IBM Commits to Skill 5 Million in India for AI-Driven Future
In a major push to prepare India’s workforce for the next technological frontier, global tech giant IBM announced on Thursday a commitment to skill five million learners across the country in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and Quantum Computing by 2030.
Announced from Bengaluru, the initiative aims to build an equitable, future-ready talent pool, broadening access to critical digital skills for students and adult learners alike. The training will be delivered through IBM SkillsBuild, the company’s flagship digital learning platform.
“India possesses the talent and ambition to lead the world in AI & Quantum,” said Arvind Krishna, IBM Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Fluency in frontier technologies will define economic competitiveness, scientific progress and societal transformation.”
He added, “Our commitment to skill five million people is an investment in that future. By democratizing access to advanced skills, we are enabling the youth and students to build, innovate and accelerate India’s growth.” 
A Multi-Pronged Educational Push
The program will expand advanced technology education across schools, universities, and vocational training ecosystems. A key part of the strategy involves collaboration with academic bodies like the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to drive hands-on learning pathways, faculty development, curriculum integration, hackathons, and internships.
At the school level, IBM is focusing on embedding foundational knowledge early. The company is co-developing the AI curriculum for senior secondary students, complemented by teaching resources such as an AI Project Cookbook, Teacher Handbook, and explainer modules. This aims to foster computational thinking and responsible AI principles from an early age.
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The Engine: IBM SkillsBuild
Central to this nationwide effort is IBM SkillsBuild, a free online learning ecosystem. The platform offers over 1,000 courses in high-demand fields including AI, cybersecurity, quantum computing, cloud, data, and sustainability, alongside workplace readiness skills.
Globally, SkillsBuild has already engaged over 16 million learners. The ambitious plan in India is a significant accelerator for IBM’s global mission to skill 30 million people worldwide by 2030, positioning the country as a cornerstone of its workforce development strategy.
The initiative underscores a growing recognition that India’s demographic dividend must be matched with strategic upskilling, particularly in disruptive technologies, to secure its position in the global digital economy.
Key Quotes:
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“India possesses the talent and ambition to lead the world in AI & Quantum. Fluency in frontier technologies will define economic competitiveness, scientific progress and societal transformation.” – Arvind Krishna, IBM Chairman, President and CEO.
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“Our commitment to skill five million people is an investment in that future. By democratizing access to advanced skills, we are enabling the youth and students to build, innovate and accelerate India’s growth.” – Arvind Krishna.
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“ಭಾರತವು AI & ಕ್ವಾಂಟಂನಲ್ಲಿ ವಿಶ್ವವನ್ನು ಮುನ್ನಡೆಸಲು ತalentುತ್ತಾನೆ ಮತ್ತು ಮಹತ್ವಾಕಾಂಕ್ಷೆಯನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿದೆ. ಅತ್ಯಾಧುನಿಕ ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನದ ಪರಿಣತಿಯೇ ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧಾತ್ಮಕತೆ, ವೈಜ್ಞಾನಿಕ ಪ್ರಗತಿ ಮತ್ತು ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ರೂಪಾಂತರವನ್ನು ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸುತ್ತದೆ.” – ಅರ್ವಿಂದ್ ಕೃಷ್ಣ.
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“ಐದು ಮಿಲಿಯನ್ ಜನರನ್ನು ಪರಿಣತರನ್ನಾಗಿ ಮಾಡಲು ನಮ್ಮ ಬದ್ಧತೆ ಆ ಭವಿಷ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಒಂದು ಹೂಡಿಕೆಯಾಗಿದೆ. ಸುಧಾರಿತ ಕೌಶಲ್ಯಗಳಿಗೆ ಪ್ರವೇಶವನ್ನು ಪ್ರಜಾಪ್ರಭುತ್ವೀಕರಿಸುವ ಮೂಲಕ, ನಾವು ಯುವಕರು ಮತ್ತು ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳು ಭಾರತದ ಬೆಳವಣಿಗೆಯನ್ನು ಕಟ್ಟಲು, ನಾವಿನ್ಯತೆ ಮಾಡಲು ಮತ್ತು ವೇಗಗೊಳಿಸಲು ಸಶಕ್ತಗೊಳಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇವೆ.” – ಅರ್ವಿಂದ್ ಕೃಷ್ಣ.
