CoE on Green Skills, Open Applied AI

IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu and others at the opening of the Council of Europe in Hyderabad on Friday. | Photo credit: Arrangement

IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu on Friday inaugurated a Center of Excellence for Green Skills and Applied Artificial Intelligence in Hyderabad.

The facility forms part of a national network of five such centers of excellence, established by 1M1B and Microsoft in collaboration with MeitY Startup Hub, and prepares graduates for new opportunities at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability and industry, with a specialized track focused on Green Pharma.

Supported by the state Department of Information Technology and Industry, the CoE will equip technology and science graduates with industry-relevant skills and connect them to new opportunities. It will offer hands-on learning across applied AI, Green Pharma, solar energy, electric vehicles and wind energy, the minister’s office said in a release.

An industry-linked approach will help graduates build practical skills and exposure to the skills and technologies shaping the future of pharmacy.

“Gen Z will drive the next wave of AI and green innovation. As young people code, build businesses and explore the possibilities of AI, I encourage them to use their skills not only to create successful businesses, but also to solve real-world challenges,” said Sridhar Babu. Rajiv Kumar, Managing Director and President, Microsoft India Development Centre; Manav Subodh, founder and chief mentor of 1M1B and others attended the inauguration.

On the occasion, eight MoUs were signed between 1M1B and industry partners WindStream Energy Technologies, SCL Lifesciences, Emball’ISO India Packaging, Vimta Labs, Knowvation Learnings, CIEL HR Services, Arah Infotech and MSys Inc. An #AIForMyCity challenge was also launched to encourage youth to develop real solutions to AI challenges.

Published – 23 Oct 2026 23:59 IST