Microsoft and SAP India has collaborated in a bid to jointly launch joint skilling programme, TechSaksham, an initiative which will focus on empowerment of students (girls) from underserved communities to build careers in technology.

The programme will collaborate with AICTE Training and Learning Academy-ATAL and State Collegiate Education departments, for supporting the skill development of faculty at participating institutes. In the first year of implementation, the initiative will be training 1,500 teachers and each faculty trained will be equipped to support over 50 students in one year, impacting 60,000 – 75,000 students.

The programme provides training on understand the application of technology and activity-based engagements to implement the skills under expert, ensuring employment.

Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, AICTE, said, “With more than 1000 women faculty certified, it will bring big ticket changes not only in employability of graduates but will encourage many more students to start their startup journey. AICTE has been constantly engaged in creating awareness and empowerment of all stakeholders to make India a global technology hub. TechSaksham is the right platform to do this. AICTE wishes the new age learners a great time.”

“We have always been at the forefront in advancing digital inclusion and equity across India through our flagship programs like Code Unnati where we have enabled more than 1.8 Mn adolescents and children. Our partnership with Microsoft is an expansion of this vision where we focus on equipping the young women of our country with skills in emerging technologies like AI and cloud computing empowering them to be a part of the future ready workforce,” added Kulmeet Bawa, President and Managing Director, SAP Indian Subcontinent.

Anant Maheshwari, President, Microsoft India, added, “At Microsoft, we are deeply committed to democratize access to technology. As we rapidly move towards a digital economy, the skills of the future will look very different from the skills that are needed today. Digital fluency will not just be a competitive advantage but a necessity to qualify for jobs. This requires a massive effort to skill India’s talent and workforce. The partnership with SAP reflects our commitment towards strengthening the skilling ecosystem and closing the digital skills gap by enabling Indian women to pursue the path to success in a digital-first economy.”