IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies to Offer Upskilling Courses in AI, ML, Data Science

IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation has collaborated with start-ups to provide industry-oriented skilling in areas such as AI, ML, and Data Science. The MoU was signed between IITM Pravartak and five startups – Crion Versity, Dataswitch, Neekan Consulting, Rudram Dynamics, and Skill Angels. Those interested in taking up courses offered through these collaborations can register through digitalskills.pravartak.org.in.

The important outcomes expected from this collaboration include newer ways of understanding cutting-edge technologies through content and platforms belonging to start-ups. It also includes developing point solutions for nice problem areas in AI, ML, and Data Science.

Highlighting the importance of this initiative, Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “Start-ups must become leading employers and look at IIT Madras for their talent requirements. Start-ups in the skilling sector should intervene early with students and impart cognitive ability, foundational maths, and science skills for their success in higher education.”

Dr MJ Shankar Raman, CEO, IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, said, “We will work with these start-ups on niche areas like Drone pilot training, Data analytics, AI/ML, and Generative AI. Our clients come to us for insights on their complex and sensitive unstructured data. We leverage startups like DataSwitch for such requirements”

“One of our partners, Neekan Consulting, is a Technology, Process, and Marketing consulting company enabling SMBs and start-ups in all industry domains. They work with us on Product and Programme management apart from skilling freshers and making them job-ready. Similarly, SkillAngels (based out of IITM research park) uses gamification, animation, and adaptive learning strategies for Cognitive assessments and upskilling,” Dr Raman added.

Balamurali Shankar, General Manager, Digital Skills Academy of IITM Pravartak, said, “These start-ups have a combination of academic and industry expertise thereby giving a good learning experience to the students. One of our partners, Crion Versity, was founded by IIT Madras Alumni and comes with a rich experience of running a digital twin organization Crion Technologies at IITM Research Park. Their flagship career experience programmes provide engaging short-form learnings on job skills in areas such as Data Analytics.”