Why Is Tech Mahindra Training AI Skills To Its 8,000 Employees?

Tech Mahindra, an Indian IT services company, has taken a significant step to shape its workforce for the future by training around 8,000 employees in artificial intelligence (AI). 

In a time when AI is gaining prominence, Tech Mahindra’s move aligns with the growing interest in AI technologies. The training aims to prepare its employees for the evolving technological landscape.

The company’s focus lies in sectors such as BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance), healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, particularly in regions like the USA. 

Harshvendra Soin, the company’s global chief people officer and head of marketing, emphasizes the importance of investing in employees to ensure they are equipped with future-proof skills.

Generative AI is noted as the industry’s next significant trend, with potential to transform the way we work, communicate, and create content. 

This transition has brought about shifts in skill requirements, prompting companies like Tech Mahindra to re-skill and upskill their personnel using various learning tools and platforms.

The move to train employees comes after a challenging quarter for Tech Mahindra, with a notable decline in net profits. 

However, the company’s CEO, C P Gurnani, expressed optimism about the growth potential of generative AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. These technologies are expected to drive the company’s future growth.

Furthermore, Tech Mahindra plans to pivot its focus from the Communications, Media, and Entertainment (CME) sector to sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and BFSI. 

The company’s CEO designate, Mohit Joshi, is expected to lead this transition, given his experience in these areas during his tenure at Infosys.

Tech Mahindra’s initiative to train employees in AI demonstrates a proactive approach to stay ahead in the evolving tech landscape. 

The company is aiming for their strategic pivot by focusing more on sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and BFSI. Plus, their commitment to building AI systems could be linked to their challenge against Sam Altman’s earlier remarks.

In June 2023, Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, was in India for a visit. During a Q&A session, he was asked by venture capitalist Rajan Anandan if he thought India could build something like ChatGPT. 

Altman responded that he thought it was “hopeless” for India to build something like ChatGPT, and that Indian startups should focus on other areas of AI.

This response sparked a backlash in India, with many people accusing Altman of being arrogant and condescending. 

Tech Mahindra responded to Altman’s comments by replying, “Challenge Accepted!” The company had stated, “India will build ChatGPT or something even better, and we will do it in record time.” 

However, Altman later apologized for his comments, saying that he had been “misunderstood” and that he had “great respect for the Indian AI community.” 

ALSO READ: Meta Confirms Threads Will Get Web And Search Features Too

However, the incident had already caused significant damage to Altman’s reputation in India. His apology did little to repair the damage, and the incident has left a lasting impression on India’s AI community.