Tech layoffs fuel massive surge in AI and GenAI upskilling programs

With AI-driven automation causing layoffs in IT and fintech, institutions are offering skilling programmes. IIIT-Hyderabad launched a PG certificate in AI/ML, IIT Guwahati introduced an MTech in Robotics and AI, and NIIT rolled out six GenAI programmes for diverse learners

Hyderabad: With layoffs sweeping across the IT and Financial tech sector as companies increasingly shift towards AI-driven automation into their operations, the focus now shifted to skilling and upskilling in artificial intelligence and GenAI.

In response to the situation, the educational institutions and edu-tech companies have come up with programmes that help students and professionals secure their future.

The International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) – Hyderabad, in association with the TalentSprint, is offering a PG certificate programme in AI and ML. This programme is aimed to empower careers of the mid to senior level professionals.

Bridge module, programming, math foundations, and classical algorithms, deep learning, advanced deep learning, generative AI and agentic systems, experiential learning and industry hackathons are part of the curriculum. For registration and more details, visit the link

The IIT Guwahati has also launched a unique MTech. degree program in Robotics and Artificial intelligence, designed for both fresh graduates and working professionals aiming to enhance their skills on AI-driven robotics systems.

This programme has been designed to bridge multiple engineering disciplines for development in sectors such as agriculture, defense, manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and smart infrastructure, among others. It will be conducted in hybrid mode (online classes, with on-campus labs and final exams on IIT Guwahati campus).

A key highlight of the programme is that no GATE score is needed to apply for the same. Candidates will be selected based on the written test/ interview conducted by the Institute.

Deadline to apply is July 15, with classes commencing on August 10. More details are available at

To prepare students and professionals for the emerging opportunities, the NIIT launched six new GenAI programmes – GenAI Spark Programme for Educators, GenAI Spark Programme for Students, GenAI Applied Programme for No-Code Apps, GenAI Applied Programme for Practitioners, GenAI Spark Essentials and GenAI Spark Programme on Marketing.

GenAI Spark Programme for Students enables learners to use AI as a study, creativity, and productivity partner, while GenAI Spark Programme for Educators helps teachers integrate AI into lesson planning, assessment, and classroom engagement.

GenAI Spark Essentials introduces learners to foundational AI concepts and practical applications, while GenAI Spark Programme on Marketing focuses on applying GenAI tools across marketing workflows, content creation, and audience engagement.

Further, the GenAI Applied programme for No-Code Apps enables learners to design and build AI-powered application components without programming, using structured low-code & no-code tools, hands-on development approaches.

In addition to this, GenAI Applied Programme for Practitioners, an advanced program, enables professionals to integrate AI into real-world workflows, automation, and productivity systems, moving beyond basic usage to tangible outcomes. For more information, visit: www.niit.com