upGrad, one of Asia's largest integrated skilling and forever learning majors is doubling down on its AI commitment and has launched 'upGrad AI Incubator' to scale homegrown AI startups.
The company has set aside a sum of INR 100 cr in its initial phase to drive product innovation by providing emerging startups with the right resources - infrastructure and minimum seed capital.
This support is designed to help them develop plug-and-play AI technologies - largely around learning, skilling and workforce development, that can seamlessly integrate across various industries, enhancing scalability and efficiency. In the coming months, the incubator plans to take minority stakes in 5-6 AI startups, allowing upGrad to monitor potential breakthroughs by young entrepreneurs without assuming full ownership.
Leveraging AI to deliver personalised and scalable educational resources, upGrad AI Incubator will build stronger adaptive learning paths, one-to-many tutoring models, and smarter assessments to reduce test fatigue while emphasizing real-world applicability.
"Having AI capabilities is not a calendared program anymore, it's a fundamental/ bare minimum skill. India is sitting at an epicenter where not only do we want to disrupt but also be the disruptor and so this 'upGrad AI Incubator' is that opportunity - a strong incubating combinator that will turbocharge our people resources and aspirations to the next phase of growth we want to see. As AI is in its early stages, we are committed to building robust infrastructure that supports and trains millions across all economic levels - through upskilling and nurturing ideas and talent. This move is a major augmenter for strengthening the workforce development capabilities and creating jobs of tomorrow while sending strong growth signals as a self-reliant, technologically empowered nation," said Ronnie Screwvala, Co-founder and Chairperson, upGrad.
The move comes soon after upGrad's recent industry and Government partnerships to equip over a million learners with hands-on AI capabilities and establish AI Centers of Excellence across the State, aiming to drive economic progress at scale. ZuAI, a Bengaluru-based startup offering a 24/7 AI-powered personal tutor for students, is the first investment under this initiative for an undisclosed sum.
About upGrad: Started in 2015, upGrad is one of Asia's largest integrated Learning, Skilling, and Workforce Development majors offering a range of online & hybrid skilling programs, Certifications, and Bootcamps under its B2C portfolio. It also facilitates top Indian and global universities to offer their Diploma, Master's and Executive Doctorates. Additionally, select programs are tailored for Enterprise clients under the corporate skilling division, along with other recruitment and staffing services.
