YuvaAI Bharat: GenAI Skill Catalyst

YuvaAI Bharat: GenAI Skill Catalyst is an important initiative introduced by Salesforce in partnership with SmartBridge, a talent accelerator and edtech organisation. This project aims to enhance AI skills among learners in India, focusing on preparing them for the future job market. The goal is to train one lakh learners by the end of 2026 using Trailhead, Salesforce’s free online learning platform, targeting both academic and industry participants.

The Importance of Early AI Education

During the launch event, Arundhati Bhattacharya, President and CEO at Salesforce South Asia, highlighted the necessity of integrating AI education at an early stage in academic paths. She believes that for the nation to thrive in an AI-driven future, education must start at schools. Today’s children are more technology-savvy and curious, and the focus should not only be on using technology but also on comprehending its functioning and responsible applications, as stated to Startup Superb.

Salesforce’s Commitment to Education

Bhattacharya expressed that Salesforce’s dedication to educational growth and workforce development in India is being reinforced through this new initiative. She stated that building on their established commitment, Salesforce aims to widen access to quality education and foster employment opportunities for the youth. The collaboration with SmartBridge is aimed at advancing inclusive AI education, providing learners with practical experience through a combination of live sessions and self-paced learning on Trailhead.

The Need for Continuous Learning

She also pointed out that future success will rely heavily on adaptability and a continuous learning mindset. If students can cultivate this mindset early, they will not just engage in the AI era; they will lead it, Bhattacharya affirmed.

Industry Perspectives on Bridging the Talent Gap

Amarendar Katkam, Founder and CEO of SmartBridge, reiterated that this collaboration aims to close the existing talent gap in AI. He commented on how this initiative serves as a crucial and urgent supplement to the current talent pool in higher education, highlighting its timely relevance in today’s job market.

Extending AI Education to Schools

While the primary focus is higher education, Katkam mentioned that similar AI initiatives are also emerging within primary and secondary education frameworks. He acknowledged ongoing efforts to enhance the school curriculum with AI-related subjects. The essential factor is how students engage with this technology and the obligation that accompanies its usage.

Balancing Enthusiasm and Responsibility

Katkam stressed the importance of approaching AI training with both excitement for its possibilities and a sense of responsibility, noting that regulations will be established to guide its use. However, the effectiveness ultimately depends on the users and how they choose to utilise it.

Timeline and Future of AI Training

On timelines for broadening the reach of AI training, Katkam clarified that SmartBridge will concentrate on higher education for now, while the integration at the curriculum level is under the purview of educational authorities. He indicated that while AI content is on the rise, real-world application might require further time to develop.

Future Programmes Focused on AI

He highlighted SmartBridge’s intention to delve deeper into AI skilling beyond general training. He appreciates Salesforce’s emphasis on agentic capabilities that address specific market needs. The interest in initiatives related to AI in sectors like healthcare, education, and cybersecurity is growing, and SmartBridge is planning to initiate projects within these areas.

Aligning with IndiaAI Mission

Kavita Bhatia, Group Coordinator at MeitY and COO of IndiaAI, praised the Salesforce-SmartBridge collaboration, noting its synergy with the Centre’s IndiaAI Mission. She remarked that empowering India’s youth with appropriate skills and opportunities through the YuvaAI programme is vital for the country’s AI aspirations. The initiative embodies a collective effort from the government, educational institutions, and industry to train and inspire the next wave of AI innovators.