Microsoft Launches New Artificial Intelligence Initiative to Train 1 Lakh Developers in India

Microsoft, with an intent to skill 100,000 developers in India in the latest AI technologies and tools, has launched a new artificial intelligence initiative. The program, called AI Odyssey, will be conducted through the month of January. The program offers comprehensive learning experience that helps developers acquire and demonstrate the relevant skills needed to execute critical projects using AI technologies that align with business goals and outcomes. The program has two levels that participants need to complete by 31 January 2024. 

Irina Ghose, Managing Director, Microsoft India, said, “AI is the future of innovation and India is leading the way with its tech talent. The Microsoft Applied Skills credential will help developers demonstrate their competence and creativity in the most in-demand AI skills and scenarios. We welcome all developers to join us in creating meaningful AI solutions that will contribute to India's economy.”

How to Qualify for Microsoft Artificial Intelligence Initiative?

There are two courses that participants need to take to qualify for the program. The first course instructs individuals on utilizing Azure AI services for the development and implementation of AI solutions across various situations. The second course involves participants showcasing their AI proficiency through the successful completion of an online assessment, coupled with interactive lab assignments. Successful completion results in the attainment of Microsoft Applied Skills credentials, a credible certification affirming their competency in addressing real-world issues using AI. Additional details of the courses are as follows:

Complete AI Skills Challenge

In this level, participants will gain expertise in developing and implementing AI solutions for diverse scenarios through the utilization of Azure AI services. This encompasses tasks like recognizing emotions, faces, or forms. Additionally, a plethora of supportive learning materials, code examples, and guides will be made available to participants to aid in the learning process. Some of the tasks that participants will have to compete are:

• Build a natural language processing solution with Azure AI language.
• Build an Azure AI vision solution.
• Create an intelligent document processing solution with Azure AI Document Intelligence.

Earn AI Applied Skills Credentials

At this stage, participants will showcase their proficiency in applying the AI skills acquired in Level 1. The attainment of a credential is contingent upon successfully navigating an on-demand online assessment, which entails completing a set of tasks within an interactive lab environment. 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 8 February 2024. The AI Tour, according to Microsoft, is a one-of-a-kind event that showcases how generative AI can enable new forms of creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. The tour features keynote sessions, demos, and workshops, where developers can learn from Microsoft experts and partners, as well as network with peers.