AI-first skilling takes centre stage as 2,000 Bengaluru students earn Samsung certifications

BENGALURU: Artificial Intelligence-led skilling is gaining momentum in Karnataka, with 2,000 students in Bengaluru earning industry-recognised certifications under Samsung’s Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) programme. Of the total, 1,100 students were certified in Artificial Intelligence, while 900 completed Coding & Programming courses, signalling a strong push towards future-ready digital talent.

The certification ceremony was held at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, in the presence of senior leaders from govt, academia, and industry, including Basavaraj Horatti, Chairperson of the Karnataka Legislative Council; Santosh S Lad, Karnataka minister for Labour and Employment; Byrathi Suresh, minister for Urban Development and Town Planning; and SP Chun, Corporate Vice President, Samsung Southwest Asia.


The Bengaluru cohort underwent hands-on, industry-aligned training focused on the practical application of AI and coding skills, alongside soft-skills modules aimed at improving employability and workplace readiness. The programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry requirements.

“At Samsung, we believe Artificial Intelligence will define the future of work,” said SP Chun, Corporate Vice President, Samsung Southwest Asia. He added, “Through Samsung Innovation Campus, we are equipping students with job-ready AI and coding skills that industry demands. By certifying 2,000 young learners in Bengaluru, we are strengthening Karnataka’s innovation ecosystem and supporting India’s ambition to build a digitally skilled workforce.”

Santosh S Lad, minister for Labour and Employment, said initiatives like SIC complement Karnataka’s talent-led growth model. “Industry-driven programmes that focus on AI and emerging technologies are critical to ensuring our youth remain competitive. This collaboration reflects Karnataka’s continued leadership in technology and human capital development,” said Lad.

Launched in India in 2022, Samsung Innovation Campus operates across 10 states and is implemented in partnership with the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India through accredited training partners. The programme recorded 45% participation by women nationally, highlighting its focus on inclusive skilling, particularly in underserved and semi-urban regions.

Samsung said it plans to further scale its skilling interventions in Karnataka as part of its broader national goal to upskill 20,000 students in future technologies, in alignment with the Govt of India’s Skill India vision.