Editorial illustration for IBM and AICTE Unveil National AI Lab in New Delhi with 1,000 SkillsBuild Courses
IBM and AICTE Launch National AI Skills Lab in India
IBM and AICTE launch AI Lab in New Delhi with SkillsBuild's 1,000 AI courses
India's tech education landscape is getting a significant AI boost. IBM and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have launched a National AI Lab in New Delhi, signaling a major push to transform technical skill development across the country.
The new lab represents more than just another training center. It's a strategic move to bridge the growing gap between academic curricula and industry's rapidly evolving technological demands, particularly in artificial intelligence.
By partnering with AICTE, IBM is positioning itself to reach thousands of technical institutions nationwide. The initiative goes beyond traditional classroom learning, promising to equip students with practical, modern skills that can directly translate to workplace readiness.
At the heart of this collaboration lies an ambitious educational platform poised to make a substantial impact. With a full range of courses targeting emerging technologies, the lab could be a game-changer for India's tech talent pipeline.
At the core of this initiative is IBM SkillsBuild, IBM's global education platform offering more than 1,000 courses in AI and emerging technologies. The National AI Lab will extend its reach across AICTE's vast network of technical institutions, expanding IBM's commitment to skill 30 million people globally by 2030, including 2 million in AI by 2026. With over 16 million learners already engaged worldwide, the program will combine online learning with in-person workshops, mentorship, and innovation challenges to promote applied AI learning.
Justina Nixon-Saintil, VP, corporate social responsibility and chief impact officer, IBM, said, "By combining IBM SkillsBuild with the AI Lab's resources, we will support India's students and educators in solving some of society's biggest challenges." Echoing this vision, Sandip Patel, MD, IBM India & South Asia, said, "India is at a pivotal moment to lead the AI-powered global economy. Our collaboration with AICTE to establish the National AI Lab in New Delhi will serve as a nucleus for research, skill development, and real-world AI applications."The collaboration reinforces IBM's long-standing focus on AI skilling initiatives in India and complements AICTE's mission to empower students and educators with cutting-edge resources.
IBM's collaboration with AICTE signals a strategic push to democratize AI education across India's technical institutions. The National AI Lab represents more than a training program - it's a targeted effort to bridge critical skills gaps in emerging technologies.
By using SkillsBuild's extensive 1,000-course catalog, the initiative could dramatically expand AI literacy among students and professionals. The platform's blend of online learning and in-person workshops suggests a nuanced approach to technical skill development.
IBM's ambitious global target of skilling 30 million people by 2030 - with 2 million specifically in AI by 2026 - finds a significant proving ground in this partnership. With over 16 million learners already engaged worldwide, the company appears well-positioned to drive meaningful educational transformation.
The lab's potential impact extends beyond mere course offerings. It represents a structured pathway for Indian technical students to gain practical AI competencies, potentially accelerating the country's technological readiness in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.
Still, the true measure of success will be the real-world application of these skills by participating students and institutions.
Further Reading
- IBM Announces Strategic Collaboration with AICTE to Establish a National AI Lab in New Delhi - IBM India News Room
- IBM commits to skill 5 million Indian youth in AI, Cybersecurity & Quantum by 2030 - The Tribune India
- IBM to Train 5 Million Indians in AI, Cybersecurity and Quantum Skills by 2030 - The CSR Journal
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Common Questions Answered
How many courses will be available through the IBM SkillsBuild platform at the National AI Lab?
The National AI Lab will offer over 1,000 courses in AI and emerging technologies through IBM SkillsBuild. These courses are designed to bridge the skills gap between academic curricula and industry technological demands.
What are IBM's global skill development goals related to this initiative?
IBM aims to skill 30 million people globally by 2030, with a specific target of training 2 million people in AI by 2026. The National AI Lab with AICTE is a key strategic move to support these ambitious skill development objectives.
How will the National AI Lab combine learning approaches for technical skill development?
The National AI Lab will integrate online learning through the SkillsBuild platform with in-person workshops, mentorship, and innovative training methods. This blended approach is designed to provide comprehensive and practical AI education to students and professionals.