Salesforce, an AI CRM firm, has pledged to train one million learners in India by 2030 to develop an AI-ready workforce. This initiative coincides with the 10th anniversary of Salesforce India’s Centre of Excellence, aiming to equip individuals for AI-driven job roles beyond digital literacy. The training programs will be delivered through collaborations with government bodies, academic institutions, and industry partners, offering pathways for learners to acquire AI and cloud skills.
The skilling effort will involve partnerships with IndiaAI and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for government-backed AI programs, virtual internships with AICTE, and academic Centers of Excellence with institutions like Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Additionally, companies such as Accenture, Deloitte, Grant Thornton Bharat, Infosys, PwC, and TCS will provide structured training, mentorship, and job exposure to create employment opportunities within the Salesforce ecosystem.
Arundhati Bhattacharya, President and CEO of Salesforce South Asia, emphasized India’s pivotal role in the global technology landscape, stating that the commitment to train one million learners signifies India’s readiness to not only participate in but lead the AI economy. Buddha Chandrasekhar, Chief Coordinating Officer at AICTE, highlighted the importance of industry-academia collaboration in preparing a talent pool with digital, cloud, data, and AI capabilities through curriculum integration and virtual internships.
The initiative reflects India’s emergence as a significant global hub for digital talent, with a growing emphasis on AI-driven skilling and employability.
