Kerala Launches India’s First Women-Only AI and Robotics Training Centres

In a pioneering effort to boost women’s participation in emerging technologies, the Kerala government has inaugurated India’s first women-only AI and Robotics Training Centres across Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Kannur. The initiative, part of the Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission, aims to train 10,000 women over the next two years in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, data analytics, cybersecurity, machine learning, and drone technology.

The centres are designed to provide a comprehensive and inclusive learning environment, featuring all-women faculty, mentorship programs, and on-site childcare facilities for mothers. Training will be offered free of cost to students, homemakers, and professionals seeking to upskill, with flexible hybrid and weekend learning options. Scholarships are also available for rural and tribal women, ensuring equitable access to these advanced programs.

State IT Minister P. Rajeev emphasized the initiative’s role in breaking stereotypes around women in technology, stating that the program will “challenge the notion that emerging tech fields are male-dominated, creating new opportunities for women to innovate and lead.” Women-led startups in Kerala have been invited to collaborate on innovation projects, providing hands-on experience and fostering an ecosystem of female entrepreneurship in tech.

Within the first week of the soft launch, over 2,300 applications were received, reflecting strong interest and enthusiasm among women across the state. Pilot batches are set to begin by mid-November, with special outreach programs targeting districts such as Wayanad, Idukki, and Malappuram to ensure inclusivity.

With the launch of these centres, Kerala positions itself at the forefront of promoting gender equity in technology, providing women with the knowledge, mentorship, and practical experience required to thrive in the fast-evolving tech landscape.