New Delhi: The University of Lucknow has become home to Uttar Pradesh’s first Centre for Green Skills & Applied AI, launched by the 1M1B Foundation in partnership with Microsoft, MeitY Startup Hub and the Government of Uttar Pradesh to prepare young people for careers in artificial intelligence, sustainability and the green economy.
The centre, inaugurated at the university’s main campus on Friday, is expected to engage more than 5,000 youth in its first year through hands-on training in Applied AI, climate technologies and industry-led projects.
The Lucknow facility is the third of five such centres planned across the country after Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The remaining centres will be established in Noida and Shillong as part of a national initiative that aims to train one lakh youth by 2030 and create pathways to 50,000 jobs, internships, apprenticeships and entrepreneurship opportunities.
According to the organisers, the programme will train 20,000 learners in its first year, connect 10,000 participants with employment and internship opportunities, and support the development of 50 AI-powered climate innovation projects across India.
The centre will offer practical learning in areas such as renewable energy, electric mobility, climate resilience, agriculture, manufacturing and the circular economy. It will also feature dedicated learning zones for solar energy, electric vehicles, wind energy and Applied AI, alongside industry projects, innovation cohorts, internships and incubation support.
Speaking at the inauguration, Prof. Jai Prakash Saini, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lucknow, said the centre would strengthen the university’s focus on future-oriented education and provide students with industry-aligned learning opportunities in artificial intelligence, sustainability and emerging technologies.
He said the initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by enhancing employability while encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship among students.
Manju Dhasmana, Senior Director – Elevate CSR at Microsoft, said the initiative supports Uttar Pradesh’s vision of becoming an AI-ready state by building a pipeline of skilled talent capable of addressing climate and sustainability challenges through technology.
Manav Subodh, Founder and CEO of the 1M1B Foundation, said India’s AI opportunity lies in enabling millions of young people to apply artificial intelligence across sectors rather than limiting its benefits to technology developers. He said the Lucknow centre would help equip youth with AI and green skills required by manufacturing, clean energy and other emerging industries.
The centres are being implemented by the 1M1B Foundation with support from Microsoft’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, which is providing AI technologies, digital learning resources, employee mentoring and innovation challenges to strengthen learners’ industry readiness.
