsoft at 50: A Legacy of Innovation and the Road Ahead

Microsoft is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of innovation since its founding on April 4, 1975, by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. From its early days developing software for the Altair 8800, to shaping the PC revolution with MS-DOS and Windows, Microsoft has continually evolved.

Over the years, Microsoft expanded into gaming with Xbox, cloud computing with Azure, and now, AI-driven technologies. The company has also seen remarkable financial success, with a net profit of $88 billion in 2024 and a market value nearing $3 trillion.

Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, emphasized that the company’s future will be defined by empowering others to build rather than just its past achievements. As Microsoft looks ahead, it continues to focus on AI innovation, cloud services, and next-generation computing.

Microsoft at 50: A Legacy of Innovation and the Road Ahead

By any measure, Microsoft has shaped the modern technological landscape over the past five decades. From the dawn of personal computing to the age of AI-driven solutions, Microsoft has consistently evolved, adapting to new challenges and pioneering new industries. As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary, it's worth reflecting on the milestones that defined its journey—and what the future holds.

The Early Days: A Bold Vision for Computing

Microsoft’s origin story begins in 1975, when two ambitious college dropouts, Bill Gates and Paul Allen, saw an opportunity in the growing market for microcomputers. Their first major breakthrough came with MS-DOS, an operating system that became the foundation for IBM’s first personal computer. The launch of Windows in 1985 transformed computing, making graphical user interfaces the standard.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Microsoft dominated the software industry with products like Windows XP, Microsoft Office, and Internet Explorer. With the rise of the internet, Microsoft faced competition from emerging tech giants like Google and Apple, but it maintained its influence through key innovations.

The Cloud, AI, and a New Direction

The arrival of Satya Nadella as CEO in 2014 marked a pivotal shift. Nadella emphasized cloud computing, betting big on Microsoft Azure, which soon became a major competitor to Amazon’s AWS. Under Nadella’s leadership, Microsoft also redefined itself as an AI-driven company, investing heavily in machine learning, automation, and digital assistants.

Beyond software, Microsoft strengthened its presence in gaming with its Xbox ecosystem and acquired LinkedIn, GitHub**, and Activision Blizzard, making strategic moves that expanded its global reach.

The Next 50 Years: AI, Quantum Computing, and Beyond

Looking ahead, Microsoft is positioning itself at the forefront of AI innovation, integrating AI deeply into Windows, Office, and cloud services. With a market valuation nearing $3 trillion, its ability to lead the next era of technology is clear.

However, the future brings challenges. Competition in AI, ethical concerns regarding data privacy, and sustainability goals will all shape Microsoft's trajectory. As Nadella stated, “The next 50 years will be defined not by what we build, but by how we empower others to build.”

Microsoft’s first 50 years saw the rise of personal computing, the cloud, and AI. The next 50 will likely bring quantum breakthroughs, advanced AI, and new frontiers in software and security. Whether Microsoft will dominate those eras as it has before is the question that will define its next half-century.

Microsoft has compiled a gallery of images showcasing key milestones from its 50-year history. You can explore these defining moments, including the evolution of Windows, the rise of Xbox, and breakthroughs in cloud computing and AI, on their official anniversary page [here].

Which era of Microsoft’s journey fascinates you the most? The early PC revolution, the cloud era, or the AI-driven future? Comment below

HCLTech, Microsoft Partner with Cricket Australia to Leverage GenAI for Enhancing Fans Experience

Leading global technology companies, HCLTech and Microsoft, have partnered with Cricket Australia (CA) to leverage generative AI (GenAI) to enhance the way fans experience live matches via the Cricket Australia Live app.

The app’s new AI Insights matchday companion feature provides fans with a regular feed of text-based updates as matches progress. The feature uses AI rooted in a deep understanding of cricket to identify key narratives, player performances and notable milestones that go beyond the live scores and commentary, giving new context and insight to what is happening on the field.

The AI Insights matchday companion launches today at the Day-Night Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the CommBank Women's Ashes series between Australia and England. This innovative feature is now accessible to all users of the Cricket Australia Live App worldwide.

“By harnessing the power of GenAI, we have the ability to reimagine the way fans engage with sport,” said Sonia Eland, Executive Vice President and Country Manager, Australia and New Zealand, HCLTech. “HCLTech has partnered with Cricket Australia for several years through our long-term role as the sport’s Official Digital Technology Partner, but our collaboration with Microsoft will further enhance the digital experience. Ultimately, our goal is to bring cricket fans even closer to the action.”

Cricket Australia has leveraged Microsoft’s Azure Open AI Service as well as HCLTech’s front-end and API development support to create a more accessible match day AI companion for cricket fans.

“We’re excited to bring cutting-edge AI technology to cricket fans through our partnership with Cricket Australia and HCLTech,” said Sarah Carney, Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand. “This innovation demonstrates how generative AI is transforming the way we interact with the world around us, bringing insight, meaning and personalisation to audiences old and new.”

HCLTech and Cricket Australia began working together in 2019 to transform the organization’s core API platforms. In 2023, they extended the partnership for another five years, with HCLTech continuing its role as the CA’s Official Digital Technology Partner. The multi-year partnership has included initiatives like TechJam, a crowdsourcing effort to develop innovative tech solutions for the sport, as well as HCLTech’s role in making Cricket Australia Live the number one sporting app in Australia.

"We are very excited to partner with both HCLTech and Microsoft to create brilliant experiences for our fans by enhancing the CA Live app,” said Nick Hockley, CEO, Cricket Australia. "Our aspiration is to be a world leader in the way sporting codes bring fans closer to the game through digital technologies and we’re thrilled to launch this latest innovation at the CommBank Women's Ashes Day-Night Test.”

Learn more about the partnership: https://news.microsoft.com/source/asia/features/from-grassroots-to-elite-how-cricket-australia-is-scoring-better-digital-experiences-with-ai-and-cloud-technology/

HCLTech is a global technology company, home to more than 220,000 people across 60 countries, delivering industry-leading capabilities centered around digital, engineering, cloud and AI, powered by a broad portfolio of technology services and products. We work with clients across all major verticals, providing industry solutions for Financial Services, Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Technology and Services, Telecom and Media, Retail and CPG and Public Services. Consolidated revenues as of 12 months ending December 2024 totaled $13.8 billion. To learn how we can supercharge progress for you, visit hcltech.com.

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more.

Cricket Australia (CA) is the national governing body for the game of cricket in Australia. Australian Cricket is administered by CA and its members, the six state and two territory associations. Cricket is Australia’s one true national sport with a men’s and women’s team that capture the nation every summer along with two of the biggest domestic competitions in the country – the Weber WBBL and KFC BBL. At an international level, CA was a foundation member of cricket’s world governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC), and is one of 12 ICC full members.

Microsoft's Deals & Investments Chief Chris Young Resigns

Chris Young, Microsoft's Executive Vice President of Business Development, Strategy, and Ventures, has resigned from his position. He joined Microsoft in 2020 after serving as the CEO le in several strategic initiatives, including Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and partnerships with companies like OpenAI and Netflix.

Young will remain with Microsoft until the end of March to assist with the transition, but he has not provided details about his future plans. Microsoft has expressed gratitude for his contributions and support for his decision to pursue new endeavors.

Chris Young served as Microsoft's Executive Vice President of Business Development, Strategy, and Ventures. During his tenure, he led the company's M12 venture fund and was responsible for strategic partnerships and venture investments. He played a key role in Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and partnerships with companies like OpenAI and Netflix.

Young was one of Microsoft's highest-paid executives, with a total compensation of $12 million in 2024, including salary and stock. He was a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion within Microsoft, championing these values across the company.

While Young has not disclosed his future plans, he mentioned that his entrepreneurial roots are calling him and he is excited about what lies ahead.

Microsoft has expressed gratitude for Young's contributions and is supporting his decision to pursue new endeavors.

Microsoft and Zoho Partner to Train Over 2,600 Entrepreneurs in Querétaro, Mexico

Microsoft and Zoho have partnered with the Municipality of Querétaro to launch a comprehensive training program aimed at equipping over 2,600 entrepreneurs with essential technological skills and digital tools.

Querétaro, officially the Free and Sovereign State of Querétaro, is one of the 32 federal entities of Mexico.

This initiative was announced during the Tech Day event and the Municipal Employment Fair on December 10, 2024.

Microsoft and Zoho have signed goodwill letter with the Municipality of Querétaro, to bring AI tools closer to entrepreneurs.

The program includes:

• Monthly in-person sessions on digital transformation by Microsoft. 
• Weekly virtual workshops for groups of 50 entrepreneurs, focusing on specialized topics like finance, CRM, and customer service strategies by Zoho.
• Access to advanced AI tools to help entrepreneurs enhance their productivity and sales.

This collaboration is part of Querétaro's broader efforts to position itself as a leader in economic development, innovation, and technology. The goal is to democratize access to cutting-edge technology and empower local entrepreneurs to thrive in the digital economy.

At the Municipal Employment Fair, 478 jobs were offered by 20 leading companies in the municipality. Of these vacancies, 207 are operational, 119 techniques and 152 professionals, with average salaries of 15 thousand pesos.

LTIMindtree and Microsoft Partner To Fast-Track Adoption of AI Solutions

LTIMindtree and Microsoft have formed a strategic alliance to accelerate Al-driven digital transformation for global enterprises

This partnership leverages LTIMindtree's industry expertise and Microsoft's cutting-edge Al technologies to help businesses transition from experimentation to meaningful outcomes.

The collaboration aims to fast-track the adoption of Al solutions and transform ambitious Al visions into actionable strategies. The collaboration also aims to enhanced customer experiences by embedding Al as a core business enabler, the partnership focuses on enhancing customer experiences, optimizing operations, and enabling data-driven decisions.

Microsoft and LTIMindtree will make joint investments in AI-powered solutions and create a joint go-to-market strategy.

Initiatives like Microsoft Copilot for Security and Sunshine Migrate are part of this collaboration, focusing on cyber defense and data modernization.

This partnership is poised to drive significant advancements in AI-led digital transformation, offering faster innovation, intelligent decision-making, and real-time insights that unlock new levels of growth and operational efficiency.

At the heart of this partnership is LTIMindtree’s vision of “AI in Everything, Everything for AI, AI for Everyone”. This philosophy centers on making AI not just accessible, but actionable for businesses. Whether it’s enhancing customer experiences, optimizing operations, or enabling data-driven decisions, the focus is on embedding AI as a core business enabler that scales innovation.

“This partnership with LTIMindtree highlights our dedication to work with partners, to deliver secure AI solutions that empower organizations to transform and thrive,” said Julie Sanford, Vice President, Business Management, at Microsoft. “With Microsoft AI services like Copilot and Azure OpenAI Service, LTIMindtree is poised to drive significant advancements in AI-led digital transformation”, she added.

“Through our strategic alliance with Microsoft, we’re bringing our AI vision to life in ways that truly drive results,” said Rohit Kedia, Chief Growth Officer, LTIMindtree. “The narrative isn’t just about adopting technology; it’s about transforming how businesses think, operate, and compete in the AI era. For our customers, this means faster innovation, more intelligent decision-making, and real-time insights that unlock new levels of growth and operational efficiency”, he added. 

GE Aerospace, Microsoft and Accenture Develop Gen AI Powered Solution for Aviation Industry

GE Aerospace, in collaboration with Microsoft and Accenture, has developed a generative Al-powered solution aimed at revolutionizing the aviation industry. The first solution unveiled helps airlines and lessors rapidly access maintenance records in just minutes, a process that traditionally took days or even weeks.

GE Aerospace SaaS worked with Accenture to develop the strategic roadmap and generative AI-powered solution, which leverages Microsoft Azure and Azure OpenAI Service. The solution helps customers unlock critical asset information in minutes.

Airlines and lessors can quickly access critical maintenance records, improving efficiency and decision-making. The solution enables more informed decisions regarding aircraft asset tracking and manufacturing.

By automating and speeding up the process, it significantly boosts productivity and reduces manual labor.

Further, the generative AI-powered solution's compliance management helps in tracking and determining the compliance documentation status of aircraft fleets, reducing risk exposure.

This collaboration between GE Aerospace, Microsoft, and Accenture matters for several reasons. By leveraging generative AI to quickly access maintenance records, airlines and lessors can significantly reduce the time and resources spent on manual processes. This leads to substantial cost savings and more efficient operations.

Rapid access to maintenance data allows for quicker and more informed decisions regarding aircraft asset management. This can enhance the reliability and safety of the aircraft, as issues can be identified and addressed promptly.

The solution helps ensure that all necessary compliance documentation is readily available and up-to-date, reducing the risk of regulatory non-compliance and associated penalties.

This initiative showcases the potential of AI to transform the aviation industry. It sets a precedent for future innovations and encourages further investment in AI-driven solutions.

Airlines and lessors that adopt this technology can gain a competitive edge by improving their operational efficiency and reducing downtime. More efficient maintenance processes can contribute to better fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact, aligning with the aviation industry's sustainability goals.

In essence, the Gen AI driven solution resulted from this collaboration not only optimizes current operations but also paves the way for a more advanced and sustainable future in aviation.

Infosys and Microsoft Expand Partnership to Accelerate Adoption of GenAI and Microsoft Azure, Globally

Infosys and Microsoft have expanded their strategic collaboration to accelerate customer adoption of Microsoft Cloud and Generative Al. This partnership aims to help joint customers realize the value of their technology investments and achiever tansformative outcomes.

Infosys was an early adopter of GitHub Copilot, Microsoft's Al-powered coding tool, which has significantly boosted coding efficiencies. This year in June, Infosys has launched a GitHub Center of Excellence (CoE) to offer enterprise AI innovation to customers worldwide.

With this expanded collaboration, Infosys has been chosen as a strategic supplier to support cloud and AI workloads for Microsoft's enterprise customers.

The Focus Areas of the collaboration spans key sectors like finance, healthcare, supply chain, and telecommunications.

In conjunction with Microsoft’s technology and its own industry-leading AI and Cloud suite of offerings, Infosys Topaz and Infosys Cobalt, as well as its AI-powered marketing suite Infosys Aster, the collaboration will help enhance customer experiences and drive the global adoption of enterprise AI.

The scope of this expanded collaboration will include:

• Financial Services – Infosys' domain expertise with Finacle, alongside Microsoft's advanced capabilities will enable financial institutions to engage, innovate, operate, and transform more efficiently.
• Healthcare – Infosys Helix, a next-gen healthcare payer platform built on Microsoft Azure, uses AI/ML automation to optimize patient outcomes, will provide access to care, and enhance constituent experiences, while streamlining processes and reducing costs.
• Supply Chain – This sector will see optimized processes and increased agility through the combined strengths of TradeEdge and Azure OpenAI service.
• Telecommunications – Microsoft's generative AI and Infosys Live Operations platforms will deliver enhanced connectivity and customer experiences.
• Infosys Energy Management Solution, coupled with Microsoft's commitment to sustainability, will accelerate the NetZero journey for customers.
• Customer service - Infosys Cortex, an AI-driven customer engagement platform, integrates Microsoft GenAI and Copilot to deliver specialized and individualized copilot assistance to every member of a customer service organization.

Many of these solutions will be available on Azure Marketplace, allowing customers to utilize their Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC), creating a mutually beneficial market proposition.

This expanded collaboration is expected to drive global adoption of enterprise AI and enhance customer experiences.

To recall, in July, Tech Mahindra also collaborated with Microsoft to modernize workplace experiences using Copilot for Microsoft 365.

Infosys and Microsoft are also focusing on sharing best practices for Responsible AI. Infosys is a key partner in The Microsoft Responsible AI Partner Initiative, contributing to the development of ethical AI guidelines through Infosys’ Responsible AI (RAI) Office. Skilling efforts are also part of the collaboration, ensuring that the workforce is equipped with the necessary expertise to support these initiatives.

Microsoft-owned Inflection AI and Intel Launch Enterprise AI System

Inflection Al, acqui-hired by Microsoft in June this year, and Intel have recently launched a new enterprise Al system called Inflection for Enterprise. It removes development barriers to accelerate hardware testing and model building.

This system is designed to provide businesses with powerful Al capabilities, including large language models (LLMs), to help them build custom, secure, and employee-friendly Al applications.

Essentially, Inflection for Enterprise is an AI system built around a multi-billion end-point LLM that allows enterprises to own their intelligence in its entirety. Its foundational model is fine-tuned to your business and offers an empathetic, human-centric approach to enterprise AI.

The system is powered by Intel's Gaudi 3 Al accelerators, which are designed to deliver high performance and efficiency.

The service is available on Intel's Tiber Al Cloud, providing a managed cloud infrastructure for developing, accelerating, and deploying Al applications at scale.

Inflection Al's platform, Inflection 3.0, focuses on fine-tuning models using proprietary datasets to build enterprise-specific Al applications.

The system will be available as an industry-first Al appliance powered by Gaudi 3, expected to ship to customers in Q1 2025.

This collaboration aims to set a new standard for Al solutions that deliver immediate, high-impact results for enterprises.

Inflection AI and Intel will also enable developers to build enterprise applications for Inflection for Enterprise, leveraging the robust and human-centric Inflection 3.0 system, to generate critical software tools.

Inflection AI COO, Ted Shelton, said, "Every CEO and CTO we speak to is frustrated that existing AI tools on the market aren’t truly enterprise-grade. Enterprise organizations need more than generic off-the-shelf AI, but they don’t have the expertise to fine-tune a model themselves. We’re proud to offer an AI system that solves these problems, and with the performance gains we see from running on Intel Gaudi, we know it can scale to meet the needs of any enterprise.”

Inflection Al is was founded by entrepreneurs Reid Hoffman (Co-founder and executive chairman of LinkedIn), Mustafa Suleyman (CEO of Microsoft AI, and the co-founder and former head of applied AI at DeepMind) and Karén Simonyan in 2022.

In June this year, Inflection AI was acquired by Microsoft for $650 million. Inflection AI co-founders, Suleyman and Simonyan, announced their departure from the company in order to start Microsoft AI, with Microsoft acqui-hiring nearly the entirety of its 70-person workforce of Inflection AI.

Inflection Al has also collaborated with NVIDIA to develop hardware for generative artificial intelligence.

Infosys To Rake In $100 Mn from Coca-Cola's $1.1 Bn Cloud Migration Deal with Microsoft

Infosys is set to rake in over $100 million as a key supporting partner in Coca-Cola's $1.1 billion cloud migration deal with Microsoft. This partnership, announced in April, involves Coca-Cola migrating its operations to Microsoft's Azure cloud platform, with Infosys playing a significant role in the process.

Coca-Cola’s $1.1 billion cloud migration deal with Microsoft is a five-year strategic partnership aims to accelerate Coca-Cola’s adoption of cloud and generative AI technologies. The collaboration will leverage Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform and its generative AI capabilities.

This deal highlights the growing importance of cloud and AI technologies for global enterprises and underscores the strategic role Indian IT service providers like Infosys play in these major technology transformations.

Coca-Cola plans to migrate its applications and workloads to Microsoft Azure. This includes exploring innovative AI use cases across various business functions, such as marketing, manufacturing, and supply chain management. The partnership will focus on developing and testing new AI-powered solutions, including the Azure OpenAI Service and Copilot for Microsoft 365. These technologies are expected to enhance workplace productivity, streamline operations, and foster innovation.

Coca-Cola's European subsidiary, Coca-Cola Euro Pacific Partners PLC, disclosed in a recent filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that it has committed €25 million (approximately $27 million) to Infosys for cloud migration services in the Euro Pacific region.

Given Infosys' involvement in this and potentially other geographies, industry experts partner e the company could surpass the $100 million mark from the broader Coca-Cola–Microsoft deal.

Coca-Cola’s migration to the Azure cloud will involve its core operations and major independent bottling partners worldwide. This move is part of a broader effort to align Coca-Cola’s technology strategy with cutting-edge innovations.

Infosys is a key supporting partner in this deal, earning over $100 million for its role in the migration process. Infosys will assist with cloud strategy, migration execution, application modernization, security, and ongoing support.

Post-migration, Infosys will provide ongoing support and optimization services to ensure that Coca-Cola’s cloud environment remains efficient, secure, and cost-effective.

In 2023, Google and Microsoft Each Consumed More Power Than 100 Countries

In 2023, both tech giants Google and Microsoft consumed a staggering 24 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity, surpassing the energy usage of over 100 countries, a new researcher has claimed. This revelation underscores the scale of their energy consumption, comparable to entire nations.

Analysis by a journalist specializing in global warming, Michael Thomas, shared on X, that both Google and Microsoft consumed the same amount of energy as Azerbaijan, which has about 10.14 million inhabitants and an estimated GDP of $78.7 billion. Google’s 2023 revenue stood at $307.4 billion, and Microsoft’s at $211.9 billion.

Michael Thomas further claims that 24 TWh, is the equivalent of the needs of’ Azerbaijan, and much higher than that of many small countries that have consumed 19 TWh such as Iceland, The Ghana, Dominican Republic and Tunisia, among others.

However it is to be noted that the per capita consumption of’electricity varies according to the countries' level of development. Some countries that less populated than those mentioned above consume more power. For example, Ireland, populated by only 5 million’ inhabitants, consumes about 31 TWh each.

While Google & Microsoft's massive energy usage has environmental implications, it's worth noting that these tech giants also generate more revenue than many countries. For instance, Google's economic impact exceeded $739 billion, while Microsoft's products likely contribute trillions of dollars to the global economy. These figures highlight the significant financial scale of these companies relative to their substantial electricity consumption.

The massive energy usage underscores the substantial environmental impact of these mammoth companies. But it also serves as a reminder of their sheer scale, and the positive impact they could have an leading more sustainable initiatives.

Michael Thomas's comparison between entire countries and two single companies highlights the massive energy needs of GAFAMs — Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft, with Google and Microsoft's data centers being insatiable. Lately, the race for AI has further multiplied the uses of technological giants. For example, ChatGPT consumes 17,000 times more electricity every day than an average household.

Copilot+ PCs Now Available for Pre-orders in India

Microsoft has introduced the Copilot+PCs in India, and they are now available for pre-orders. These devices represent the fastest and most intelligent Windows PCs ever, blending incredible performance, all-day battery life, and brand-new AI experiences.

Available for pre-orders at retailers including Amazon, Croma, Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales, and select multi brand stores, customers can now experience groundbreaking performance and cutting-edge AI capabilities at an introductory price of INR 113, 900.

1. Power and Performance: The Copilot+ PCs feature Snapdragon® X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus processors, ensuring optimal processing speed and response times. With a powerful Neural Processing Unit (NPU), these devices deliver all-new AI experiences while maintaining all-day battery life.

2. Sleek Design: Designed with everyday use in mind, these thin, lightweight, and ultraportable devices come in two classic colors: Platinum and Black.

3. Immersive Displays: The Surface Pro offers a new OLED option with HDR display for a cinematic experience, while the Surface Laptop boasts a new HDR touchscreen display with razor-thin bezels.

4. Copilot Key: The Copilot app is just a click away with the Copilot key, a recent addition to Windows 11 keyboards on Copilot+ PCs.

5. Security: Every Copilot+ PC comes with Microsoft Pluton Security and Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in enabled by default, ensuring data protection from day one.

Consumers who pre-order the Surface Pro [11th edition] or Laptop [7th edition] from now until August 5, 2024, will enjoy exclusive pre-order promotions [1] with a complimentary Marshall Major IV Wireless Headset (worth INR 14,999). All consumer pre-orders will also include a 1-month free subscription for Microsoft 365 and PC Game Pass. 

All MRP prices indicated below are in INR.

Tech Mahindra Collaborates with Microsoft to Equip Customers, Employees with GenAI CoPilot Tool

Tech Mahindra, a leading global provider of technology consulting and digital solutions, has recently collaborated with Microsoft to modernize workplace experiences using Copilot for Microsoft 365.

Under the collaboration, Tech Mahindra will leverage Copilot for Microsoft 365 to enhance workforce efficiency and streamline processes across 15 locations. The collaboration positions Tech Mahindra as a leading Global Systems Integrator (GSI) adopting this AI tool.

Additionally, the company is deploying GitHub Copilot for 5,000 developers, expected to increase productivity by 35% to 40% within the organization.

Moreover, Tech Mahindra aims to empower employees with AI tools to drive innovation, value, and sustainable growth. The company plans to extend the value of Copilot with plugins within and outside the Microsoft app ecosystem, leveraging multiple data sources to drive creativity and productivity.

As part of this collaboration, Tech Mahindra has launched a dedicated Copilot practice focused on helping customers unlock the full potential of AI tools. The practice will include workforce training to help customers with assessment and preparation, which are critical for successfully integrating AI across every area and every function in an organization.

In addition, Tech Mahindra will offer comprehensive solutions to help customers assess, prepare, pilot, and adopt business solutions that utilize Copilot for Microsoft 365. The organization is committed to utilizing insights gained from the Copilot practice to benefit customers and employees alike. Copilot for Microsoft 365 provides executives, and other professionals with an adaptable, scalable, and personalized user experience based on evolving business needs.

This collaboration with Microsoft aligns with Tech Mahindra's ongoing efforts to enhance workforce productivity, using GenAI tools to set new productivity benchmarks and drive greater value for customers. In addition to their work with Copilot for Microsoft 365, Tech Mahindra recently launched a unified workbench on Microsoft Fabric. The workbench is designed to help organizations accelerate the adoption of Microsoft Fabric enabling them to create complex data workflows with a simple-to-use interface.

Mohit Joshi, CEO and Managing Director of Tech Mahindra, stated, "Our vision is to redefine the workplace experience by empowering every employee to excel and innovate using cutting-edge AI technology."

This collaboration represents a significant stride in making AI accessible to everyone.

Microsoft Charged with Antitrust Violation by the EU for 'Microsoft Teams'

The European Union (EU) has accused Microsoft of violating antitrust rules by bundling its Teams messaging and videoconferencing app with core office productivity applications like Office 365 and Microsoft 365. The EU suspects that Microsoft may have granted Teams an "undue advantage" by not giving customers a choice when purchasing the software. Additionally, limits on rival messaging apps working with Microsoft software may have widened this advantage.

The EU's executive vice-president for competition policy, Margrethe Vestager, expressed concern about preserving competition in remote communication and collaboration tools. Microsoft now has a chance to respond before the final decision is made. This marks the first antitrust charge against Microsoft in the EU in 15 years.

"The European Commission has informed Microsoft of its preliminary view that Microsoft has breached EU antitrust rules by tying its communication and collaboration product Teams to its popular productivity applications included in its suites for businesses Office 365 and Microsoft 365," the European Commission — the EU's executive arm — said in a Statement of Objections, which is sent to inform companies of concerns raised against them.

Last year the tech giant unbundled Teams from Microsoft 365 in an effort to quash antitrust concerns by the EU, but the European Commission said the changes were "insufficient to address its concerns."

Microsoft said Tuesday it would work to find solutions to address the commission's additional concerns.

This recent antitrust charge against Microsoft by the European Union is related to previous cases. It's the first such charge in 15 years, and it focuses on Microsoft bundling its Teams app with core office productivity software, potentially giving it an "undue advantage" in the market. The EU aims to ensure fair competition in remote communication and collaboration tools .

In 2001, the U.S. government accused Microsoft of illegally monopolizing the web browser market for Windows. The case revolved around Microsoft's bundling of Internet Explorer with Windows, restricting users' ability to uninstall it and use other browsers like Netscape and Java. The initial trial found Microsoft's actions unlawful under the Sherman Antitrust Act, but the Court of Appeals partially overturned that judgment. Eventually, Microsoft reached a settlement that led to modifications in its business practices. In the 1990s, U.S. federal regulators sued Microsoft, alleging monopolistic behavior in the personal computer market.

More recently, the U.S. government brought antitrust cases against Microsoft to block its acquisition of game developer Activision and against Google to divest some of its advertising businesses³.

These cases reflect the ongoing scrutiny of Microsoft's practices and their impact on competition in the tech industry.

upGrad Collaborates with Microsoft and IIIT Bangalore to Launch Industry-First Generative AI for Leaders Certification

4-month Certification with applied learning concepts to train mid-career and seasoned professionals with core AI competencies

upGrad, one of Asia’s largest integrated learning skilling and workforce development majors announces a new Certification on its portfolio in GenAI for Leaders with Microsoft and IIIT Bangalore to build a larger community of AI-ready business experts in India. This unique 4-month course is designed with applied learning concepts to train mid-career and seasoned professionals with core AI competencies, positioning them as formidable forces within the tech field.

This industry-first curriculum leverages an inclusive framework enabling learners to assess, design, and transform business problems by applying acquired knowledge in real-life situations. The curriculum is bolstered by strong tech faculty support from India’s premier research university, IIIT Bangalore. It includes live sessions with Microsoft, setting the right tone for India Inc. to upskill and lead the global AI talent supply chain.

The pedagogy also includes other elaborative elements such as:

• Build Your Own Business (BYOB) Case allows learners to bring their own business cases and develop solutions throughout their learning journey, ensuring relevant and hands-on experience
• Engage with industry stalwarts with extensive tech backgrounds, including the Chief Technology Officer of Capgemini, an Entrepreneur and Former Partner at Tata Insights and Quants, the AI/ML Lead at Jio Platforms Limited, and a Former Principal Data Scientist at Hewlett-Packard (HP India), through live sessions and masterclasses
• Include six modules encompassing understanding and application of AI and Gen AI in business, and crafting strategies with ROI-focused project planning
• Curated Capstone Projects to apply learned concepts to a comprehensive project, demonstrating mastery
• Reverse-engineered content and workshops with Microsoft and certification to enhance professional credentials
• 25+ live classes, multiple workshops, and access to cutting-edge AI tools such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, etc.

"As Generative AI revolutionizes the workforce, mastering AI-driven productivity tools is crucial for professionals. This course not only teaches leadership in the AI era but empowers leaders to implement and spearhead GenAI initiatives practically. By joining forces with upGrad and IIIT Bangalore, we offer real-world exposure and seamlessly integrate AI tools into educational frameworks. Our strategic industry-academia collaboration equips professionals with the skills to thrive in the evolving tech landscape, driving innovation, and sustainable growth in India’s tech sector,” said Venkat Krishnan, Executive Director of Public Sector, Healthcare, and Education at Microsoft India.

Commenting on building a skilled nation and contributing to India’s 2047 dream, Dr V Sridhar, Professor In-charge of Continuing Professional Education, IIIT-Bangalore explained the programme is structured to be in line with the market requirements. “AI, and in particular Generative AI is making inroads into every aspect of business processes including marketing campaigns, customer service, and process automation across varied industries such as transportation, hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail to name a few. When technologies such as these get embedded into businesses, it is the need of the hour for senior leaders to understand how such technologies can be deployed optimally within their organisations to reap the maximal benefits for all stakeholders including customers, employees, and business partners. With this in mind, we at IIIT-Bangalore, in collaborative partnership with the tech industry, offer this programme targetted at business leaders to understand and deploy effective AI solutions in their organisations.”

"This course is not about teaching leadership in the AI era but empowering leaders to adopt and lead GenAI initiatives in a practical way. With the rapid evolution of the industrial landscape, mastering Generative AI is no longer optional but essential," concluded Mayank Kumar, Co-founder & MD, upGrad. "Our collaboration with Microsoft and IIIT-Bangalore brings together the best of academia and industry, providing professionals with the skills needed to stay ahead. Leaders need to understand and leverage AI for driving business results and therefore, upskilling in such industry-ready skills will drive the next wave of talent and economic growth in India."

Certificate in GenAI for Leaders is set to become a pioneering force addressing the dynamic needs of today's workforce - also ensuring that learners emerge as adept AI leaders. Learners completing the course and graded projects will be eligible for a completion certification from IIIT-Bangalore along with a 1-day offline immersion at both - the Microsoft Development Centre and the IIIT-Bangalore campus (each).

upGrad is inviting enrolments and more details on the program, curriculum, and admission can be found through here: https://www.upgrad.com/generative-ai-for-business-leaders-iiit-bangalore/