The University of Lucknow has opened Uttar Pradesh's first Centre for Green Skills and Applied AI, set up by 1M1B Foundation with Microsoft, MeitY Startup Hub and the Uttar Pradesh government. The Centre aims to train young people in artificial intelligence and green technologies while supporting access to jobs, internships, apprenticeships and entrepreneurship.

The facility is part of a national programme that targets engaging 100,000 youth by 2030 and creating pathways to 50,000 employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Lucknow is the third location under the programme after Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Two more centres are planned in Noida and Shillong.

According to the organisations, 20,000 learners are expected to be trained during the first year across the five centres, with 10,000 linked to career opportunities. The programme also aims to support 50 climate-focused projects using artificial intelligence. More than 5,000 young people are expected to participate in the Lucknow centre in its first year.

The Centre houses learning facilities for solar energy, wind energy, electric vehicles, and applied artificial intelligence. Students will receive practical training through industry projects, internships, innovation programmes and entrepreneurship support. Job fairs and employer engagement activities are also planned.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lucknow, Prof. Jai Prakash Saini, said the Centre would expand opportunities for students to gain practical experience in artificial intelligence, sustainability and other emerging fields. He said the initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 and is intended to strengthen employability and innovation.

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister for Information Technology and Electronics Sunil Kumar Sharma addressed the event through a video message and said skill development in artificial intelligence and green technologies would help prepare young people for future employment.

Manju Dhasmana, Senior Director – Elevate CSR at Microsoft, said the Centre is intended to strengthen artificial intelligence skills while encouraging work on climate-related challenges. Manav Subodh, Founder and CEO of 1M1B Foundation, said the programme focuses on preparing young people for opportunities in sectors including manufacturing, clean energy and sustainability.

Microsoft is supporting the programme through digital learning resources, artificial intelligence tools, employee mentoring and capacity-building under its Corporate Social Responsibility programme, while 1M1B Foundation is responsible for implementation.