IBM Pledges to Equip India’s Youth for a Tech-Driven Future 

IBM has made a significant long-term commitment to train 5 million learners across  India by 2030 in essential future technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI),  Cybersecurity, and Quantum Computing. This initiative underscores IBM’s dedication to fostering a future-ready and inclusive workforce while enhancing access to in-demand  digital skills for students, educators, and working professionals throughout the country. 

The statement was released in New Delhi on December 19, 2025, as part of IBM’s  broader global mission to empower talent and bolster employability in the digital  economy. 

Enhancing Access to Emerging Technology Education 

As part of this commitment, IBM plans to expand its education and training  programmes across schools, universities, technical institutions, and vocational  learning ecosystems in India. The company will collaborate closely with key  organizations, such as the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), to enhance  hands-on learning experiences in artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge  technologies. 

These partnerships will encompass faculty development programmes, curriculum  integration, practical learning pathways, hackathons, and internship opportunities, 

ensuring that learners acquire not only theoretical knowledge but also real-world  experience with advanced technologies. 

India’s Role in the Global AI and Quantum Race 

Arvind Krishna, IBM’s Chairman, President, and CEO, highlighted India’s increasing  significance in the global technology arena, stating that the nation possesses the talent,  ambition, and scale to emerge as a global leader in frontier technologies. 

He stressed that proficiency in AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing will be pivotal  for economic growth, advancements in science and changes in society.. IBM’s  commitment, he noted, represents a long-term investment in the youth of India, aimed  at democratizing access to advanced skills and empowering young individuals to  innovate, develop solutions, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress. 

Laying Strong Foundations at the School Level 

IBM is also prioritizing early exposure to AI and computational thinking by enhancing  school-level readiness. The company has collaborated to develop AI curricula for senior  secondary students, supported by structured learning resources such as the AI Project  Cookbook, Teacher Handbooks, and explainer modules. 

These initiatives are designed to equip teachers to confidently deliver AI education at  scale while instilling responsible AI principles and problem-solving skills early in the  educational journey. 

IBM SkillsBuild at the Core of the Initiative 

Central to IBM’s skilling efforts is IBM SkillsBuild, one of the world’s most accessible  digital learning platforms. SkillsBuild offers over 1,000 free courses covering AI,  cybersecurity, quantum computing, cloud computing, data, sustainability, and  workplace readiness. 

With more than 16 million learners globally, SkillsBuild plays a crucial role in IBM’s  ambition to teach 30 million people globally by 2030, using India identified as a key  growth engine for this mission.

Boosting the Digital Talent Pipeline in India 

Through this initiative, IBM aims to bolster India’s rapidly evolving digital economy by  cultivating a skilled, adaptable, and future-ready workforce. By partnering with  educational institutions, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, the company is  committed to ensuring that India’s youth are prepared not only for today’s jobs but also  for the technologies that will influence the decade to come. 

As India moves closer to becoming a global technology and innovation hub, IBM’s  commitment represents a significant step towards aligning education, skills, as well as  national opportunities.