Latest news with #JyotiSharma
India Today
15-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
Over 700 marginalised youths trained in AI, robotics, and fintech skills
More than 700 marginalised youths from Delhi NCR and Bengaluru have successfully completed a 200-hour training programme focused on artificial intelligence. Covering key areas such as generative AI, robotics, and fintech, the initiative blended technical education with soft skills training to enhance job readiness and support entry into the evolving tech received over 140 hours of core AI training alongside more than 60 hours of sessions focused on communication, problem-solving, and workplace readiness. Expert-led workshops, real-world exposure through corporate visits, and mentorship from volunteers formed a key part of the holistic training on the success of the initiative, Jyoti Sharma, CEO, Nasscom Foundation said, 'AI is not just reshaping industries, it's redefining the future of work. Our collaboration with Capgemini, under the AI for Skilling initiative, reflects our shared vision of an inclusive digital economy, where marginalised youth have the opportunity to participate and break barriers to AI access. By enabling future-ready skills and focusing on foundational, core-work skills, we are investing in the potential of India's youth to fully embrace evolving digital opportunities.'Ashwin Yardi, CEO – India, Capgemini said, 'AI is shaping a bold new era of work—one where innovation, inclusion, and human potential thrive together. Through Capgemini's Digital Academy, in partnership with Nasscom Foundation, we are bridging the digital divide - equipping the youth with industry-relevant AI and technology skills for meaningful careers."The programme's first cohort has already started securing placements across technology sectors. Building on this success, the next phase of the initiative will expand into DeepTech fields, aiming to create a sustainable talent pipeline and bridge the digital divide for underserved communities.
New Indian Express
14-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
700 youth in Bengaluru trained in AI: Capgemini, Nasscom drive skilling push
BENGALURU: At least 700 underprivileged youths in Bengaluru and the Delhi-NCR region have been trained and certified through the 'AI for Skilling' programme, an initiative by Capgemini in partnership with the Nasscom Foundation. The programme, implemented in Bengaluru and Delhi NCR, is designed to provide 200-hour training, comprising over 140 hours of technical instruction and more than 60 hours of soft skills development. The initiative builds on Capgemini's Digital Academy programme. It aims to make students more upskilled, so that it becomes easier for them to get employment. CEO of Capgemini-India, Ashwin Yardi, said, 'Through Capgemini's digital academy, in partnership with Nasscom Foundation, we are bridging the digital divide— equipping the youth with industry-relevant AI and technology skills for meaningful careers.' CEO of Nasscom Foundation Jyoti Sharma said, 'Our collaboration with Capgemini, under the AI for Skilling initiative, reflects our shared vision of an inclusive digital economy, where marginalised youth have the opportunity to participate and break barriers to AI access. By enabling future-ready skills and focusing on foundational, core work skills, we are investing in the potential of India's youth to fully embrace evolving digital opportunities.'
India Today
13-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
Is job-linked tech training the key to uplifting underprivileged youth?
In a joint effort to bridge the skill gap and create employment-ready youth from underserved communities, Nasscom Foundation, in partnership with IG Group, has successfully trained 2,000 marginalised young individuals through its Skilling and Employability Programme for Youth. The initiative, which prioritises inclusion, saw over 60% participation from women and has already enabled 480 candidates to secure students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 regions, the program aimed to equip them with both technical and workplace-ready skills essential for thriving in today's digital economy. Training was conducted in-person at various partnering colleges and institutions across Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Delhi program included two distinct learning tracks: the Digital 101 course, which provided 1,200 students with a strong foundation in emerging technologies, and specialised Domain Courses for 800 students in BPM – Finance & Accounting, BPM – Banking, and Data Science & Analytics. Commenting on the program's impact, Jyoti Sharma, CEO of Nasscom Foundation, said, 'India's demographic dividend can only be realised when young people are equipped with future-ready skills. Our partnership with IG Group is a powerful example of what industry-led collaboration can achieve in closing the education-employment gap.'Anand Kadur, COO – IG Group Technology and Head of IG India, echoed the sentiment, noting, 'It's been inspiring to see the transformation in these students. Through this initiative, we are not only enabling individuals but also uplifting entire families and communities.'advertisementIn addition to technical skills, the initiative placed strong emphasis on holistic development. Participants received soft skills training in communication, workplace ethics, and professional behaviour. Guest lectures, career guidance sessions, and industry visits helped bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world ensure quality delivery, 15 faculty members underwent a 30-hour Faculty Development Program focused on contemporary pedagogy and tools in Data Science and effort helped standardise instruction and enhance learning outcomes across participating employment opportunities already being extended to nearly 500 trained students, the program marks a promising step toward building a diverse, inclusive, and future-ready workforce.
New Indian Express
13-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Marginalised youngsters across Karnataka get special skill training
BENGALURU: In a bid to make India's digital workforce more inclusive and future-ready, the Nasscom Foundation in collaboration with IG Group, a global fintech company, has trained 2,000 marginalised youth across Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Delhi NCR under its Skilling and Employability Program for Youth. With a strong focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns, the initiative aimed to bridge the education-employment divide by offering employment-linked training in emerging technologies. Women made up 60% of the participants and of those trained, over 480 have already secured employment. Training was delivered through a two-tier model — while 1,200 youth underwent a Digital 101 course to build foundational digital skills, 800 were given specialised training in areas such as Business Process Management (BPM) in Finance and Accounting and Banking, and Data Science and Analytics. All participants received certificates on successful completion, and training was conducted in-person at partnering colleges and institutions. 'India's demographic dividend can only translate to economic strength if we invest in the aspirations of its youth. Through our partnership with IG Group, we've created meaningful pathways for employment and inclusion for over 2,000 young individuals, many from underrepresented backgrounds,' Jyoti Sharma, CEO, Nasscom Foundation, said. The program also prioritised the professional development of faculty, with 15 trainers undergoing a structured 30-hour Faculty Development Program to enhance their delivery in core subjects. Students, meanwhile, benefited from holistic development through soft skills training, communication workshops, industrial visits, expert lectures, and career counselling.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
75 leading tech companies spearheaded over 2,610 CSR projects, investing Rs 5,443 cr: Nasscom Foundation
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Integrating AI, data analytics, and digital solutions can expand access to education, boost workforce upskilling, advance healthcare , and accelerate climate action—setting new benchmarks for tech-driven social good. Nasscom Foundation , along with Nasscom and BOD Consulting, released a CSR report titled ' Tech Industry and CSR: Insights and Impactful Stories,' highlighting the sector's evolving role in impactful CSR. The report states that India's tech industry contributed Rs 5,443 crore in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending in FY23, with companies going beyond the 2% mandate by leveraging technological expertise, scalability, and structured CSR strategies to drive long-term the sidelines of the launch, Jyoti Sharma, CEO, Nasscom Foundation, and Achyuta Ghosh, Senior Director and Head of Nasscom Insights, discussed with ET Online how technology is reshaping CSR, emerging trends, challenges, policy implications, and the growing focus on AI, digital skilling, and sustainability. Edited excerpts:I believe that technology is one of the most powerful enablers of inclusive growth. We see it not just as a tool but as a vital ally in addressing socio-economic challenges faced by marginalized communities. The pandemic accelerated digital transformation, expanding the scope of CSR and opening new avenues for tech-driven social tech companies are embedding AI, digital skilling, and sustainability into their CSR strategies. Initiatives include setting up digital infrastructures, integrating AI tools for real-time monitoring, skill-based volunteering and employing AI-based skill assessments. These efforts aim to build smart, scalable systems that support skill development, entrepreneurship, and employability, particularly among rural youth and women. By prioritizing access to technology and innovation, tech companies are bridging gaps in aspirational districts, improving access to essential services like healthcare, education, and agriculture. Failing to leverage technology effectively could hinder scalability and systemic change, as it has become an indispensable catalyst for sustainable, inclusive progress and a cornerstone of India's digital future.I believe that effective CSR hinges on collaboration among tech companies, government bodies, and local NGOs. At Nasscom Foundation, our core philosophy of TechForGood drives us to harness technology for inclusive growth and sustainable development. This shift from isolated efforts to co-created, scalable models enhances outcomes and aligns with goals of inclusive growth and digital FY23, 75 leading tech companies spearheaded over 2,610 CSR projects, investing Rs 5,443 crore—surpassing the mandated 2% of profits. These initiatives focused on education, climate action, and digital skilling, leveraging AI and digital platforms to reach millions and create sustainable pathways. Collaboration with the government aligns CSR with national objectives like digital inclusion and skilling, helping bridge regional disparities. Government-backed platforms like the Aspirational Districts Programme have seen a fivefold increase in CSR investment between FY19 and FY23. However, these districts, housing over 15% of India's population, still receive only about 2.15% of total CSR NGOs contribute essential community insights and last-mile connectivity, enhanced by capacity-building initiatives and skill-based volunteering from the tech sector. Such multi-stakeholder collaboration amplifies the impact. Strengthening public-private partnerships, fostering regional collaborations, and creating platforms for knowledge sharing can further align CSR efforts with national development goals. Promoting technology-driven collaboration and structured engagement among companies, NGOs, and government bodies will help scale impact, address region-specific challenges, and ensure efficient, inclusive use of CSR India's CSR landscape has evolved, key challenges persist—particularly in equitable geographic distribution, prioritising aspirational districts, and fostering stronger NGO partnerships. Our 2024 CSR survey revealed that 21% of companies struggle with limited collaboration, 20% face hurdles in expanding into new sectors, and 15% find it difficult to identify suitable implementation partners. Addressing these gaps is essential to unlocking CSR's full potential and aligning it more closely with national development in India has transformed over the past decade, empowering millions, with the tech industry leading the way. The number of participating companies increased by 22% from 19,888 in FY22 to 24,392 in FY23, while total CSR expenditure grew by 12.6% from Rs 26,400 crores to Rs 29,700 crores. This growth, fueled by stronger policies, reflects a deeper commitment to nation-building and the SDGs. Key trends include education, skill development, livelihoods, and climate change as top focus areas, impacting over 6.5 crore lives in FY23. Notably, CSR spending in aspirational districts has increased fivefold since FY19, though it still accounts for only 4.5% of total CSR expenditure. Encouragingly, 41% of organizations now prioritize alignment with national priorities and the SDGs. Looking ahead, social innovation is projected to increase from 6% to 8% focus in the next 3–5 years.I find it encouraging that CSR investments are becoming more strategic and aligned with national and global development goals. Still, organizations must better assess community needs and identify high-impact areas. In the coming years, skill development and livelihood generation are expected to surpass education as CSR priorities. Tech companies are entering areas like disaster response and WASH , while non-tech firms focus more on climate action. Social innovation is gaining ground, with focus expected to grow from 6% to 8%. Despite progress, companies face barriers in collaboration, sector expansion, and finding the right partners. On-the-ground challenges like tech resistance, fragmented gender efforts, and caste-based discrimination persist. A long-term, partnership-driven, tech-enabled approach is essential for deeper, inclusive report outlines key recommendations for CSR leaders aiming to replicate successful initiatives. It emphasizes establishing clear key performance indicators (KPIs) and leveraging AI tools for real-time monitoring to enable timely course corrections. Developing adaptive learning solutions tailored to diverse demographics, incorporating gamification and practical simulations, is highlighted to sustain with academic and industry stakeholders to create impactful training programs ensures certifications align with industry standards, attracting participation. Partnering with local NGOs addresses regional talent issues effectively. Providing regional language content and mobile or offline learning resources bridges accessibility technical and soft skills training, and utilizing case studies, offers clear career pathways for learners. Engaging with local organizations fosters effective outreach, builds trust, and allows for the customization of program goals to address community-specific challenges. Involving local outreach workers and leaders in a community-driven model ensures sustained behavioral change and program adoption. Partnering with organizations that possess local expertise helps bridge gaps in reach, logistics, and program execution.I have observed a significant shift in how we approach social responsibility. CSR is no longer a peripheral activity; it is now a strategic imperative that aligns closely with our business objectives and national development goals. This evolution has enabled us to leverage our technological expertise to address pressing social and environmental challenges to the Nasscom and Nasscom Foundation Annual CSR Survey 2024, 90% of tech-integrated projects reported increased impact, scalability, and efficiency. Furthermore, 41% of organizations are now prioritizing CSR goals that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals , reflecting our collective commitment to global societal advancement. It's clear that by embedding technology into our CSR strategies, we are not only driving meaningful change, but also setting a precedent for sustainable and inclusive growth.
