Microsoft, the global tech giant, unveiled its ambitious upskilling initiative, ‘AI Odyssey,’ on Monday, with the goal of training 1 Lakh Indian developers in the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and tools.
The month-long program features two distinct levels that participants must complete by January 31, offering them an opportunity to enhance their AI skills and contribute to solving real-world challenges.
In the first level, developers will receive training on utilizing Azure AI services to create and deploy AI solutions across various scenarios. Microsoft will provide access to resources, code samples, and guides to help participants build their AI expertise.
The second level involves participants testing their newly acquired AI skills through an online assessment with interactive lab tasks. Successful completion will earn them Microsoft Applied Skills credentials, a verifiable certification that validates their ability to address real-world problems using AI.
Irina Ghose, Managing Director at Microsoft India, emphasized the importance of AI in future innovation and acknowledged India’s leadership in tech talent. The Microsoft Applied Skills credential aims to showcase developers’ competence and creativity in high-demand AI skills and scenarios.
Participants who successfully complete the AI Odyssey will have the chance to win a VIP Pass to attend Microsoft’s AI Tour in Bengaluru on February 8, 2024.
Microsoft initiated its AI Tour in New York in September 2023, catering to different sets of professionals. The upcoming tour in Mumbai on January 31, 2024, will host senior decision-makers and industry experts in the field of AI, while the Bengaluru leg will focus on developers, data scientists, and cutting-edge technologists.
The launch of AI Odyssey aligns with the increasing focus on AI talent in India, as evidenced by the success of initiatives like ChatGPT and the growing AI talent pool in the country. Several big tech firms, including Google and Meta, have also shown interest in India’s AI ecosystem, with investments and partnerships fostering collaboration and innovation.
As the generative AI trend continues to surge globally and in India, Microsoft’s AI Odyssey seeks to equip developers with the skills needed to contribute to the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
