The Aryavarth Express Delhi NCR, February 27: The AI Careers for Women (AICW) initiative, launched in April 2025 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) in partnership with Microsoft, has entered its next phase with the formal launch of a multi-stakeholder alliance led by Microsoft, SAP, and LinkedIn.
The alliance aims to build inclusive, scalable, and sustainable career pathways for women in India’s rapidly expanding AI-driven economy. The initiative was originally unveiled in the presence of Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary and gained further momentum in July 2025 with SAP and LinkedIn joining as corporate partners.
Strengthening Industry-Academia Linkages
AICW seeks to bridge the gender gap in India’s technology workforce by creating structured opportunities for women in higher education. Operating through a hub-and-spoke model across eight states — Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Odisha — the programme connects academic institutions directly with industry pathways.
The initiative rests on two key pillars:
Skilling and Certification in AI and Data Technologies
AI LinkedIn Fellowship
Under the skilling component, supported by Microsoft and SAP, participants undergo job-ready AI training, including 240 hours of instructor-led learning at hub colleges and 180 hours at spoke colleges. The curriculum is supplemented by self-paced modules on Microsoft platforms, hands-on labs, and real-world capstone projects. Students earn industry-recognised certifications and gain access to structured internship and employment opportunities.
In its first year, AICW aims to establish 25 AI Centres of Excellence and upskill around 10,000 women students across participating institutions.
Collaboration with State Agencies
The programme has partnered with state bodies including the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC), Uttar Pradesh Development System Corporation (UPDESCO), Department of Technical Education (Karnataka), Gujarat Knowledge Society (GKS), and Women Entrepreneurs Hub (WeHub), Government of Telangana. Discussions are ongoing to further strengthen state-level implementation.
AI LinkedIn Fellowship
A key feature of the initiative is the three-month AI LinkedIn Fellowship, designed specifically for non-STEM women students and faculty. Supported by Microsoft and LinkedIn, with Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru as academic partner, the fellowship blends industry exposure with academic mentorship.
The fellowship has attracted over 2,000 applications nationwide, with 180 students and faculty members selected. Participants receive mentorship from industry leaders, access to peer learning networks, and leadership development opportunities.
Implementation and Vision
The end-to-end execution of the initiative is managed by the Edunet Foundation, a non-profit organisation focused on skilling, STEM education, and livelihood enhancement.
Nagesh Singh, Chairman of Edunet Foundation, said the programme integrates curriculum delivery, mentorship, and industry connectivity into a structured pathway that enables women to transition from students to skilled professionals.
Aligned with the national vision of “Making AI in India and Making AI Work for India,” AI Careers for Women (AICW) aims to ensure women are not only beneficiaries of technological growth but leaders and innovators in the country’s AI ecosystem. The initiative positions itself as a scalable model for fostering a more inclusive and competitive AI workforce in India.
