India Launches AI Skilling Initiative with Google to Train 15,000 Youth in Media Sector

India Unveils National AI Skilling Initiative with Google and YouTube

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday launched three major initiatives designed to boost media and entertainment sector growth while promoting the Orange Economy 1

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. The centerpiece is a National AI Skilling initiative implemented in partnership with Google and YouTube through the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), targeting 15,000 participants from the creative and media sectors with free training 2

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The AI Skilling Initiative will unfold in two phases starting March 23, 2026. Phase I, running through June 30, 2026, focuses on foundational AI learning through Google Career Certificates and Google Cloud Generative AI learning paths 1

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. Participants will complete courses including AI Essentials, Prompting Essentials, Introduction to Generative AI, and Generative AI Leader Path, with successful completion mandatory for progression. Phase II delivers advanced, project-based training tailored for animation, visual effects, gaming, comics (AVGC), and media technology, incorporating modules on storytelling, YouTube best practices, and training with AI tools such as Gemini 3, Nano Banana, Veo, and Vertex AI 2

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MyWAVES Platform to Democratize Content Production

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting introduced MyWAVES, a citizen-centric creator platform integrated into WAVES OTT that enables users to create, upload, and share content 1

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. This structured platform for user-generated content supports participation in national initiatives like the Create in India Challenge and marks a shift from passive content viewing to active content participation 2

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MyWAVES will support multiple formats including short videos, vertical videos, and episodic content, offering a multilingual interface across Indian languages. The platform is expected to serve emerging content creators and storytellers from across the country, strengthening India's digital ecosystem. Ashwini Vaishnaw described MyWAVES as a powerful tool that will help democratize content production and showcase India's rich culture, traditions, and regional diversity 1

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Advanced Electronic Programme Guide and In-Built Satellite Tuners Expand Access

The government announced the rollout of television sets equipped with in-built satellite tuners and an Advanced Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) to enhance access to DD Free Dish services 2

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. This initiative eliminates the need for a separate set-top box, reducing costs and simplifying the viewing experience, particularly in remote and underserved regions. The advanced programme guide allows users to easily browse channels and programme schedules through a simple, intuitive interface, making the overall viewing experience more convenient for households across the country 2

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Building an AI-Skilled Workforce for Media and Entertainment

Secretary Sanjay Jaju highlighted that all three initiatives reflect a common policy direction aimed at building a strong ecosystem for content creators while ensuring wider access to quality public broadcasting 1

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. The National AI Skilling Initiative will help creators build capabilities and achieve their goals in the evolving digital landscape, supporting the development of an AI-skilled workforce in the media and entertainment sector.

Gunjan Soni, Managing Director - India at YouTube, stated that the initiative reflects the platform's continued commitment to a Digital India where technology serves as an enabler for all. "We believe that AI has the potential to open up remarkable opportunities for India's dynamic creative economy. Through our collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and IICT, we aim to equip creators and professionals with the skills required to master the tools of the future, leverage AI to tell more compelling stories, expand their reach to new audiences, and play a role in shaping the future of media," Soni said 1

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The minister also referenced the Creators' Corner initiative, noting its growing popularity with some content already receiving over 3 million views, and urged creators across the country to actively use Doordarshan and platforms like MyWAVES to contribute to a vibrant and inclusive media landscape 1

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. These measures align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of democratising technology and the government's commitment to boost Orange Economy growth through Union Budget announcements supporting the creative sector.