Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Higher Education Department on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Edunet Foundation to provide structured training in Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies to women students across the state’s colleges and universities.
The initiative, supported by Edunet Foundation in collaboration with Microsoft, aims to equip students with industry-relevant skills in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Machine Learning, Cyber Security, Python Programming, Data Analytics and related fields. The programme will comprise 240 hours of training designed to enhance technical proficiency and employability.
As part of the initiative, a special course titled “Career Opportunities for Women in Artificial Intelligence” will be introduced. Students will also undertake capstone projects focused on real-world applications of modern technologies. The programme will further facilitate internship and employment opportunities for participants. Around 1,000 women students are expected to be trained annually, and successful candidates will receive certification from Edunet Foundation and Microsoft.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises skill development and technology-based learning. He said the programme is aimed at strengthening the technical capabilities of students and improving their job prospects in emerging sectors.
Higher Education Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aravind Agrawal, Edunet Foundation Director Ashish Arora, Additional Secretary Prativa Sahu, Joint Secretary Mousumi Nayak, and other senior officials were present at the event.
