UN-accredited org 1M1B’s push to empower climate-ready workforce

UN-accredited organisation 1M1B Foundation has launched the first of five planned centres of excellence (CoE) designed to bridge the gap between emerging technology and environmental stewardship.

The inauguration of the first facility in Bengaluru, in collaboration with Microsoft, MeitY Startup Hub, and the Government of Karnataka, is a step towards preparing a workforce for the environmental challenges of the coming decades.

While global conversations often focus on the financial capital required for a green transition, this initiative addresses the equally vital need for human capital. By focusing on green skills and applied artificial intelligence (AI), the project aims to equip the next generation with the tools needed to drive climate action.

The programme intends to engage 1 lakh youth by 2030, with an initial cohort of 20,000 in the first year alone. This is not merely an educational exercise but a strategic effort to create a pipeline of talent for the green economy.

Dr M.C. Sudhakar, Minister for Higher Education in Karnataka, emphasised the local importance of the project during the launch of the CoE in Bengaluru.

“The Green Skills and Applied AI for Climate Action Centre of Excellence is a world-class facility that will bring to life the technological ideas, innovations, and aspirations of our technical education students. This marks a new chapter in Karnataka’s higher education ecosystem,” he said.

The motivation behind these centres stems from a glaring void in the current market. Manav Subodh, Founder of 1M1B, noted that while reports from organisations like Niti Aayog highlight the trillions of dollars needed for India’s green transition, there is a lack of focus on the manpower required to execute it.

The Bengaluru centre moves beyond the grassroots, blue-collar training provided in 1M1B’s academy in Kuppam. Instead, these new CoEs are designed as a tech-heavy, satellite model located in major urban hubs to attract engineering students and young developers. 

The curriculum is structured around a 70-hour framework, consisting of tutorials and hands-on project work. Participants will spend three months learning and innovating climate solutions, including using data management tools and AI to solve real-world problems such as energy management and water conservation.

A critical distinction in this programme is the focus on applied AI rather than theoretical development. The goal is not to train people to create new AI models, but to teach them how to use existing AI tools to solve specific climate issues. This includes using data analytics to help mid-sized companies that cannot afford full-time sustainability managers but still contribute significantly to carbon emissions.

“Climate change is a real and pressing issue. Now, with the innovation and scale of generative AI, it has created capabilities to solve for some of the world’s most pressing social and environmental challenges. Initiatives like Green Skills and Applied AI for Climate Action in Bengaluru… help youth get trained in AI,” said Somanna Palacanda, a leader from Microsoft Elevate, highlighting the role of technology in this mission. 

The initiative also addresses the rising anxiety surrounding AI-related job losses in the engineering sector. By upskilling freshers and early-career professionals in the sustainability space, the programme provides a finishing school environment that enhances employability.

The foundation is aiming to provide access to opportunities to 10,000 students in the first year alone, with half of those roles specifically within the climate-tech and sustainability sectors. This includes opportunities in solar energy, electric vehicle manufacturing, and green supply chain management.

Beyond Bengaluru, the expansion plan includes centres in Hyderabad, Noida, Vizag, and Shillong. 

The collaboration with the MeitY Startup Hub adds further credibility, with conversation around providing the top participants with national-level problem statements to solve, effectively turning these students into a recognised registry of climate talent.

The programme is positioned as a blueprint for future-proofing India’s youth while meeting national climate goals. As the first cohort begins its journey in Bengaluru, the focus remains on turning technological potential into tangible environmental impact.

“The Green Skills and Applied AI for Climate Action program reflects our shared commitment to nurture India’s youth as climate problem-solvers and innovation leaders towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, while creating scalable models that can be replicated across states and extended to the Global South,” Subodh noted.