IIT Madras’ WSAI Partners with Google and Digital Futures Lab to Launch AI Training Program for Government Officials

On December 19, 2025, the Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (WSAI) at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) announced a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the capabilities of government officials in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This new capacity-building program, developed in collaboration with Google and the Digital Futures Lab (DFL), is designed to equip Indian government officials with the necessary skills to build, procure, and scale responsible AI systems.

Overview of the Initiative

The launch of this program was marked during the ‘Conclave on Strengthening Human Capital for the AI Era,’ held at IIT Madras. The initiative is particularly timely, given the increasing influence of AI across various sectors, including education, service delivery, and digital governance. The program aims to address the urgent need for AI awareness, literacy, and robust decision-making frameworks within public institutions.

Objectives of the Program

• Equip government officials with technical, operational, and governance skills to effectively deploy AI.
• Foster a culture of trust and inclusion in the development and deployment of AI systems.
• Create a shared platform for open dialogue on the responsible use of AI.
• Strengthen human capital through education about AI and its applications.

Statements from Key Stakeholders

Prof. B. Ravindran, Head of WSAI, emphasized the importance of responsible AI practices, stating, “As AI systems increasingly influence decision-making, it is important that their development and deployment are rooted in trust and inclusion. Through this Conclave, we hope to create a shared platform for open dialogue on the responsible use of AI, with a particular focus on strengthening human capital through AI for education and education about AI.”

Preeti Lobana, Country Manager for Google India, expressed her support for the initiative, saying, “A thriving digital India can only be built on a foundation of trust. As AI becomes an intrinsic part of our daily lives, protecting India’s digital future becomes a collective responsibility. We are proud to partner with IIT Madras and the Digital Futures Lab to operationalize this vision.”

Dr. Urvashi Aneja, Founder and Director of the Digital Futures Lab, added, “We are delighted to be kicking off this capacity-building program on AI with the India AI mission, along with CeRAI, and with support from Google. Strengthening capacity within government is perhaps the most important lever needed for effective and responsible use of AI in India.”

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum designed for this program will cover a range of topics, including:

• Foundational AI technologies and their applications.
• Evaluation of AI solutions for procurement and scaling.
• Implementation of responsible AI practices aligned with India’s policy frameworks.
• Identification of risks, limitations, and governance requirements in real-world AI deployments.

Participants will engage in a variety of learning activities, including case studies, workshops, and hands-on sessions. These activities aim to help government officials assess their departments’ current AI readiness and identify pathways for adopting or improving AI-based tools in their respective domains.

Significance of the Conclave

The Conclave on Strengthening Human Capital for the AI Era served as a pre-summit event for the upcoming India AI Impact Summit 2026. This gathering aims to convene a diverse group of stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, academics, industry leaders, civil society organizations, and representatives from various sectors. The goal is to foster collaboration and dialogue on the future of AI in India and its implications for governance and public service.

Future Prospects

The initiative not only aims to strengthen the capabilities of Indian government officials but also positions India as a leader in responsible AI usage within the Global South. Dr. Aneja noted the potential for expanding this program to other countries in the Global South, emphasizing the importance of building capacity in government for effective AI governance.

The collaboration between IIT Madras, Google, and the Digital Futures Lab reflects a commitment to creating a responsible and inclusive AI ecosystem in India. As AI continues to evolve and shape various sectors, initiatives like this are crucial for ensuring that government officials are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of AI technologies.

Conclusion

The launch of the AI training program for government officials by IIT Madras’ WSAI, in partnership with Google and the Digital Futures Lab, represents a significant step towards enhancing AI literacy and responsible governance in India. By empowering public sector professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge, this initiative aims to foster a future where AI technologies are deployed effectively and ethically in public institutions.

Note: This article is based on the press release from IIT Madras and aims to provide an overview of the newly launched AI training program for government officials.