Microsoft Chooses India as First Asian Launchpad for ‘Elevate for Educators’ to Train 2 Million Teachers in AI by 2030
Microsoft Chooses India as First Asian Launchpad for ‘Elevate for Educators’ to Train 2 Million Teachers in AI by 2030 Tech giant Microsoft has launched its ambitious “Elevate for Educators” initiative in India making the country the first in Asia to host the program with a bold vision to train two million teachers in artificial intelligence (AI) and reach 200,000 schools and educational institutions across the nation by 2030. The initiative was officially unveiled by Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith at a flagship event at a CM SHRI School in New Delhi, highlighting Microsoft’s deepening commitment to educational transformation and AI integration in classrooms.
The launch comes at a pivotal moment for India’s education ecosystem, as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 introduces AI and computational thinking into school curricula starting from grade 3 this academic year. The Elevate for Educators program is designed to equip teachers with AI competencies well in advance of this curricular roll-out, ensuring educators are prepared to guide students through a future where AI literacy is increasingly essential.
Unlike traditional teacher training efforts, the program adopts a multi-track approach that includes structured credentials tied to a national AI literacy framework, a peer learning community spanning the targeted two million educators, and investments in physical and digital infrastructure such as AI Ambassadors, Educator Academies, and
Centers of Excellence spread across thousands of institutions. By integrating training with platforms like DIKSHA and Skill India Digital Hub, Microsoft aims to embed AI skills development throughout India’s formal education ecosystem.
Key educational bodies in India including the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), and the Directorate General of Training have partnered with Microsoft to ensure the initiative aligns with national priorities and reaches learners across school, vocational, and higher education sectors.
Importantly, Microsoft’s strategy positions educators not merely as beneficiaries of training but as central agents of change in shaping an “AI-first” learning environment. By starting at the teacher level, the company hopes to foster responsible, confident use of AI tools that enhance instruction, personalize learning, and expand opportunities for students of all backgrounds. This approach reflects a broader industry trend where large tech firms play an active role in public-private partnerships to advance digital literacy and skilling at scale.
The “Elevate for Educators” initiative underscores both India’s growing importance as a global hub for AI adoption and Microsoft’s intention to build long-term, inclusive pathways for technology integration in education a move that could shape not only how students learn but also how educators teach in an AI-driven future. International News: HORIBA UK Launches New Foundation to Expand STEM Education Funding, Research Support, and Workforce Diversity In a significant move to strengthen the United Kingdom’s scientific and educational landscape, HORIBA UK has established a new philanthropic entity the HORIBA Foundation UK aimed at broadening access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, boosting research funding, and supporting a more diverse future scientific workforce. The initiative marks a major commitment by HORIBA, a global leader in measurement technologies, toward not just advancing cutting-edge research but also addressing persistent barriers that limit participation in STEM fields.
At its core, the HORIBA Foundation UK is built on two strategic priorities: expanding financial support for students pursuing STEM degrees, particularly those from historically underrepresented backgrounds, and fueling high-impact scientific research that aligns with pressing global challenges. This dual focus reflects a broader industry recognition that equitable access to STEM education is critical to developing a pipeline of future innovators and researchers capable of tackling complex societal issues.
Dr. Simon FitzGerald, head of science and technology at HORIBA UK and director of the new foundation, has underscored how diversity in STEM enriches scientific inquiry. According to FitzGerald, bringing together individuals from varied backgrounds not only broadens the scope of questions considered in research but also fosters more innovative and impactful solutions. This ethos aligns with global efforts to make scientific fields more inclusive a trend mirrored in related UK initiatives such as flexible diversity and inclusion funding for engineering and physical sciences.
Early investments by the HORIBA Foundation UK include scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students at several universities across the UK including Aston University, Keele University, Northumbria University, and the University of Strathclyde as well as funding partnerships with research projects at institutions like University College London (UCL) and the University of Nottingham. These partnerships illustrate the foundation’s commitment not only to educational access but also to strengthening research ecosystems where students can both contribute and thrive.
The impact of such philanthropic support extends beyond individual learners. STEM education funding and research grants help build a stronger and more robust scientific workforce, providing laboratories and research organizations with access to well-trained graduates, collaborative project support, and opportunities to explore multidisciplinary challenges. Investments like these are increasingly important in a world where rapid technological advancements, such as in AI and engineering biology, are reshaping scientific careers and economic growth sectors.
Moreover, by focusing on workforce diversity, the HORIBA Foundation UK aims to ensure that a wider range of perspectives contributes to scientific discovery an objective that enhances both the social relevance and the quality of research outputs. This focus dovetails with other initiatives in the UK that encourage inclusive practices in research and innovation, fostering environments where more students, regardless of background, can succeed in STEM fields.
In summary, the HORIBA UK foundation represents a meaningful investment in the future of STEM education and research. By lowering economic and structural barriers to participation, supporting cutting-edge research, and reinforcing pathways from education to employment, the initiative is poised to make a lasting contribution to the UK’s science and technology landscape and to serve as a model for similar efforts internationally.
