Salesforce, the world’s leading AI-powered CRM provider, has announced its collaboration with SmartBridge to support the ‘YuvaAI Bharat: GenAI Skill Catalyst’ initiative, a nationwide program backed by the IndiaAI Mission and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The initiative aims to train 100,000 learners by 2026, preparing India’s youth for careers in an AI-first economy.
Led by SmartBridge, the program focuses on bridging the gap between academia and industry by providing practical, hands-on AI training. Salesforce will leverage its online learning platform, Trailhead, to deliver a blended model of self-paced modules and live expert-led sessions. Participants who complete the program will earn digital credentials validating their expertise in AI-driven business applications.
A major focus of the initiative will be on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to develop a diverse and inclusive AI talent pipeline across India. Learners will be trained to achieve the “Agentblazer Champion Level,” equipping them with job-ready, industry-aligned skills. The program will also expose participants to Agentforce, Salesforce’s enterprise-grade system for agentic AI, which enables companies to build autonomous, intelligent workflows on its unified platform.
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According to Salesforce, this collaboration reinforces its commitment to empowering India’s workforce and addressing the nation’s growing digital skills gap. Trailhead, which already supports over 3.9 million learners in India and is used by more than 3,000 colleges, offers accessible pathways for individuals to gain credentials and connect with the global Salesforce ecosystem.
Arundhati Bhattacharya, President & CEO, Salesforce South Asia, said that India’s large and dynamic talent base positions it to lead the global AI transformation. The partnership, she noted, will further the IndiaAI Mission by equipping learners with trusted and inclusive AI skills for the agentic era.
Amarendar Katkam, Founder & CEO, SmartBridge, stated that the collaboration enables the organisation to scale its mission of making emerging technology skills accessible nationwide, empowering both students and professionals.
Smt. Kavita Bhatia, Group Coordinator (AI & ET Div., MeitY) and COO, IndiaAI, said the YuvaAI initiative aims to unlock India’s youth potential by fostering collaboration between government, academia, and industry to prepare the next generation of AI innovators.
The ‘YuvaAI Bharat: GenAI Skill Catalyst’ program marks another step in India’s ongoing push to expand its AI ecosystem and strengthen its position as a global digital talent hub.