Gautam Buddha University launches Green Skills and Applied AI Centre for industrial sustainability training

Gautam Buddha University (GBU) has established a Green Skills and Applied AI Centre of Excellence in Noida to train youth in artificial intelligence (AI), sustainable manufacturing and industrial sustainability. The initiative has been launched in collaboration with the 1M1B Foundation, MeitY Startup Hub and Microsoft.

Uttar Pradesh IT and Electronics Minister Sunil Kumar Sharma inaugurated the centre on November 2. The AI centre aims to equip young participants with industry-relevant skills through practical training, projects, internships and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The centre will focus on using AI to improve energy and resource efficiency, reduce industrial waste, strengthen quality control and optimise production processes.

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AI and green skills training

The centre will provide training in green skills related to renewable energy, electric mobility and resource-efficient manufacturing. Its programmes will also include mentoring, practical projects and opportunities to develop entrepreneurial ideas.

Speaking at the event, Sharma said the initiative would prepare “youth for future needs”. He encouraged participants to develop new ideas and products, adding that the objective was not just to make them employable but also to help them become “job creators and start their own businesses, so that they can contribute to the progress of the state and the country”.

Manju Dhasmana, senior director, Elevate CSR at Microsoft, described the initiative as a step towards strengthening Uttar Pradesh's AI ecosystem. She has also added that  it reflected “Microsoft Elevate's "AI + Jobs" philosophy”.

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Five centres across India

The centre in Noida is part of a national network of five Green Skills and Applied AI Centres of Excellence being developed by 1M1B and Microsoft in collaboration with the MeitY Startup Hub. The other centres are in Bengaluru, Lucknow, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.

The network aims to equip one lakh youth with applied AI and green skills by 2030. The initiative is also expected to support Uttar Pradesh's manufacturing, electronics and emerging technology sectors by developing a workforce equipped for sustainable industrial growth.