IBM and AICTE launch AI Lab in New Delhi with SkillsBuild's 1,000 AI courses
When the news broke that AICTE and IBM are setting up a national AI lab in New Delhi, I was surprised at how quickly the plan moved from idea to announcement. The goal, as they put it, is to blend research with hands-on training for students at the country’s technical colleges. By placing the lab inside AICTE’s huge network, IBM hopes to weave its know-how straight into courses that have mostly been about engineering and computer science.
Both the government and IBM say the move could boost AI literacy at a time when firms are scrambling for talent. Some officials even suggest the lab might open structured learning paths for thousands of students, lining up what industry needs with what schools produce. As the rollout begins, the focus will be on rolling out a set of teaching resources that can reach campuses all over India.
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At the heart of the effort is IBM SkillsBuild, the company’s global platform that lists over 1,000 courses in AI and other emerging tech. The new lab will tap into AICTE’s sprawling list of institutes, helping IBM work toward its aim of training roughly 30 million people.
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.
Will the new lab actually deliver on the hype? IBM and AICTE are pitching the National AI Lab as a future hub for research, skilling and innovation, but they haven’t released any hard numbers yet. The centre opened up at IBM’s CSR event on 31 October, right inside AICTE’s headquarters in New Delhi, and it’s being billed as a warm-up for the India-AI Impact Summit 2026.
At the heart of it sits IBM SkillsBuild - a global platform that already offers more than a thousand AI-focused courses - and the plan is to roll those courses out across AICTE’s network of technical colleges. IBM says it wants to upskill 30 million people, yet it’s still fuzzy how many will sign up, finish the modules or turn the learning into real-world results. The partnership does hint at a big push for India’s digital talent pipeline, but whether one lab can spark nationwide change is anyone’s guess.
We’ll probably be watching enrollment stats, how the curriculum fits into existing programs and any research papers that start to appear before we can call it a success.
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Common Questions Answered
What is the primary purpose of the National AI Lab launched by IBM and AICTE in New Delhi?
The lab is intended to combine cutting‑edge AI research with hands‑on training for students across AICTE’s technical colleges. By embedding IBM’s expertise directly into curricula, it aims to foster innovation, skilling, and collaborative projects that align with industry needs.
How many AI courses does IBM SkillsBuild offer, and how will they be used in the new lab?
IBM SkillsBuild provides more than 1,000 AI‑focused courses covering emerging technologies. These courses will be delivered through a blend of online modules and in‑person workshops at the lab, giving students practical experience alongside theoretical learning.
What skill‑development targets has IBM set globally, and what are the specific AI milestones mentioned in the partnership?
IBM aims to upskill 30 million people worldwide by 2030, with a specific goal of training 2 million individuals in AI by 2026. The partnership with AICTE contributes to these targets by offering extensive AI education to Indian technical institutions.
How does the National AI Lab serve as a pre‑summit initiative for the India‑AI Impact Summit 2026?
The lab is positioned as a hub for research, skilling, and innovation that will feed into the India‑AI Impact Summit 2026. By establishing a strong foundation of trained talent and collaborative projects, it aims to showcase India’s AI capabilities at the summit.