Salesforce and SmartBridge launch YuvaAI Bharat to train 100,000 Indians in GenAI skills

Salesforce has joined hands with SmartBridge, an edtech and talent development organization, to drive a large-scale AI skilling mission across India. The YuvaAI Bharat: GenAI Skill Catalyst program aims to strengthen India’s AI talent pool by offering practical learning opportunities and industry-aligned training to students, educators, and professionals.

The initiative will leverage Trailhead, Salesforce’s free digital learning platform, to provide learners with hands-on experience through a mix of expert-led live sessions and self-paced online modules. The goal is to certify 100,000 learners as AI-ready professionals by 2026. Participants completing the program will receive digital credentials validating their proficiency in AI-driven business applications and the “Agentblazer Champion Level” certification, enhancing their employability in the growing AI job market.

Government-backed drive for an AI-first future

The project is led by SmartBridge and strategically supported by the IndiaAI Mission and MeitY, aligning with India’s national agenda to build a future-ready workforce. The collaboration aims to close the gap between academia and industry by democratizing access to AI education, especially in smaller towns and institutions.

Kavita Bhatia, Group Coordinator (AI & Emerging Technologies Division, MeitY) & COO of IndiaAI, highlighted the importance of such initiatives:

“India’s youth are the driving force of our AI future. Through the YuvaAI program under the IndiaAI Mission, we aim to unlock their potential with the right skills and opportunities.”

Inclusivity and innovation

Arundhati Bhattacharya, CEO and President of Salesforce South Asia, said the initiative reflects Salesforce’s long-term commitment to inclusive innovation:

“India, with its immense talent pool, is not just participating in the global AI transformation—it is poised to lead it. Our partnership with SmartBridge furthers the IndiaAI mission and embodies our commitment to fostering trusted, inclusive innovation, particularly in this agentic era.”

Echoing this vision, Amarendar Katkam, Founder and CEO of SmartBridge, stated:

“Partnering with Salesforce and IndiaAI allows us to scale our mission nationwide—empowering students, educators, and professionals with the practical, job-ready AI skills needed to thrive in the future workforce.”

Trailhead: democratizing digital learning

Salesforce’s Trailhead platform has become a global hub for accessible, industry-relevant education. With over 3.9 million Trailblazers in India, the platform is already helping 3,000+ colleges and universities build future-ready capabilities in AI and Customer Relationship Management (CRM).

Through YuvaAI Bharat, Trailhead’s impact is expected to expand further, building a skilled generation equipped to lead in the AI economy and contribute to India’s position as a global AI powerhouse.