ConveGenius Partners with Bihar Government to Build Atmanirbhar AI Stack

AI-powered education and upskilling infrastructure provider ConveGenius.AI today said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Information Technology, Government of Bihar, to build Bihar’s Atmanirbhar AI infrastructure – marking a key step in India’s sovereign AI journey.

The MoU was signed today in Patna in the presence of Shri Nitish Mishra, Honourable Minister of IT, Government of Bihar, Sri Shahnawaz Ahmed Niyazee, Deputy Secretary, Department of IT, Government of Bihar, and Mr. Jairaj Bhattacharya, Co-founder & CEO, ConveGenius.AI.

Under this partnership, Bihar’s AI stack will be built and governed within the state. The Government of Bihar will retain control over its data and AI governance, with strong transparency and guardrails. The infrastructure will provide the foundation for AI models and services built around Bihar’s own context and data.

A key part of the partnership is the development of B-ONT, an ontological mind map covering the state’s schemes and services. Acting as a unified knowledge graph, B-ONT will bring together the technical and knowledge architecture of the state, enabling AI agents to intelligently navigate it and support citizens in accessing schemes and services. Implemented as an intangible state asset, the ontology will enable the creation of multiple agents and services accessible across departments and by citizens directly, unlocking cross-department service delivery and the creation of new public service capabilities and digital value on this asset.

This shared foundation can enable departments to build AI services faster and work together more seamlessly, while giving citizens simpler and more integrated access to government services. ConveGenius.AI will set up the infrastructure within Bihar while ensuring that data, governance and policy controls remain with the Government of Bihar.

“Marrying education, skilling, with the capability of sovereign AI is going to be a gamechanger. It is very inspiring to see that Bihar is thinking ahead of the curve with the proposed AI policy. From our perspective, we are excited about building sovereign AI, and also semantic ontology for Bihar, which is going to be Bihar's asset that will connect to various departments in the state, and that will also create revenue generation opportunities,” said Mr. Jairaj Bhattacharya, Co-founder & CEO, ConveGenius.AI.

The partnership also supports the Honourable Prime Minister’s vision of preparing 1 crore youth with AI capabilities. Bihar’s AI infrastructure will power contextual skilling programmes that prepare young people for emerging jobs and future industries. It will also help workers, technicians and enterprises adopt AI, bringing workforce upskilling and industry transformation together.

For over 12 years, ConveGenius.AI has deployed large-scale technology infrastructure across Indian states, especially in education. Building on this experience, the company is now extending its capabilities to build AI infrastructure for education, skills, and citizen services.

ConveGenius.AI is bringing together global technology capabilities from partners including AWS, Adobe, Intel, Google and Snowflake to build for India. The approach combines world-class technology with local context, state-level control and responsible AI governance.

Backed by global investors including UBS Optimus Foundation, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation (MSDF), Octave Capital, Mount Judi Ventures, and 3Lines Venture Capital, ConveGenius.AI is investing in India’s sovereign AI future and building the capability to execute at scale.

Through this partnership, ConveGenius.AI and the Government of Bihar aim to build an AI ecosystem that strengthens sovereignty, creates high-value technology opportunities, builds local AI talent, prepares youth for the future and delivers more meaningful services to the citizens of Bihar.

About ConveGenius

ConveGenius.AI is an AI-native technology company designing and deploying AI infrastructure for governments and institutions. ConveGenius partners with state governments across India to build technology for education, skilling, welfare, and citizen services. For more information, please visit https://convegenius.com

India’s 80th Independence Day: PM Modi Unveils Bold Vision for AI, Nuclear Power, and Women-Led Development

On the historic occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, announcing a sweeping set of initiatives aimed at transforming India’s technological, educational, and social landscape.

AI Skilling for One Crore Youth

One crore youth will be trained in Artificial Intelligence skills within the next year. This initiative aims to empower India’s youth to lead in the digital future.

Free Online Coaching Network

A nationwide free online coaching network will be launched for competitive examinations, easing the financial burden on poor and middle-class families by leveraging digital public infrastructure and India’s pool of educators.

Nationwide Sports Talent Hunt

A sports talent hunt for children aged 5–15 years will identify and train young athletes, with emphasis on Olympic disciplines where India has traditionally lagged.

Civil Defence for Modern Challenges

A vibrant Civil Defence network will be created to safeguard critical infrastructure such as refineries, banks, data centres, and factories. Citizens will be trained to meet modern challenges through a large voluntary force.

Semiconductor Self-Reliance

Three semiconductor plants are already operational and exporting production. Plans for five to eight new plants in the next seven to eight years will strengthen India’s march toward self-reliance and the vision of Viksit Bharat.

100 GW Nuclear Power by 2047

India targets 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047. Five new nuclear reactors are planned within this decade, alongside advancements in fast breeder nuclear technology, ensuring sustainable energy for AI, data centres, and industrial growth.

Six Crore Lakhpati Didis

A new target of six crore Lakhpati Didis has been set, doubling the earlier goal. Women entrepreneurs empowered through self-help groups will drive a major transformation in India’s rural economy.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Modi’s Independence Day address outlined a vision of India as a global leader in technology, energy, and inclusive development. From AI skilling and semiconductor plants to nuclear energy and women’s empowerment, the initiatives reflect a roadmap for a self-reliant, resilient, and future-ready India.

Vertiv and IIT Madras Expand Data Center Skills Program to Maharashtra With RTMSSU Partnership

Vertiv's skills development funding program expands into Maharashtra to equip engineering students in data center operations and digital infrastructure management

Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global leader in critical digital infrastructure, supports the expansion of IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation's data center skilling initiative into Maharashtra through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program. As part of this initiative, IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University (RTMSSU) in the presence of Maharashtra Governor, Jishnu Dev Varma, during the "Start-up Frontier 1.0" exhibition and conference held at the Y B Chavan Auditorium in Mumbai last July 10, 2026.
Vertiv has partnered with IIT Mumbai, IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, and IIT (BHU) to help engineering students build practical skills in data center operations and AI-ready infrastructure. Through hands-on training and industry exposure, these initiatives prepare students for careers in the digital infrastructure industry.
Leveraging its deep expertise in power, cooling, and IT infrastructure, Vertiv will provide free skill development training to 1,500 engineering students in data center operations and digital infrastructure management in 2026. This builds on the collaboration launched by Vertiv and IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation in 2025 to strengthen India's pipeline of skilled talent for the rapidly growing digital infrastructure sector. RTMSSU will leverage its network of pre-incubation centers across 60 colleges in Maharashtra to extend the program's reach. Students will receive certified online training along with internship and mentorship opportunities designed to prepare them for careers in data center operations and digital infrastructure management.
Speaking about the initiative, Dr. A S Prasad, vice president product management and engineering, Vertiv India, said,
"India's digital infrastructure growth is creating increasing demand for professionals with specialized skills in data center operations and management. At Vertiv, we believe that building this talent pipeline requires close collaboration between the academia and industry. Through this initiative, we provide engineering students with practical knowledge, industry exposure and the skills needed to contribute to India's evolving digital infrastructure ecosystem. We are pleased to support IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation and Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University in expanding this program to Maharashtra and enabling more students to prepare for careers in this high-growth sector."
Dr. M.J. Shankar Raman, chief executive officer, IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, added,
"As artificial intelligence continues to redefine industries and economies, data centers have become central to this digital transformation. This rapid growth has created an urgent need for skilled specialists who can operate and maintain these essential facilities. Through this program, we are dedicated to building a workforce that supports India's AI ambitions with the technical talent required to sustain them."
For more information about Vertiv and career opportunities, visit Vertiv.com.

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About Vertiv

Vertiv (NYSE: VRT) brings together hardware, software, analytics and ongoing services to enable its customers’ vital applications to run continuously, perform optimally and grow with their business needs. Vertiv solves the most important challenges facing today’s data centers, communication networks and commercial and industrial facilities with a portfolio of power, cooling and IT infrastructure solutions and services that extends from the cloud to the edge of the network. Headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, USA, Vertiv does business in more than 130 countries. For more information, and for the latest news and content from Vertiv, visit Vertiv.com

Forward-looking statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27 of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act. These statements are only a prediction. Actual events or results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements set forth herein. Readers are referred to Vertiv’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for a discussion of these and other important risk factors concerning Vertiv and its operations. Those risk factors could cause actual results to differ materially from historical performance. Vertiv is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About IIT Madras

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) was established in 1959 by the Government of India as an 'Institute of National Importance.' The activities of the Institute in various fields of Science and Technology are carried out in 18 academic departments and several advanced interdisciplinary research academic centres. The Institute offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes leading to B.Tech., M.Sc., M.B.A., M.Tech., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in a variety of specializations. IITM is a residential institute with more than 650 faculty and 10,000 students, with students from 18 countries enrolled. IITM fosters an active entrepreneurial culture with strong curricular support and through the IITM Incubation Cell. In 2023, IIT Madras became the first IIT to establish an international campus, in Zanzibar, Tanzania, called 'IIT Madras Zanzibar.'

IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation

IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation is a Section 8 company housing the Technology Innovation Hub on Sensors, Networking, Actuators, and Control Systems (SNACS). It is funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), and is hosted as a Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) by IIT Madras. The NM-ICPS is a comprehensive Mission aimed at complete convergence with all stakeholders by establishing strong linkages between academia, industry, Government, and International Organizations.

Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University (RTMSSU)

Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University (RTMSSU) is a state skills university set up by the Government of Maharashtra to expand vocational and technical skilling, entrepreneurship, and innovation capacity across the state, including through pre-incubation centers established across 60 affiliated colleges.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Himanshu Gonsola
Adfactors PR
E: Himanshu.gonsola@adfactorspr.com
MEDIA CONTACT FOR IIT MADRAS
IIT Madras Media Cell — Email: media.iitmadras@imail.iitm.ac.in / Landline: 044 2257 9785
MEDIA CONTACT FOR RTMSSU
Email – contact@mssu.ac.in | Phone: 8655946646/47

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Vertiv News Release

IIT Hyderabad, Crimson Energy Launch ANUGYAN: India’s First Nuclear Tech Industry–Academia Programme

Highlights

• Three-month residential programme to prepare deployment-ready engineers for India's expanding nuclear energy sector.
• The curriculum integrates reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), nuclear safety, regulatory compliance and simulator-based training.
• The programme supports India's vision of expanding nuclear power capacity to 100 GWe by 2047 through the development of an indigenous workforce.

The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), in collaboration with Crimson Energy Experts Pvt. Ltd. (CEEPL), today inaugurated ANUGYAN – Nuclear Technology Orientation Programme (NTOP), India's first industry–academia programme dedicated to preparing engineers and industry professionals for the country's rapidly expanding civil nuclear energy sector.

The programme was formally launched during a ceremony held at the IIT Hyderabad campus in the presence of senior leaders from academia and industry, marking a significant milestone in strengthening India's indigenous capabilities in nuclear engineering education, workforce development and clean energy technologies.

Designed as a three-month fully residential programme, ANUGYAN bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world industrial execution by combining IIT Hyderabad's academic excellence with the extensive expertise of senior nuclear professionals from Crimson Energy Experts. The programme aims to create highly skilled professionals capable of supporting India's growing nuclear energy ecosystem through advanced technical education and practical industry exposure.

With India opening civil nuclear energy to greater private participation and targeting an expansion of its nuclear power generation capacity from approximately 8.8 GWe to 100 GWe by 2047, ANUGYAN has been conceptualized to address the growing demand for specialized engineering talent. The curriculum covers reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, radiation shielding, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), nuclear safety, quality assurance, engineering design, AERB regulatory compliance, and generic simulator-based training, providing participants with comprehensive exposure to modern nuclear engineering practices.

The programme also creates opportunities for engineering graduates, working professionals, PSU executives, EPC contractors and industrial equipment manufacturers to develop specialized capabilities for contributing to India's emerging nuclear supply chain. Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a joint certification from IIT Hyderabad and Crimson Energy Experts Pvt. Ltd.

The launch of ANUGYAN also builds upon the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between IIT Hyderabad, Dassault Systèmes and Crimson Energy Experts during Bharat Innovate 2026 in Nice, France, to establish the Centre of Design Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (CODENE). The proposed Centre will create a state-of-the-art ecosystem for advanced nuclear engineering design, digital simulation and collaborative research, further strengthening India's indigenous capabilities in nuclear technologies.

Prof. B. S. Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, said: "The launch of ANUGYAN reflects IIT Hyderabad's commitment to developing future-ready talent aligned with India's strategic priorities. As the nation accelerates its clean energy transition and expands its civil nuclear programme, building a highly skilled workforce becomes increasingly important. Through this unique industry–academia partnership, we are combining academic excellence with decades of industrial expertise to prepare engineers capable of driving innovation, ensuring safety, and contributing meaningfully to India's long-term energy security and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. We believe this initiative will play a vital role in creating the next generation of nuclear engineering professionals for the country."

Cmde R. D. Mane (Retd.), President – Nuclear Division, Crimson Energy Experts Pvt. Ltd., said: "Nuclear technology execution demands strict compliance, quality assurance and specialized engineering design. Through ANUGYAN, our aim is to train engineers who can navigate AERB regulations, optimize equipment design and deliver high-reliability execution for next-generation nuclear deployments, including Small Modular Reactors and floating nuclear power plants. The programme combines rigorous coursework with practical case studies delivered by veterans with decades of experience at premier Department of Atomic Energy institutions such as BARC and NPCIL. We are delighted to partner with IIT Hyderabad in developing world-class nuclear engineering talent for India's future."

The inaugural batch of ANUGYAN commenced on August 3, 2026, with participants drawn from engineering institutions, public sector organizations and industries across the country. The programme is expected to play a significant role in strengthening India's nuclear engineering ecosystem by preparing deployment-ready professionals equipped to contribute across research institutions, public sector enterprises, engineering procurement and construction (EPC) companies, advanced manufacturing industries and emerging nuclear technology enterprises.

By integrating academic rigour with industry experience, ANUGYAN represents a major step towards building the skilled workforce required for India's next generation of clean energy infrastructure while advancing the national vision of energy security, technological self-reliance and sustainable development.

About Crimson Energy:

Crimson Energy Experts Pvt Ltd is a leading technical firm specializing in nuclear engineering, SMR/ Micro Reactor design, technology localisation with comprehensive design and technical services for setting up Nuclear Power Plants and workforce development through its "Anugyan" education framework. For more details -: https://anugyan.com/

About IITH:

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in academics, research, technology development, and Start-ups in a short span of 17+ years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF-2025), IITH is ranked 7th among Engineering institutes (crossing a first-generation IIT this year), and is ranked 6th in Innovation, while it has maintained its rank within the top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH is ranked 588th in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and 270th in the QS Asian University Rankings 2026 (123rd globally in citations per faculty). IITH has recorded a major leap in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, entering the global Top 400 in Engineering & Technology with a rank of 395, marking a sharp improvement from the 501–550 band in 2025. IITH secured 46 positions by 31 faculties in the Stanford /Elsevier Global Top 2% Scientists list 2025 across two categories. IITH has been striving for excellence with its vision of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity," guided by its newly adopted Sanskrit Motto, "नवोन्मेषेण देशनिर्माणम्" (Nation Building through Innovation).

• 345+ full-time Faculty
• 350+ non-teaching Staff
• 6140+ Students (PG+PhD students accounting for about 60%)
• 5730+ R&D Projects worth Rs. 1820+ Cr (Rs. 245+ Cr funding in 2025-26)
• 14,040+ Publications
• 2,85,210+ Citations
• 165 h-index
• 775+ Patents (250 Patents in 2025, i.e., 0.75 patents per faculty in 2025)
• About 300 Start-ups (generated 1100+ jobs with revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr)

The thrust areas of research at IITH are: Next-Generation Telecommunications, Autonomous Navigation, Robotics & Intelligent systems, Semiconductors & Devices, Additive Manufacturing, Advanced Materials & Critical Minerals, Materials characterisation, Catalysis, Healthcare, Energy, Sustainability, Climate Change, Smart Mobility, EV technology, Quantum technologies, Nuclear Energy, Computational Engineering, Design, AR/VR, Waste management, and Rural development.


Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube for the latest updates. To know more, please visit https://www.iith.ac.in/ || You can view all press releases/notes from IIT Hyderabad at: https://pr.iith.ac.in/press-release || Cell: 8331036099 | Email: pro@iith.ac.in

IIT Hyderabad Launches Nuclear Technology Orientation Programme with Crimson Energy Experts

IITH & Crimson Team at launch

• 3-month residential programme to build skilled workforce for India’s growing nuclear energy sector. 
• Joint initiative by IIT Hyderabad and Crimson Energy Experts Pvt. Ltd.
• Participants to learn from IIT Hyderabad faculty and experienced Scientists and Engineers from the Department of Atomic Energy ecosystem

In a significant step towards strengthening India’s nuclear energy talent pipeline, the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), in collaboration with Crimson Energy Experts Pvt. Ltd. (CEEPL), has announced the launch of the Nuclear Technology Orientation Programme (NTOP), a first-of-its-kind three-month residential programme designed to equip Engineers and Professionals with a comprehensive understanding of nuclear power technologies and operations. The programme will commence on August 3, 2026, at the IITH campus.

As India accelerates its clean energy transition and expands its nuclear power capacity, the demand for trained professionals with domain knowledge in nuclear technologies is expected to grow significantly. The NTOP aims to bridge this industry-academia gap by offering participants exposure to the technical, operational, safety, and regulatory aspects of nuclear power generation.

The programme is targeted at early and mid-career Engineers, Managers from EPC companies, manufacturing professionals, engineering consultants, power sector personnel, and executives from public sector undertakings engaged in energy and infrastructure development. The curriculum combines foundational nuclear engineering concepts with practical industry perspectives and covers topics such as Reactor Physics, Reactor Engineering, Radiation shielding, Nuclear safety, Waste management, Reactor instrumentation and Control systems, Thermal hydraulics, Quality assurance, Emergency preparedness, and Advanced Nuclear technologies including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

A key highlight of the programme is the involvement of distinguished faculty members from IITH alongside experienced Scientists and Engineers who have served in leading Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) organisations, including the Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL), and BHAVINI. Many of the experts have played critical roles in the design, manufacturing, operation, and regulation of nuclear power reactors in India.

Speaking on the launch of the programme, Prof. B S Murty, Director, IITH, said: “As India advances towards energy security and sustainable growth, nuclear energy will play an increasingly important role in the country's clean energy future. Through this programme, IITH aims to contribute to capacity building by bringing together academic expertise and industry experience to develop a highly skilled workforce for strategic sectors. The initiative reflects our commitment to creating industry-relevant learning opportunities that address national priorities and future technology needs.”

Commodore R D Mane, President Nuclear, CEEPL said on launch of the Pioneering Programme: “India's Nuclear Renaissance is not a distant ambition; it is happening now, and talent will determine who leads it. With the SHANTI Act unlocking a new era for India's civil nuclear sector, our partnership with IITH is a bold commitment to building nuclear professionals of the highest global calibre, trained by state-of-the-art faculty who bring the frontier of nuclear science into the classroom. As knowledge and technology percolate across the sector, we are equally determined to position India as the world's destination for cost-efficient nuclear equipment manufacturing and services — and that future begins with the people we develop today.”

Participants completing the programme will receive a joint certificate from IITH and Crimson Energy Experts Pvt. Ltd. Beyond technical learning, the programme is expected to create a platform for networking and collaboration among professionals, researchers, industry experts, and policymakers involved in India’s nuclear energy ecosystem.

The launch of NTOP further reinforces IIT Hyderabad’s growing engagement with industry-led professional education programmes and its commitment to supporting national missions through technology, research, and human resource development.

About CEEPL:

Established in 2012, Crimson Energy Experts Private Limited is a niche technology company which operates in three verticals; viz Nuclear, Defence and Artificial Intelligence. The company is among the few companies in India with Nuclear Reactor design capability, having completed the concept design of a Small Modular Reactor and presently progressing a Micro reactor in partnership with IITH and IIT Jammu. Crimson boasts of an elite team of experts drawn from eminent scientists from BARC and NPCIL, with exceptional domain knowledge and vast industry experience. Crimson is rapidly growing and developing into a strategic platform interfacing multiple Nuclear stakeholders including technology providers, design experts, industry stalwarts, manufacturers and investors for Nuclear Projects, in the Nation’s pursuit of ‘AtmaNirbharata’ in Nuclear sector, under the able guidance of DAE and BARC.
About IITH:

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in academics, research, technology development, and Start-ups in a short span of 17+ years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF-2025), IITH is ranked 7th among Engineering institutes (crossing a first-generation IIT this year), and is ranked 6th in Innovation, while it has maintained its rank within the top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH is ranked 588th in the QS World University Ranking 2027 and 270th in QS Asian University Rankings 2026 (123rd global ranking in citations per faculty). IITH has recorded a major leap in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Subject, entering the global Top 400 in Engineering & Technology with a rank of 395, marking a sharp improvement from the 501–550 band in 2025. IITH secured 46 positions by 31 faculties in the Stanford /Elsevier Global Top 2% Scientists list 2025 across two categories. IITH has been striving for excellence with a motto of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity (IITH)".

With 345+ full-time Faculty, 355+ non-teaching Staff and 5,720+ Students (PG+PhD students accounting for about 60%), IITH has a strong research focus with 5640+ R&D Projects worth of Rs. 1800+ Cr (Rs. 245+ Cr funding in 2025-26), 13,750+ Publications, 2,76,400+ Citations, 163 h-index, 755 Patents (250 Patents in 2025, i.e., 0.75 patents per faculty in 2025, making it possibly the best Indian institute in terms of patents filed per faculty in a year), and about 300 Start-ups (that have generated 1100+ jobs with a revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr).

The thrust areas of research at IITH are: next-generation telecommunications, autonomous navigation, robotics & intelligent systems, semiconductors & devices, additive manufacturing, advanced materials & critical minerals, healthcare, energy, materials characterization, sustainability, climate change, smart mobility, EV technology, catalysis, quantum technologies, AI embedded computational engineering, design, AR/VR, waste management, and rural development.

LTM Launches AI1000 CoE to Build 1,000+ Forward Deployed Engineers for Enterprise AI Adoption

LTM, the Business Creativity partner to the world’s largest enterprises, today announced AI 1000, a strategic workforce transformation initiative anchored by a dedicated Center of Excellence (CoE). The program will develop a pool of 1,000+ AI-certified engineers, including Forward Deployed Engineers (FDEs), to help enterprises adopt, deploy, and scale AI.

The launch comes amid a major shift in enterprise tech talent. The FDE — among the fastest-growing roles in the AI ecosystem — combines the technical knowledge of LLMs and domain SLMs with business understanding to turn ideas into quantifiable ROI accretive outcomes and to drive client adoption. AI 1000 is LTM’s structured response to this shift: it provides the training, platforms, and governed career frameworks to develop FDEs at scale.

AI1000 takes an end-to-end approach to talent development via a four-stage model: Identify, Enable, Deploy, and Govern. It starts by identifying high-potential engineers using a proprietary AI Readiness Index. This is followed by curated learning journeys focused on AI-native skills and on validating capabilities through hackathons and real-world use cases. Qualified engineers are then deployed into AI programs.

A governance framework tracks performance, captures insights, and feeds its learnings back into the system. This creates a continuous cycle of capability building and growth. The CoE is supported by an integrated platform ecosystem for governing delivery with transparency, speed, and adaptability, better enabling our FDEs to achieve and measure business impact for clients.

“The role of the technology engineer is evolving rapidly. AI1000 is built with the purpose of enhancing workforce productivity in creating tangible business outcomes. Through the AI 1000 CoE, we are building structured pathways to develop the combination of technical excellence and domain expertise to enable this purpose — and prepare our talent for the future,” said Venu Lambu, CEO and Managing Director LTM.

With over 6.5 million learning hours, nearly 84% learning penetration, more than 15,000 external AI certifications, and more than 24,000 AI-trained associates, LTM has built a strong foundation for AI adoption. AI1000 formalizes these efforts into a structured, evidence-based program with defined role pathways, measurable milestones, and a governed deployment framework. Success will be measured not by the number of employees trained, but by the outcomes those engineers deliver.

About LTM

LTM- a Larsen & Toubro Group Company — is an AI-centric global technology services company and the Business Creativity partner to the world’s largest enterprises. We bring human insights and intelligent systems together to help clients create greater value at the intersection of technology and domain expertise. Our capabilities span integrated operations, transformation, and business AI — enabling new ways of working, new productivity paradigms, and new roads to value. Together with over 87,000 employees across 40 countries and our global network of partners, LTM owns outcomes for our clients, helping them not just outperform the market, but Outcreate it. Read more at LTM.com.

Andhra Pradesh Ist to Roll Out PM‑SETU as Visakhapatnam ITI Cluster Plan by AM/NS India and NAMTECH Gets Govt Approval

Andhra Pradesh has become the first state in India to operationalize the ₹60,000‑crore PM‑SETU scheme, with the National Steering Committee approving the Strategic Investment Plan for the Visakhapatnam ITI Cluster led by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) and NAMTECH. This marks the first industry‑academic partnership cleared under PM‑SETU, setting a precedent for ITI transformation nationwide.

The approval was accorded during the 3rd National Steering Committee Meeting convened by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi.

The milestone represents the first concrete step towards implementing PM-SETU's vision of transforming Government ITIs into industry-managed, outcome-oriented institutions through deep partnerships between State Governments and leading industry players.

Andhra Pradesh First to Operationalize PM‑SETU

Key Highlights

• Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM‑SETU)
• Approval: First‑ever Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) cleared by the National Steering Committee (NSC)
• Location: Visakhapatnam ITI Cluster, Andhra Pradesh
• Partners: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (Anchor Industry Partner) + NAMTECH (Academic Partner)
• Outcome: Andhra Pradesh becomes the first state to operationalize PM‑SETU’s industry‑led Hub‑and‑Spoke model

National Steering Committee Meeting

• Date & Venue: 3rd NSC meeting, Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi
• Chair: Smt. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
• Participants: Directorate General of Training, Capacity Building Commission, NCVET, ministries (Commerce, Heavy Industries, Labour), state governments, industry leaders (HAL, Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto, ITC, AM/NS India), and development partners (ADB, World Bank)

Significance of the Approval

• First Anchor Industry Partner (AIP): AM/NS India onboarded under PM‑SETU
• Model for Other States: Visakhapatnam cluster expected to serve as a template for industry‑driven vocational training reforms
• Industry‑Managed ITIs: Transition from government‑run to outcome‑oriented, industry‑aligned institutions
• Future Workforce: Aligns vocational education with evolving sectoral demands and advanced manufacturing needs

PM‑SETU Scheme Overview

Feature	Details
Budget	₹60,000 crore
Scope	Transform 1,000 Government ITIs
Model	Industry‑led Hub‑and‑Spoke
Focus	Infrastructure modernization, industry engagement, employability outcomes
Goal	Establish National Centres of Excellence (NCoEs) in high‑growth sectors for Viksit Bharat 2047

Next Steps

• Pipeline: 32 States/UTs have set up State Steering Committees; 12 have floated RFPs for Anchor Industry Partners
• Implementation Phase: Several proposals nearing closure; more SIPs expected to be approved in coming months
• National Impact: Accelerates India’s vocational education reforms, ensuring ITIs remain responsive to future workforce requirements

Tata Power, DGPC Launch Training Ecosystem to Support Bhutan’s 5,000 MW Clean Energy Vision

• Aim to build a future-ready workforce to support the operation and maintenance of large-scale clean energy assets under the strategic partnership
• Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay, graced the MoU signing ceremony at Thimphu
• Training programmes will be delivered through Tata Power Skill Development Institute

Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated power utilities, and Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC), the sole power generation utility of Bhutan, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Thimphu, Bhutan, to establish a comprehensive skill development ecosystem.

The MoU lays the foundation for a structured training framework aimed at building a future-ready workforce to address both immediate and long-term requirements under the ongoing partnership between Tata Power and DGPC to jointly develop clean energy projects.

The MoU signing ceremony, was graced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay. The MoU was formally signed by Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Power, and Dasho Chhewang Rinzin, Managing Director, DGPC. Ms Anjali Pandey, President- Generation, Tata Power, along with other senior representatives from Tata Power, DGPC, and relevant institutions, were also present at the ceremony.

Training programmes will be delivered through the Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI), leveraging its expertise in power sector skilling.

Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Power, said “This partnership with DGPC underscores our collective vision of creating a future-ready talent ecosystem for Bhutan’s growing clean energy sector. Leveraging its strong credentials in power sector training, Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI) will help nurture industry-ready professionals with comprehensive expertise in safe operations, emerging technologies, and operations & maintenance.”

Tata Power will provide technical expertise, training infrastructure, courseware, and accreditation support through TPSDI for the effective implementation of the programmes. DGPC will facilitate the mobilisation and deployment of trainees, ensuring seamless execution under the MoU and subsequent definitive agreements.

DGPC will also be responsible for securing all necessary approvals from the Government of Bhutan and relevant Bhutanese authorities, while Tata Power will obtain the requisite approvals from the Government of India.

Dasho Chhewang Rinzin, Managing Director, DGPC, said, “This MoU is a practical step towards strengthening local capabilities required under the ongoing partnership to develop 5,000 MW of clean energy capacity. DGPC will work with relevant Bhutanese authorities and stakeholders to identify training needs, mobilise trainees where appropriate, and ensure that the programme supports national priorities and complements the Royal Government of Bhutan’s broader workforce development efforts.”

The proposed skill development initiatives under this MoU will be implemented in a phased manner:

• Phase 1: Focus on immediate deployment of safety training to ensure workforce readiness prior to site entry, including mandatory safety induction programmes for project workers.
• Phase 2: Expansion into technical skill development covering construction, material handling, and earth-moving equipment operations, tailored to project construction requirements.
• Phase 3: Development of specialised capabilities for the long-term operation and maintenance of clean energy assets.

Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI) was established to bridge the skill gap in the power sector by delivering industry-relevant, modular training and certification programmes. TPSDI is accredited by the National Safety Council of India (NSC) to conduct safety training, administer assessments, and issue joint certifications. As an approved training partner of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and a Dual Awarding Body recognised by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), TPSDI operates a robust training network across India, offering hands-on training across the power value chain, including thermal, hydel, and renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, and green hydrogen.

This MoU reflects a collaborative and practical approach to developing the skills required for Bhutan’s clean energy growth, with DGPC working alongside relevant Bhutanese authorities and Tata Power providing technical training support.

MSDE Drives Skill-Led Growth in Border Villages Under Vibrant Villages Programme

Advancing the Government of India’s vision of transforming border villages into engines of growth and opportunity, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) today convened a Capacity Building and Review Workshop under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), themed “Viksit Gaon for Viksit Bharat”, at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi. The workshop brought together key stakeholders including the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministries of Textiles, Tourism, and Rural Development, along with District Administrations, State Skill Development Missions (SSDMs) from Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand, and Sector Skill Councils (SSCs), creating a focused platform to drive convergence and accelerate skill-led development across India’s strategically important border regions.

The Vibrant Villages Programme, a flagship initiative of MHA, aims to develop 662 villages across Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Ladakh as self-reliant, well-connected “first villages” of the country. In alignment with this vision, MSDE is facilitating locally relevant, demand-driven skilling initiatives to enhance livelihood opportunities in these regions.

MDSE plays a critical role in implementing skill development proposals under VVP from receiving and examining proposals from MHA, mapping them to appropriate schemes, sanctioning projects, and ensuring robust implementation and monitoring, to facilitating assessment and certification through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). To date, MSDE has sanctioned 74 skill development proposals under the programme, marking significant progress in operationalising skilling interventions in border districts.

The deliberations focused on reviewing the status of approved and ongoing VVP skill projects, identifying key implementation challenges such as trainer availability, beneficiary mobilization, and infrastructure gaps, and strengthening convergence across stakeholders. SSCs and SSDMs played an important role in providing inputs on programme design, trainer empanelment, and strengthening market linkages to ensure better outcomes.

Looking ahead, MSDE laid out a focused and action-driven roadmap to strengthen on-ground implementation. Districts will be guided to develop robust project pipelines with clearly defined timelines, training locations, trainers, and target beneficiaries ahead of proposal submission. Emphasis will be placed on rapidly operationalising in-situ training by utilising existing government infrastructure such as schools, ITIs, and community centres to enable swift rollout.

To address implementation challenges, enhanced handholding support will be provided through SSDMs and SSCs, particularly in areas such as proposal development, trainer onboarding, and compliance with scheme norms, supported by well-defined standard operating procedures. A structured coordination framework will also be institutionalised among District Administrations, SSDMs, SSCs, and MSDE to ensure continuous monitoring, effective issue resolution, and timely course correction.

The workshop also fostered peer learning among districts, highlighting innovative practices and scalable solutions. Discussions underscored the importance of institutional coordination, real-time monitoring, and responsive implementation mechanisms to ensure that skilling initiatives translate into sustainable livelihood outcomes.

Smt. Hena Usman, Joint Secretary, MSDE; Smt. Manasi Sahay Thakur, Joint Secretary, MSDE; Smt. Archana Mayaram, Economic Advisor, MSDE; senior officials from the MSDE, MHA and partner ministries, state governments, and representatives of SSDMs, District Administrations, and SSCs were also present on the occasion.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Wipro 3D Partner to Launch Additive Manufacturing Training Hub in Karnataka

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) and Wipro 3D have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an advanced manufacturing Centre of Excellence (CoE) at the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) in Bidadi, Karnataka. The hub will focus on additive manufacturing, skill development, and bridging the gap between academia and industry.

The initiative aims to create a future-ready workforce by equipping students and professionals with hands-on training in Industry 4.0 technologies, including additive manufacturing, design for AM, and advanced production techniques. It also supports India’s Skill India and Make in India missions.
Key Highlights of the Partnership

• MoU Signed: April 10, 2026
• Location: Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI), Bidadi, Karnataka
• Focus Area: Additive manufacturing and advanced manufacturing technologies
• Objective: Establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for training and skill development
• Partners: Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Wipro 3D

Goals of the Training Hub

• Skill Development: Hands-on training in additive manufacturing and advanced production
• Industry-Academia Collaboration: Strengthening ties between vocational education and industrial practice
• Future-Ready Workforce: Preparing talent for smart factories and sustainable manufacturing
• Applied Learning: Exposure to real-world production environments

Strategic Importance -

• For Toyota Kirloskar Motor: Aligns with Toyota’s global push toward digital transformation and sustainable manufacturing.
• For Wipro 3D: Expands its footprint in industrial 3D printing and advanced manufacturing solutions.
• For India: Supports the government’s Skill India and Make in India initiatives by nurturing a workforce trained in cutting-edge technologies. 

 Impact

Aspect	Impact
Education	Enhances vocational training with advanced manufacturing modules
Industry	Builds a pipeline of skilled professionals for automotive and allied sectors
Technology	Promotes adoption of additive manufacturing in mainstream production
Economy	Strengthens India’s competitiveness in Industry 4.0 and global supply chains

The Toyota Kirloskar–Wipro 3D CoE marks a significant step in India’s journey toward advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 readiness. By combining Toyota’s automotive expertise with Wipro 3D’s additive manufacturing capabilities, the initiative is poised to create a future-ready workforce and strengthen India’s position in global manufacturing innovation.

India Launches First Administrative Training Programme for Scientists and Academicians

In a landmark move, the Government of India has introduced a dedicated programme to train scientists and academicians in administrative skills. The initiative was launched by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh during SADHANA Saptah at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Why This Matters

For years, scientists and professors have excelled in research and teaching, but when promoted to leadership roles—like heading institutes or managing large projects—they often had to handle budgets, governance, and decision-making without formal training. This programme aims to fill that gap by equipping them with structured knowledge of administration, governance, and leadership.

What Exactly Was Launched

• A capacity-building programme under the government’s Mission Karmayogi framework
• Designed to help scientists and academicians understand how government systems work
• Includes modules on practical skills like handling Parliamentary questions, managing institutions, and adapting to new technologies such as artificial intelligence

Key Highlights

• Structured Learning: Moves away from “self-learning” and provides formal training
• Dynamic Curriculum: Will evolve with emerging technologies and governance needs
• Role-Based Approach: Prepares leaders to adapt across different domains, not just follow rules
• Citizen-Centric Governance: Balances technology with humane, people-focused decision-making
• Global Collaboration: Partnerships like the MoU with RIS will bring global best practices

Complementary Initiatives

• Revamped UNNATI portal to strengthen institutional training ecosystems
• Roadmap for the Karmayogi Kartavya Karyakram, expanding structured learning nationwide
• New collaborations to bring global expertise into India’s governance training

The Bigger Picture

This initiative is part of the government’s five-year trajectory for Mission Karmayogi, which aims to create a “future-ready” civil service. By extending training to scientists and academicians, India is ensuring that leaders in research and education are equally prepared to manage institutions, deliver results, and contribute to national development.

In simple terms: India has launched its first-ever programme to teach scientists and professors how to be effective administrators. It’s about making sure that those who lead our research labs and universities are not just brilliant thinkers, but also skilled managers who can navigate governance systems and deliver better outcomes for society.

Hinduja’s OIL to Skill 1 Lakh UP Youth for Digital Jobs

(L-R) - Shri P. K. Pundir, Additional Director, Dr M. K. Shanmuga Sundaram, Shri Anil Rajbhar, Neha Prakash, Vynsley Fernandes

OneOTT Intertainment Ltd. (OIL), the broadband vertical of Hinduja Global Solutions Ltd. (HGS), part of the Hinduja Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Employment Department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh, aimed at strengthening youth employability, aligning skill development with industry requirements, and expanding opportunities in the digital economy, with a target to skill one lakh youth from the state and connect them with employment opportunities.

The MoU was signed by Dr. M. K. Shanmugha Sundaram, Principal Secretary, Labour and Employment Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh and Mr. Vynsley Fernandes, Whole-Time Director, Hinduja Global Solutions and MD & CEO, ONEOTT Intertainment Limited, in the presence of Shri Anil Rajbhar, honourable Minister for Labour and Employment and Coordination, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and other dignitaries.

ONEOTT Intertainment Limited will develop capacity-building programmes, skill training workshops, structured training initiatives and knowledge-sharing platforms for the youth of the state. In addition, the organisation will extend research-based insights, technical recommendations and policy-level support to facilitate the effective implementation of these programmes.

Dr. M. K. Shanmugha Sundaram, Principal Secretary, Labour and Employment Department, said “This collaboration will play a significant role in aligning skill development programmes with the actual needs of industry. He added that through this partnership, several structured training and capacity-building initiatives will be undertaken to prepare the youth of Uttar Pradesh for emerging opportunities in the rapidly expanding digital services sector.”

Mr. Vynsley Fernandes, Whole-Time Director, Hinduja Global Solutions and MD & CEO, ONEOTT Intertainment Limited, said, “India’s progress towards Viksit Bharat is closely linked to strengthening the capabilities of its young workforce and aligning skills with the needs of a changing economy. At Hinduja Global Solutions we are driving digital transformation and understand that skills must constantly keep pace with technology. At OIL, collaborations with forward-looking state institutions will enable us to contribute & support the digital ecosystem across Bharat. Our association with the Government of Uttar Pradesh reflects a shared commitment to advancing youth employability, while explore the role of AI in enhancing the efficiency and transparency of public programmes.”

The Employment Department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh will facilitate coordination for the effective implementation of programmes and ensure collaboration with relevant institutions, departments and stakeholders.

OIL is increasingly working with governments and institutions across India to support digital inclusion, connectivity-led development and technology-driven capacity building aligned with national growth priorities. The initiative will also explore the use of digital connectivity platforms, technology-enabled learning modules and industry partnerships to build future-ready talent pipelines for the digital economy.

About ONEOTT INTERTAINMENT LIMITED (www.onebroadband.in)

ONEOTT iNTERTAINMENT Limited ("OIL"); is one of India's top private Internet Service Providers with over 1 million retail customers. OIL is a subsidiary of global leader in optimizing the customer experience lifecycle, digital transformation, business process management, and digital media ecosystem company Hinduja Global Solutions (HGSL), a Hinduja Group company. OIL has a strong presence in Broadband and Internet services in 350+ cities and towns, with a growing presence in Tier-II and Tier-III towns. Its services under "ONE Broadband" provide converged services of Video, Data and Voice to consumers by delivering high-speed internet and services at speeds up to 1,000Mbps.

CelerityX, the Enterprise Business Unit of OIL, offers customers access to a national-level digital mesh – providing secure and mission-critical connectivity through a mesh of terrestrial platforms, broadband-over-satellite, and Wi-Fi, layered with SDWAN capabilities.

HGS is listed on BSE and NSE. For the year ended March 31, 2025, HGS had a total income of Rs. 4,959 crore (US$ 586 million).

Honeywell and IIT Bombay Establish CoE to Advance Sustainability Skills and Innovation in India

• Partnership to skill over 100,000 students in sustainability fields by 2030 through industry–academia collaboration

Honeywell (NASDAQ:HON) today announced an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) to establish a new Centre of Excellence at the Institute’s Powai campus that will help skill more than 100,000 students by 2030 in sustainability-related fields.

The IIT Bombay - Honeywell Centre of Excellence for Future Skills & Innovation (IITB-Honeywell CoE) will be created and fully funded by Honeywell Hometown Solutions India Foundation (HHSIF) – Honeywell’s philanthropic arm in India. The IITB-Honeywell CoE will offer advanced laboratory infrastructure, equipment procurement, curriculum design and research and innovation grants.

In its pilot phase over the next two months, the IITB-Honeywell CoE will focus on establishing core infrastructure, developing a specialized curriculum and training a first phase of 250 students. The IITB-Honeywell CoE will offer certificate-based programs featuring coursework and hands-on projects aligned with real-world sustainability challenges. It will benefit undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students from across the country. Following the pilot phase, subsequent phases are expected to engage nearly 20,000 students per year during the partnership, through the IITB-Honeywell CoE’s structured curriculum.

As India digitally transforms its economy and critical sectors such as energy, it faces a growing shortage of sustainability professionals with cross-disciplinary, technology-driven skills. According to the Economic Survey 2023-24[i], India aims to create 3.4 million jobs in the green sector by 2030. The renewable energy industry alone faces a deficit of 1.2 million skilled workers, a number that could swell to 1.7 million by 2027, according to TeamLease[ii]. The IITB-Honeywell CoE will address the growing demand for skilled sustainability professionals by combining classroom learning with applied research across five learning tracks: Sustainability Reporting, Sustainable Finance, Energy Security, Sustainability Infrastructure and Policy Advocacy.

“Skilling our workforce is central to building a future-ready and sustainable India. Our collaboration with IIT Bombay reinforces Honeywell’s commitment to developing high-quality talent across sustainability fields, as India accelerates growth through its AI-powered digital economy,” said Ashish Modi, President, India and Asia Pacific, Honeywell. “Honeywell’s new CoE aligns with this digital transformation and will equip students with the right industrial skills to support long-term economic growth with sustainability at the core.”

The IITB-Honeywell CoE’s course structure, applicable through 2030, requires each student to complete 40 hours of training across the five learning tracks. Classroom programming and applied research will be jointly delivered by the IIT Bombay faculty and industry specialists and supported by Honeywell employees through volunteer mentorship, technical guidance and career-readiness training.

“IIT Bombay has always emphasized translating academic excellence into societal impact,” said Prof. Shireesh B. Kedare, Director, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. “The establishment of our Centre of Excellence with Honeywell strengthens that mission by giving students experiential learning beyond the classroom, enabling them to engage meaningfully with real-world sustainability challenges that are critical to India’s future.”

The partnership with IIT Bombay is a defining milestone under Honeywell India’s flagship ‘Saksham’ skilling initiative. Under Saksham, STEM students nationwide are trained in AI, cybersecurity and sustainability, while the IIT Bombay collaboration will focus specifically on sustainability-skilling through the IITB-Honeywell CoE.

Mahesh Kumar Leads Tiger Analytics’ Mission to Build AI Talent Across Bihar

Tiger Analytics, a global enterprise AI and analytics consulting firm, in partnership with Akhil Bhartiya Yuva Utthan Evam Samaj Kalyan Sansthan (ABYUESKS) & Enqurious, a next-gen Data and AI skilling and talent enablement company, conducted a two-day Data Analytics workshop at Muzaffarpur Institute of Technology (MIT) on February 10th and 11th, 2026.

The workshop, attended by over 100 students, marks the first step in Tiger Analytics’ broader vision to train and enable thousands of students from engineering colleges across Bihar in AI technologies over the next two years. Mahesh Kumar, Founder and CEO of the company, and a native Bihar, has been a strong advocate of this initiative. Several additional workshops are planned across engineering institutions in the state in the upcoming months.The workshop curriculum was jointly designed and delivered by Tiger Analytics and Enquirous. It focused on strengthening analytical and AI foundations, developing structured problem-solving capabilities, and exposing students to real-world industry use cases. The sessions were led by Sunil Kumar of Enqurious & Rakesh Sriramula of Tiger Analytics. Students responded enthusiastically, particularly appreciating the hands-on exercises and practical industry insights.

Bihar has always been a powerhouse of intellectual talent,” said Mahesh Kumar, CEO of Tiger Analytics. “Our goal is to ensure that these students are not only academically strong, but also industry-ready to thrive in the global AI and data economy.

"Partnering with MIT Muzaffarpur has been an incredible experience,” said Amit Choudhary, CEO and Founder of Enqurious. "By combining the industry depth of Tiger Analytics with the enablement frameworks of Enqurious, we are empowering students to solve complex, real-world problems from day one.”

About Tiger Analytics

Tiger Analytics is a global leader in AI and analytics, helping Fortune 1000 companies solve their most complex problems. Headquartered in Silicon Valley with a significant global presence, the firm combines deep domain expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver measurable business impact. The company is also committed to community initiatives that build future-ready talent in emerging technology domains.

About Enqurious

Enqurious is a Bengaluru-based nextgen Data and AI skilling and talent enablement platform founded by Amit Choudhary and Prateek Kumar. The company provides high-impact, scenario-based learning to help students and professionals to master the Data + AI stack through real-world problem-solving and integrated lab environments.

Automation Anywhere and AI Kiran Launch Partnership to Train 1 Million for AI Careers

Automation Anywhere and AI Kiran announced a partnership to train one million people for careers in AI by 2030. Prioritizing women and youth, this collaboration will strengthen India’s global standing in AI.

The partnership prepares individuals for advanced roles in AI. It equips India’s workforce - especially women and young people - with skills for higher-value careers as AI changes traditional jobs.

This collaboration will provide:

• AI and Automation Training: Hands-on technical skills training in scalable programs.
• Certifications and Scholarships: Financial support for recognized AI and automation certifications.
• Technology Access: Automation Anywhere’s Agentic AI and automation platform.
• Builder Networks: Connection with the Automation Anywhere Pathfinder community and the AI Kiran Builders Community (100,000+ innovators).
• Recognition: Opportunities through the 10,000 Women in AI Stories initiative and Global AI Builders Awards.
• Leadership Opportunities: Advancement through the AI Kiran INK Fellowship.

AI Kiran provides foundational skills training, shares real-world success stories, offers awards and advanced fellowships, and creates opportunities for policy discussions to build inclusive AI.

(L-R) Kirthiga Reddy, Mihir Shukla, Lakshmi Pratury

“AI is redefining how value is created in the world. We have an opportunity to ensure everyone can participate in this transformation. Our partnership with Automation Anywhere creates structured, scalable pathways for women and young people to step into leadership within the AI economy. If we design this moment well, we will not just reskill a workforce – we will shape a generation of builders, innovators, and decision-makers.” said Kirthiga Reddy & Lakshmi Pratury, Co-founders of AI Kiran.

Automation Anywhere has long used AI to improve worker roles and increase capabilities for workers and businesses. This partnership brings that focus to India’s growing AI sector.

"Automation Anywhere works to create an inclusive AI future where anyone can build AI solutions and help shape the Autonomous Enterprise," said Mihir Shukla, CEO and board chairman of Automation Anywhere. “We provide the essential skills and leading Agentic AI platform to help women and youth secure high-value careers and drive real business outcomes using AI.”

This partnership sets a precedent for how global collaborations can prepare nations for the AI-driven future. As the program expands beyond India, it aims to create a skilled workforce ready to shape AI's worldwide impact by 2030.

Half of Finance Professionals Fear Falling Behind: ACCA Introduces Tech‑Focused Certificate Series

In response to insights from over 900 finance leaders, ACCA has created the Technology in Finance certificate series – a four-part programme designed to give finance teams the practical, future-ready tools to thrive in a fast-evolving world.

Technology is transforming finance, from data and AI to cybersecurity and organisational change. However not having the skills required for the future workplace is a major concern – with 50% of respondents to ACCA’s Global Talent Trends survey concerned that they need to develop the necessary skills. Organisations need accountants and finance professionals to be tech-enabled, not just technically sound.

The certificates are aimed at anyone working in a finance role, particularly those interested in technology development and CPD for career progression. The programme is also highly relevant to finance employers or those overseeing a finance function who want their teams to gain crucial tech skills to prepare for the future.

Md. Sajid Khan, Director – India at ACCA said: Technology is already reshaping finance and embracing these innovations is just one of the ways that we’re redefining accountancy. These new certificates will give professional accountants in India - and their employers - the tools to thrive in this fast-evolving world.

The series includes:

• Certificate in Data Analytics for Finance Professionals
• Certificate in Cybersecurity for Finance Professionals
• Certificate in AI for Finance Professionals
• Certificate in Organisational Transformation for Finance Professionals

Individuals can enrol in the full series or target specific knowledge requirements by choosing the certificates most relevant to their roles. Enrolment is now open for the first certificate focused on Data Analytics. Learners can sign up through ACCA Learning, ACCA’s dedicated platform for finance professionals’ continuous learning.

More information is available on ACCA’s website.

Apple Launches Education Hub in India to Train Supplier Workforce

The new Apple Education Hub in Bengaluru offers courses and training programs to people across Apple’s supply chain in India.

Apple is expanding skill-building and training programs for people across its supply chain in India with a new education hub in Bengaluru and a wider suite of development courses at Apple supplier facilities throughout the country. The Apple Education Hub, a first of its kind in India, operates in collaboration with the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and will begin offering new courses in March.

Apple is also expanding its suite of development courses available to supplier employees at more than 25 supplier sites in India. Starting with Tata Electronics, the new curriculum will help supplier employees develop skills in digital literacy, Swift coding, robotics, automation technology, and smart manufacturing. These new courses mark the latest initiative from Apple’s global $50 million Supplier Employee Development Fund.

“The same spirit of innovation that drives our products also guides our commitment to supporting people across our global supply chain,” said Sarah Chandler, Apple’s vice president of Environment and Supply Chain Innovation. “We’re thrilled to expand our technical training courses in India, giving thousands of employees the opportunity to learn valuable new skills and explore new paths for career growth.”

The Apple Education Hub, a first of its kind in India, operates in collaboration with the Manipal Academy of Higher Education and will begin offering new courses in March.

As part of Apple’s engagement with MAHE, the Education Hub will serve as a space that brings together trainers and students to learn directly from educators who are specialised in providing and delivering digital education, starting with digital literacy and Swift coding for beginners. Faculty from MAHE will impart these curriculums to supplier trainers, enabling them to deliver sessions to larger employee groups.

“This collaboration brings together Apple’s commitment to its supplier employees and Manipal’s experience in applied education to create meaningful opportunities for growth,” said Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh, vice chancellor at MAHE. “Supplier communities sit at the heart of India’s manufacturing ecosystem, and investing in their skills is more important than ever.”

Around the world, Apple works hand in hand with suppliers to offer programs that serve and provide opportunities to the people in Apple’s supply chain. These programs range from expanded rights awareness training to technical, professional, and health education, and community resilience programs.

Today, Apple and its partners offer more than 75 courses for supplier employees in India. Following the initial success of its robotics training program in India, launched in December 2024, Apple plans to expand the offering to more sites this year. The program trains and qualifies factory educators at robotics labs. Following this hands-on learning, these trainers customise curriculum and deliver sessions at their respective facilities.

In addition to technical and management skills training, Apple works with leading international organisations to enhance rights awareness training and ensure all workers are treated with dignity and respect.

Apple is also growing its Vocational Education for Persons with Disabilities program in India this year, which recently launched with Salcomp. Having already benefited more than 18,000 supplier employees globally to date, the program works with suppliers to provide employment and professional development opportunities in Apple’s supply chain for persons with disabilities, as well as improve safety, accessibility, and inclusivity practices at supplier facilities. The program builds on Apple’s long-standing partnership with local nonprofit Enable India.

President Murmu Launches ‘#SkillTheNation Challenge’ to Empower India with AI Readiness

Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, announced the ‘#SkillTheNation Challenge’, urging citizens, policymakers, educators, professionals and youth to actively participate in India’s AI learning movement by enrolling in the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) course on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). She called the initiative a significant step towards equipping the nation with future-ready capabilities in Artificial Intelligence and advancing India’s journey towards a technologically empowered and inclusive society.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s flagship programme SOAR – Skilling for AI Readiness, launched in July 2025, enables accessible AI learning for all through structured micro-credential courses.

SOAR is designed to make AI simple, ethical, responsible and aspirational. Over six months, more than 1.59 lakh learners across India have enrolled, with thousands completing certifications.

15 Members of Parliament who have completed the SOAR AI course module

Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, has successfully completed the SOAR ‘AI to be Aware’ module. He nominated Shri Nara Lokesh Rao, Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, and Mr. Nitin Narang to take up the challenge, creating a cascading national movement.

Commenting on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary said:

India’s future workforce must not only be digitally aware but AI confident. Through the ‘#SkillTheNation Challenge’, we want to inspire every citizen to embrace learning and prepare for an AI-enabled future. SOAR is not just a skilling programme; it is a national mission to build confidence, capability and curiosity in AI, ensuring that every learner — wherever they are — has the opportunity to benefit from this technology and contribute to the nation’s growth story. 

He further added:
“India’s future workforce must not only be digitally aware but AI confident. I am glad to have personally completed the SOAR AI learning module, and it has further strengthened my belief that learning must begin from leadership itself. It gives me great satisfaction to nominate my fellow colleagues to join this movement, so together we can inspire every citizen to embrace AI learning and prepare for an empowered, future-ready India.”

A group of 17 select students from PM SHRI Schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh received AI course certificates from the President of India.

15 Members of Parliament have completed the SOAR AI course module, reflecting strong leadership commitment towards AI readiness.

S. No.	Name of MP	House (Lok Sabha / Rajya Sabha)
1	Shri Chandan Singh Chauhan	Lok Sabha
2	Ms. Swati Maliwal	Rajya Sabha
3	Shri Ummendaram Ram Beniwal	Lok Sabha
4	Shri Narayan K Bhandage	Rajya Sabha
5	Ms. Kamal Jeet Sehrawat	Lok Sabha
6	Ms. Manju Sharma	Lok Sabha
7	Ms. Shobhanaben Baraiya	Lok Sabha
8	Shri G. M. Harish Balayogi	Lok Sabha
9	Ms. Sangeeta Yadav	Rajya Sabha
10	Ms. Fauzia Khan	Rajya Sabha
11	Shri P. V. Abdul Wahab	Rajya Sabha
12	Shri Sujeet Kumar	Rajya Sabha
13	Ms. Bijuli Kalita Medhi	Lok Sabha
14	Shri Haris Beeran	Rajya Sabha
15	Shri P. P. Chaudhary	Lok Sabha