On December 5, 2024, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and HP began an AI Immersion Programme in Ahmedabad with the goal of training 10,000 participants in 20 cities over the course of the following six months.
In keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an AI-driven and digitally empowered India, which was highlighted during India’s G20 Presidency, the week-long programme got underway in Ahmedabad.
The programme’s goal is to give companies—especially Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs)—a practical understanding of AI tools and how to incorporate them into their everyday operations. Through the programme, companies will be able to use AI in marketing, finance, planning, and cybersecurity, which will increase operational efficiency, stimulate innovation, and promote global competitiveness.
Mr. Darshan Shah, Immediate Past Chairman of the CII Gujarat State Council, discussed the initiative: “With this programme, our aim was not just to conduct a masterclass but to immerse participants in hands-on training with tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. By focusing on tools that don’t require extravagant infrastructure, we’re helping MSMEs become self-reliant, improve efficiency, and adapt AI solutions to their operations. Our goal is to create an ecosystem that shifts the mindset of MSMEs, empowering them to innovate, scale, and succeed in the digital age.”
The decision to launch the programme in Ahmedabad emphasizes the city’s strategic importance in India’s growth trajectory.
Ahmedabad epitomizes the Hon’ble Prime Minister Modi’s India@2047 vision, which centers on equipping MSMEs with digital and artificial intelligence capabilities to boost their global competitiveness, thanks to its robust industrial base and forward-thinking corporate environment.
Over the course of the following six months, the initiative will expand to places like Gurugram and Chandigarh, with Ahmedabad serving as a model for meaningful participation.
At the CII Ahmedabad office, more than 500 professionals from Gujarat’s varied industries, especially MSMEs, have already enthusiastically participated in the first round of workshops.
Additionally, Mr. Rajeev Mishra, Director of the Western Region and State Head of CII Gujarat, underlined that “This programme marks a significant step in CII’s commitment to empowering Gujarat’s MSMEs. With the right tools and knowledge, we believe that businesses can harness the power of AI to drive efficiency, growth, and innovation. Our focus is to create lasting value and equip MSMEs with the skills to succeed in a rapidly changing digital landscape.”
Over the course of the next two days, the programme will continue in Ahmedabad with four additional workshops scheduled, strengthening CII’s dedication to creating a future-ready India and opening the door for a digitally empowered MSME sector.
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