Kirthiga Reddy, former Managing Director of Facebook India (now Meta) and co-founder of Verix, has established AI KIRAN, a project to train one million women in artificial intelligence. In collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and INK Women, AI KIRAN provides mentorship, funding, and blockchain-verified credentials.

The program focuses on sectors such as healthcare, education, sustainability, and business technology, intending to increase female leadership in these emerging professions. It launched on April 21 in connection with the United Nations Day of Creativity and Innovation.

Tackling the Gender Gap in AI

Despite increased female participation in STEM education, the technology and AI sectors remain male-dominated. According to data quoted in The Indian Express, women account for only 33% of junior AI positions in India, dropping to 19% at the senior level. Reddy hopes to decrease this imbalance with AI KIRAN, which provides resources for Indian women to build the skills and visibility required for advancement in AI-related occupations. She said in a statement that,

“This initiative combines a vibrant membership community with access to mentorship, curated learning programmes, branding support, and high-impact events – creating valuable opportunities for growth, visibility, and leadership. It is also about connecting women across geographies.”

The program’s key goals are to offer tailored learning courses, match participants with AI mentors, and use blockchain technology to deliver digitally verifiable certifications that are shareable worldwide. The first phase of AI KIRAN will be for 250 women in important sectors like healthcare, sustainability, and education. The campaign aims to engage one million women in a year.

She emphasized that the project is about more than just filling gaps in the AI workforce; it is also about bringing about a global transformation by equipping women with the tools they need to thrive in a sector that will have an impact on the global economy’s future.

Partnerships and Support for AI KIRAN

AI KIRAN is supported by several prominent organizations such as NASSCOM, AspireForHer, and AnitaB.org, along with government efforts under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. These partnerships will be utilized to develop teaching programs, promote industrial linkages, and mobilize funding for the initiative. Reddy says the program would provide funds and scholarship opportunities to women who have exceptional potential in AI.

Additionally, Reddy’s group is partnering with INK Women and various international networks to establish AI KIRAN as a leading platform for women in technology. AI KIRAN’s emphasis on blockchain-based credentialing guarantees that the credentials acquired through the program are internationally accepted and validated. In a statement, Reddy said that,

“Throughout my career, I have seen the power of building ecosystems and its ability to drive sustainable growth. We are thrilled to be joining forces with passionate, like-minded partners to drive this initiative. With India projected to be a global AI powerhouse, empowering its women in this space isn’t just local impact — it’s global transformation.”

The Road Ahead: Scaling to One Million Women

AI KIRAN has set an ambitious but attainable objective for the next 12 months: deliver AI training and mentorship to one million women in India. To do this, the initiative intends to raise $3 million to support large-scale events, AI research, and the establishment of a global network of female AI experts.

As AI evolves, India is set to become a global leader in AI innovation. However, Kirthiga Reddy underlines that women must drive this shift. Empowering women in AI will help not only India but also the global IT ecosystem, tackling crucial issues around the world.