upGrad, one of Asia’s most extensive integrated learning, skilling, and workforce development firms, has inked a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra government in the presence of Hon. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Ronnie Screwvala in Davos. The initiative aims to build a world-class AI talent base for worldwide businesses while driving employment possibilities throughout the State.
With an initial investment of INR 2,150 crore, the programme will establish upGrad Institute of AI Excellence Centers throughout Maharashtra to train over 1 million students in AI and emerging technologies. The move, led by Hon. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, aims to increase Maharashtra’s contribution to the nation’s progress toward becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2030.
Speaking about the initiative, Ronnie Screwvala, Co-founder of upGrad & Swades Foundation, said:
It’s exciting to see the Government of Maharashtra taking concrete steps in enabling our talent with sharp resources they need to springboard onto the growth podium. There’s a robust urban learning infrastructure that our State has, and bringing it to rural will only accelerate our commitment to producing the most considerable AI-ready talent for the world and for the careers of tomorrow. ATLAS SkillTech University has been fronting the quality benchmarks in higher education across design, tech and entrepreneurship. The partnership will open doors to a broader segment to access that pedagogy and content.
- The upGrad-supported ATLAS SkillTech University to create futuristic bespoke hybrid programmes in emerging areas of Design, Digital Transformation, Technology, AI and Gaming under the prestigious Maharashtra State University of Eminence initiative
- Establish an urban university and Campus hub in partnership with three renowned Global Universities as part of Hon. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s visionary ‘Educity’ initiative. This transformative project aims to deliver world-class, globally benchmarked education, positioning Maharashtra as a premier destination for top-quality higher education.
- The second pillar of this initiative will focus on empowering an additional 250,000 rural youth by addressing talent gaps in underserved areas. It will also include training professionals and fostering rural entrepreneurs in the not-for-profit sector, driving Maharashtra’s rural empowerment efforts and accelerating socio-economic upliftment across the State.
Dr Indu Shahani, Founding Chancellor & President of ATLAS SkillTech University, added:
We are proud to partner with the Government of Maharashtra on this groundbreaking initiative to redefine the future of education. Guided by our mission to nurture job seekers and visionary job creators, we are steadfast in our commitment to nation-building. We aim to bridge gaps and create transformative opportunities across urban and rural communities by empowering learners with cutting-edge, future-ready skills. This collaboration is a testament to our dedication to delivering world-class education and advancing Maharashtra’s position as a global epicentre for AI talent, innovation, and progress.
With an equal focus on rural and urban development, this partnership is poised to build Maharashtra as the most potent hub for global talent in advanced and emerging technologies.
upGrad, founded in 2015, provides various online and hybrid skilling programmes, certifications, and bootcamps under its B2C portfolio. It also enables leading Indian and international universities to offer diplomas, master’s degrees, and executive doctorates. In addition, the corporate skilling section offers chosen programmes specialized to Enterprise clients, as well as additional recruitment and employment services.
