Google has announced a massive $15 million (approximately Rs 1,420 crore) funding initiative for Indian small businesses, alongside an expansion of its artificial intelligence training program for educators.
Aimed at driving practical AI adoption, the funding is channelled through Google.org to the nonprofit organisation The/Nudge to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) access formal credit, discover new markets, and simplify compliance management.
Simultaneously, Google is scaling up its AI Educator Series, originally launched in May, by partnering with state governments including Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Sikkim, as well as the Ministry of Skill Development. A new free, self-paced online course allows teachers to leverage AI tools like Gemini and Gemini Notebook to streamline lesson planning and learning materials.
While currently available in English, localised versions in Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Assamese, Odia, and Punjabi are slated for release later in October.
Additionally, Google is supporting educators across 100 Atal Tinkering Labs via the Gemini-powered ‘ATL Saathi’ application and collaborating with IIT Bombay to bolster academic AI research across the country.