Microsoft’s “AI Odyssey”: An Initiative to Upskill 100,000 Indian Developers in AI Industry

Microsoft’s “AI Odyssey” Training
(Photo : Unsplash/Alexandre Pellaes)

Microsoft initiated "AI Odyssey," a one-month program to train 100,000 Indian developers in AI, accessible to all AI enthusiasts, regardless of background or industry experience.

One-Month AI Odyssey Program

The AI Odyssey program aims to provide developers with extensive education on AI technologies aligned with business goals that will empower them to undertake crucial projects. Those interested can register for free at aka.ms/AIOdyssey to access online learning modules and resources. The one-month program consists of two levels and must be completed by January 31, 2024.

"India needs a skilled workforce that can use AI to solve complex problems and create value as AI revolutionizes our work and life," says Microsoft.

Microsoft emphasizes the importance of a skilled workforce in India to harness AI for solving complex problems and creating value. The AI Odyssey program provides developers with opportunities to contribute to India's growth by building solutions and showcasing their talent in addressing real-world problems.

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Initial Course

The initial course level demonstrates the utilization of Azure AI services for creating and implementing AI products across different scenarios. Participants can access practical resources such as code samples and guides to enhance their skills.

Second Course

In the second level, an online assessment with interactive lab tasks will evaluate participants, and successful completion will earn them Microsoft Applied Skills credentials.

AI is the future of innovation, and India is at the forefront with its tech talent. The Microsoft Applied Skills credential can showcase developers' competence and creativity in sought-after AI skills and scenarios. In a statement released to the press, Microsoft India's Managing Director, Irina Ghose, encourages developers to join in creating meaningful AI solutions that contribute to India's economy.

Participants who complete both levels will get a chance to join the Microsoft AI Tour, "Participants completing both the levels of challenges will also stand a chance to win a VIP Pass to attend the Microsoft AI Tour in Bangalore on February 8, 2024, and witness the revolutionary impact of generative AI," says Microsoft.

Microsoft's AI Tour highlights how generative AI can create new forms of creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. It will include keynote sessions, demos, and workshops to offer developers opportunities to learn from Microsoft experts and partners and network with peers.

Microsoft India's Priority in AI Fluency

In an interview with the Economic Times, Puneet Chandok, Microsoft India president, emphasized the priority of promoting "AI fluency" in the country. In 2024, Chandok also mentioned that Microsoft plans to collaborate with the government to train 3 million government officers in AI fluency.

Microsoft operates in India's ten cities with more than 20,000 employees involved in sales, marketing, research, development, customer support, and industry solutions. The company invested $13 billion in the U.S.-based AI startup OpenAI and plans to introduce approximately 100 new AI-powered products and services in the coming years.

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