The Indian government recognizes the critical need for substantial investments in core infrastructure and the development of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to maximize the benefits of AI, according to Jason Kwon, Chief Strategy Officer of OpenAI. This understanding forms the backdrop for OpenAI's latest initiative in the country, the launch of OpenAI Academy India. This marks the first international expansion of the ChatGPT-maker's educational platform and is being undertaken in partnership with the IndiaAI Mission, which operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

The primary goal of OpenAI Academy India is to significantly expand access to AI education and tools. It aims to leverage India's rapidly growing developer community, robust digital infrastructure, and vibrant network of startups and innovators. Kwon highlighted that the demand for AI professionals in India is projected to reach one million by 2026, underscoring the opportunity and necessity to enhance AI skills development across the nation. He stated, "We hope to accelerate AI learning in a few ways, including sharing knowledge on how to leverage the latest AI tools so people in India can stay at the cutting edge of global innovation…and helping build public sector know-how and training design to support government innovation."

OpenAI and IndiaAI have formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). A key aspect of this partnership involves OpenAI Academy India supporting the 'FutureSkills' pillar of the IndiaAI Mission. This will be achieved by broadening access to AI skills training for a diverse audience, including students, developers, educators, civil servants, nonprofit leaders, and small business owners. The academy will offer a blend of digital and in-person learning options, initially available in English and Hindi, with plans to incorporate more regional languages in the future.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, commented on the initiative, stating, "This is a significant step towards advancing our shared goal of democratising access to knowledge and technology. We believe the latest AI frameworks and tools must be made widely accessible so that our startups, developers, and researchers can build faster, better, and at scale." Kwon also noted the strength of India's developer community, placing it among the top 10 countries building on OpenAI, and CEO Sam Altman previously identified India as OpenAI's second-largest market.

As part of its commitment, OpenAI will integrate its educational content onto the Future Skills platform and the iGOT Karmayogi platform, the latter being aimed at capacity building for government officials. This content will initially be in English and Hindi, with an expansion to four other regional languages planned. Furthermore, OpenAI is extending its 'AI for Impact Accelerator' program in India. This initiative will provide grants totaling $150,000 to 11 non-profit organizations addressing challenges in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, gender equity, and disability inclusion. These grants will be in the form of API credits and technical resources.