The US-India partnership is driving global AI innovation through startups, research, and workforce readiness. India’s startup ecosystem, STEM talent, and initiatives like “Digital India” make it a key AI hub. Collaborations with US universities and companies, including major investments by Microsoft and Nvidia, are expanding opportunities. San José State University (SJSU) stands out with AI-focused curricula, industry ties, and initiatives like the CSU AI Workforce Acceleration Initiative. For Indian students, SJSU offers unparalleled access to Silicon Valley’s thriving AI ecosystem and career pathways.
By Rajesh Mehta
As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries, the US-India partnership is at the forefront of global innovation. From AI-driven startups to high-profile research collaborations, both nations are advancing quantum computing, cybersecurity, and machine learning, ensuring the workforce of the future is AI-ready.
For Indian students, this evolution presents unparalleled career opportunities. India’s booming startup ecosystem, deep STEM talent pool, and government initiatives like “Digital India” and “Startup India” make it a key AI hub. Collaborations with US universities and companies are expanding innovation and career pathways faster than ever.
This partnership is reflected in major AI initiatives. The US and India have allocated over $2 million in joint AI and quantum research grants, supporting projects tackling societal challenges. Companies like Nvidia have expanded in India, launching Hindi-language AI models, while Microsoft has invested $3 billion in AI infrastructure and training.In higher education, the Association of American Universities (AAU) launched a Task Force on Expanding United States-India University Partnerships, focusing on AI, semiconductor research, and sustainability. Leading institutions—Carnegie Mellon, MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Harvard, and Michigan—are advancing AI research and industry collaborations.Other universities are also shaping AI education. The University of Michigan introduced U-M GPT, an AI-powered education model, while Arizona State University partnered with OpenAI to integrate AI into learning. USC launched a School of Advanced Computing, emphasizing AI ethics and real-world applications.
Among these, San José State University’s Lucas College of Business plays a vital role as a key AI education hub and Silicon Valley talent pipeline.San José State University (SJSU) is part of the California State University (CSU) system, the largest US higher education network, serving about 500,000 students across 23 campuses.Since taking office in 2023, President Cynthia Teniente-Matson has championed a bold vision for bridging academia and industry, ensuring that SJSU not only prepares students for the workforce but actively shapes the future of innovation. Under her leadership, SJSU has strengthened its AI-focused partnerships, expanded cutting-edge curricula, and deepened its role as a talent pipeline for Silicon Valley.
Leading this transformation at Lucas College of Business is Dean Rangapriya (Priya) Kannan, an SJSU alumna from India and the first woman to lead the 97-year-old business school on a permanent basis. A visionary leader, Kannan is reimagining business education through the lens of AI, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation, equipping students with the skills to lead in a rapidly evolving global economy.
“We are not just teaching AI; we are cultivating an AI-driven mindset that empowers our students to think critically, innovate boldly, and lead with purpose,” Kannan has stated. “Our mission is to equip them with the skills, vision, and adaptability to shape the future.”Lucas College of Business integrates AI across disciplines. In a Big Data course, students analyzed 7 million Yelp reviews, using LangChain, Google Gemini, and Apache Spark on Databricks to generate AI-powered restaurant summaries. They then presented their findings to industry experts, offering hands-on experience.
Accounting students explore AI ethics, automation, and predictive modeling, while systems analysis students apply AI to task automation and workflow optimization.Micro-credentials in AI tools are embedded across courses. One class, “Information Technologies for Business: Essentials & Emerging”, introduces students to ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Midjourney, and DALL-E2. A class project challenged students to create AI-generated NFT artwork, listing their best designs for sale—offering a practical AI application.
Through the NSF-funded AI for Social Good project, students apply AI to real-world challenges. The Responsible Innovation in AI Conference, hosted by Lucas College in November 2024, brought together Google, Nvidia, IBM, and Silicon Valley firms to discuss AI’s ethical and business impact.SJSU’s partnership with Nvidia and the City of San José strengthens AI education and workforce development. Additionally, SJSU is a key partner in the CSU AI Workforce Acceleration Initiative, a landmark collaboration with Adobe, Google, AWS AI, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, OpenAI, Nvidia, and the Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom. Spearheaded by SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson and CSU Chancellor Mildred García, this initiative cements CSU as the nation’s largest AI-powered university network. These collaborations ensure that Lucas College students aren’t just learning AI—they are shaping its future.
San José is home to one of the largest Indian communities in the US. This thriving community offers Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and cultural festivals offers an easier transition to life in the US, with familiar cultural touchpoints and Silicon Valley’s AI ecosystem at their doorstep.For Indian students pursuing AI careers, institutions like San José State University, Purdue, Rice, and Carnegie Mellon present valuable opportunities. However, SJSU’s Lucas College of Business holds a distinct edge—its location in the heart of Silicon Valley, coupled with strong industry ties and an AI-focused curriculum, makes it an ideal launchpad for AI careers.
For Indian students seeking to build careers in AI, the growing US-India collaboration provides an unprecedented opportunity—to gain expertise, access global networks, and help shape the future of AI.
* Rajesh Mehta is an international affairs expert working on areas like market entry, innovation & public policy.
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