In response to the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) expertise in the workforce, IBM has introduced a free groundbreaking initiative to equip university students and faculty with essential AI skills. The IBM SkillsBuild university strategy aims to strengthen AI education, cultivate future developers, and drive economic growth by addressing the skills gap that has become a critical obstacle to innovation.
Addressing the AI Skills Gap
The rapid adoption of AI, the rise of open-source AI models, and the proliferation of AI assistants have made expertise in this field a top priority for companies, universities, and students alike. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report, 39% of current skills may become outdated by 2030. Additionally, IBM’s research with Morning Consult found that 76% of developers do not consider themselves experts in generative AI. These findings underscore the urgency to invest in AI education to ensure future professionals are equipped with the necessary competencies.
IBM’s commitment to closing this gap is part of its broader pledge to provide free AI training to two million learners worldwide over three years. This effort is informed by the AI Competencies Guide developed through the AI Alliance, which identifies key skills across industries and skill levels, from fluency to mastery.
A Multifaceted Approach to AI Learning
IBM’s university-focused AI strategy includes faculty training, free generative AI courses, hands-on labs, and capstone projects designed to equip students and educators with cutting-edge knowledge and experience.
Through faculty training programs, IBM provides AI resources and guidance to university professors, enabling them to integrate AI education into their curricula. Select faculty members also gain access to IBM’s AI solutions, including the generative AI platform watsonx and the open-source large language model (LLM) family, Granite.
To reach students from various disciplines, IBM is launching free online courses that introduce AI concepts such as text-to-speech technology, chatbot development, and open-source LLMs. On-campus events further support learning by offering guidance on coursework.
For students pursuing computer science, IT, and related fields, IBM offers hands-on labs that provide interactive experiences with AI applications such as code generation and data classification using IBM Granite. These labs, which last up to 90 minutes, allow participants to earn digital credentials recognized by potential employers.
Advanced undergraduate and graduate students at select universities can participate in capstone projects and innovation challenges. Through these programs, students use IBM’s watsonx platform to work on real-world industry challenges in collaboration with IBM experts and faculty. They also have opportunities to take part in hackathons and other competitive environments that encourage AI-driven innovation.
Real-World Impact of IBM SkillsBuild
IBM’s pilot programs worldwide have already demonstrated the initiative’s potential. At Boston University students built a chatbot using IBM’s generative AI technology to help assess non-traditional learning experiences for college credit. In India, they used watsonx to develop AI solutions for the legal, agricultural, and nutrition sectors. Meanwhile, a student team in the UK designed a disaster-response robot using IBM’s AI and data platform, featuring advanced sensors and a virtual assistant to aid in emergency situations.
Looking Ahead
IBM plans to expand its university partnerships and AI training programs in the coming months. The company aims to enhance faculty resources, introduce more AI coursework, and foster new collaborations with academic institutions to develop innovative AI applications. “With the rise of open-source AI models and the accelerating pace of technological transformation, the future of AI will be shaped by students, educators, and professionals who possess not just the ability to use AI but also to build and manage it,” IBM stated. Through IBM SkillsBuild, the company is investing in the next generation of AI talent, ensuring that students worldwide are prepared to meet the demands of an evolving job market.
