MSDE, Meta collaborate to launch AI assistant for skill India mission, 5 centers of excellence in VR, MR

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with Meta to launch two new initiatives—an AI Assistant for the Skill India Mission and the establishment of five Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in Virtual and Mixed Reality. As part of this collaboration, an AI-powered chatbot, built on Meta's open-source Llama model, will be introduced to enhance the learning experience on the Skill India Digital (SID) Portal.

According to the official press release, providing access to Meta's open-source AI models it aims to foster a collaborative e-governance framework that supports the adoption of impactful AI solutions, aligning with India’s AI Mission to drive large-scale socio-economic transformation.

VR technology for engaging learning environment

Additionally, the five Centers of Excellence (CoEs) established at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jodhpur, Chennai, and Kanpur will empower learners and instructors with cutting-edge VR technology, enabling them to acquire and improve skills within a secure, immersive, and engaging learning environment.

The AI assistant partnership seeks to enhance information access, boost learning outcomes, and offer students seamless support through a user-friendly digital interface. As per the official press release, the five CoEs will deliver realistic simulations, foster greater engagement, and expand access to skill development training.

Commenting on the partnership, Jayant Chaudhary, minister of state (Independent charge) for skill development and entrepreneurship, said, “Our mission at the Ministry is to empower India’s youth with the skills they need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. By integrating technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality and mixed reality into the Skill India ecosystem, we are democratizing access to cutting-edge technologies enabling personalized learning pathways for the youth of the country. Our partnership with Meta today is a significant step towards achieving this goal.”

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Shivnath Thukral, vice president and head of public policy, Meta India, said, “At Meta, we are committed to leveraging frontier technologies like AI, VR and MR to create meaningful impact for the economic development of India. These partnerships with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MDSE) are a testament to our commitment to bridging the gap between technology and education. Through the integration of advanced technologies like Open-Source Llama we aim to empower not just the students, but also educators and entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital-first world.”

Sarvam AI to lead development of AI-powered chatbot

Sarvam AI, the technical partner for the project, will oversee the development and deployment of the chatbot, which will undergo a six-month pilot phase. Integrated into the SID Portal, the chatbot will provide round-the-clock assistance, facilitating quick access to course details, interactive Q and A sessions, and lecture summaries, along with relevant videos for easy revision.

Multilingual WhatsApp chatbot

Accessible via WhatsApp, the chatbot will support English, Hindi, and Hinglish, along with voice functionality, ensuring greater reach among diverse user groups across India. Users will be able to search for specific course topics, locate skilling centers, browse job listings based on location and interests, and receive personalized feedback for continuous improvement. Additionally, the chatbot will generate insightful analytics for MSDE to enhance the platform’s performance.

Skillveri to provide advanced VR and MR resources

Meanwhile, Skillveri, the technical partner for the CoEs, will provide advanced VR and MR resources, along with a specialized curriculum and trained professionals, to equip learners and instructors with the latest tools for immersive and interactive learning experiences.