IBM, the largest industrial research organization in the world, and the Commissionerate of Technical Education (CTE Gujarat) of the Government of Gujarat have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic collaboration signifies a commitment to advancing education and skill development, focusing on equipping learners in Gujarat with essential skills in emerging technologies such as AI (including generative AI), cybersecurity, hybrid cloud, and workplace skills for professional development.
According to an official statement, the partnership aims to leverage IBM SkillsBuild, a pro-bono education programme tailored for underrepresented communities in tech. The initiative seeks to enhance learners’ expertise in Gujarat through training programmes, addressing knowledge gaps in emerging technologies and soft skills. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, expressed that such collaborations, including the one with IBM, are instrumental in furthering Gujarat’s excellence in technical education.
IBM helps clients in over 175 countries capitalize on data insights, streamline business processes, lower costs, and gain a competitive advantage in their sectors. More than 4,000 government and business entities in key infrastructure sectors such as financial services, telecommunications, and healthcare rely on the company’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to accelerate, optimize, and protect their digital transitions. IBM’s groundbreaking developments in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions, and consulting provide its clients with open and flexible options. Its long-standing commitment to trust, openness, accountability, inclusion, and service underpins all.
Speaking on the collaboration, Gaurav Sharma, Vice President of IBM India Software Labs, said:
In 2024, the emergence of technologies like GenAI and quantum computing signals transformative changes. Aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, our collaboration with CTE Gujarat aims to strengthen Gujarat’s education and skilling ecosystem further. Through training programmes under IBM SkillsBuild, we will bridge knowledge gaps for graduates and professionals, enhancing their expertise in emerging technology and soft skills. This collaboration bolsters our demographic dividend, positioning it for global excellence.
The effort will assist the state in creating opportunities and fostering a dynamic workforce. The engagement also aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, aiming to strengthen Gujarat’s education and skilling ecosystem. The programme includes an online platform and practical experience through collaborations with a global network of partners. Aligned with IBM’s commitment to skilling 30 million people by 2023 and training two million learners in AI by the end of 2026, the collaboration with CTE Gujarat aims to address the existing skills gap in the global workforce.
Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, stated:
Driven by the Government of Gujarat’s commitment to fostering opportunities and nurturing a dynamic workforce, Gujarat has emerged as a leader not only in business and entrepreneurship but also in the educational landscape. Collaborations, such as the one with IBM, will further enhance the state’s technical education excellence, which is crucial in shaping a skilled, future-ready workforce in emerging technologies like AI and hybrid cloud. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, the synergy between education and skilling is set to position India as a Vishwa Guru, evolving into a hub of knowledge and a leading skilling destination.
With this agreement, the company is endeavouring to empower youth and job seekers by offering technological resources and expertise, enabling them to acquire the necessary technical and professional skills for entering or re-entering the workforce.
CTE Gujarat’s vision is to facilitate quality technical and professional education relevant to both industry and society, with moral and ethical values, giving equal opportunity and access, aiming to prepare globally competent technocrats. The organization seeks to promote a conducive ecosystem for Academics, Industry, Research, Innovations and Startups.
