India Set for Significant AI-Related Employment and Investment in the Future – Vivek Velankar

Pimpri, Pune (June 15, 2026): AI has sparked both curiosity and apprehension everywhere. Just as we readily embraced computers and mobile phones—which have now become integral to our lives—AI is poised to become a part of the lives of the general public in the near future. India currently ranks third globally in AI adoption. Given that India hosts the largest number of IT companies and related services, career counselor Vivek Velankar expressed the expectation that the country will see the highest levels of AI-related employment and investment in the future.

Velankar was speaking at a career guidance fair organized for students by Pune-based ‘Aspire Knowledge & Skills’ in collaboration with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University (BATU), Raigad. Dignitaries present at the event included Dr. Amit Shesh (Registrar, BATU), Dr. Sanjay Gandhi (Founder & CEO, Aspire Knowledge & Skills), Dr. Shailendra Shukla (IIT Varanasi), Mandar Halbhavi (Deputy Manager, Reliance Jio Platforms), and entrepreneurs Manoj Deshmukh and Prashant Pund.

Vivek Velankar noted that the use of AI is set to expand significantly across various sectors, including education, agriculture, industry, services, healthcare, commerce, and the arts. While this shift may jeopardize jobs for coders and programmers, the demand for professionals who develop AI tools and work in Machine Learning (ML) will rise. He advised students and parents to prioritize campus placements and internship opportunities when selecting a college, highlighting ‘Aspire Knowledge & Skills’ as a capable option in this regard.

Dr. Amit Shesh stated that A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University and the Pune-based organization ‘Aspire Knowledge and Skills’ for an innovative degree program: B.Sc. (Honours) in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The university has also entered into agreements with institutions such as IIIT Allahabad. The university is actively coordinating efforts to ensure students gain industry experience alongside their academic degree. Under the university’s guidance, 92 startups have been launched so far. Furthermore, the university has earmarked an annual fund of ₹25 lakh under the National Incubation Startup Policy; Dr. Amit Shesh urged students to take advantage of this opportunity.

During the welcome address and introduction, Dr. Sanjay Gandhi noted that ‘Aspire Knowledge and Skills’ operates in alignment with the National Education Policy and has mentored over 100 startups to date. This innovative four-year B.Sc. (Honours) program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning—launched in collaboration with “BATU”—is being conducted at the Department of Technology, Savitribai Phule Pune University; the curriculum covers knowledge in both AI and quantum computing. Additionally, students will undergo an industry internship in their fourth year to gain practical work experience. They will receive a stipend during the internship and a certificate of work experience upon its completion. Dr. Sanjay Gandhi highlighted that this degree program will be beneficial for students pursuing higher education or postgraduate studies abroad.

Samidha Gandhi anchored the event, while Amit Gandhi proposed the vote of thanks.
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