New Bengaluru CoE to train 30,000 students in green skills and applied AI

Karnataka took a major step towards integrating technology with sustainability on Thursday with the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence for Green Skills and Applied Artificial Intelligence for Climate Action at SKSJTI Government College here.

Inaugurating the facility, Higher Education Minister M C Sudhakar said the Centre would strengthen the state’s technical education ecosystem by equipping students with future-ready skills aligned with global climate and employment needs. Describing it as a world-class initiative, he said the facility would help translate students’ technological ideas and innovations into practical solutions.

Emphasising the state government’s focus on employment-oriented education, Sudhakar said government technical institutions were increasingly prioritising skill development to improve student employability. The new Centre, he noted, would significantly expand career pathways, particularly in emerging fields linked to sustainability and artificial intelligence.

According to an official statement, the Centre aims to train around 30,000 students over the next three years, providing them with globally relevant skills and improving their access to international job opportunities. The initiative has been established through a collaboration between the 1M1B Foundation, Microsoft, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) , with a focus on building high-quality AI talent in the country.

The Centre will focus on the application of artificial intelligence to climate action, including areas such as renewable energy, environmental sustainability, climate monitoring, and resource optimisation. Applied AI tools will be used to analyse climate data, improve energy efficiency, support sustainable agriculture, and aid in environmental conservation through data-driven solutions.

Bengaluru is home to the first such Centre in India, and Microsoft plans to set up similar facilities in five states, with Karnataka being given priority due to its strong technology ecosystem and human capital. Highlighting the state’s leadership in innovation and technology, Sudhakar urged students to make full use of the Centre to contribute meaningfully to global efforts to combat climate change.