Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission (KKEM), under the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council, which is a flagship initiative of the Government of Kerala, has collaborated with Coursera the global leader in the online learning ecosystem-to upskill the youth of the state. As part of this collaboration, the two are expected to train 30 lakh individuals and generate 20 lakh jobs by 2026 in a work stream that has bridged education and industry's gaps together while keeping pace with the issues of an increasingly fluid job market.

The initiative focuses on developing a skilled talent pool, equipping learners with in-demand skills in areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, cybersecurity, logistics, and digital marketing. Participants will have access to 40 virtual academies that offer specialized training and globally recognized credentials, empowering individuals to thrive in a technology-driven economy.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan appreciated the partnership for improving job opportunities for the state's youth. Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal also pointed out that the initiative was in line with Kerala's commitment to education and skill development, a progressive step toward a dynamic workforce.

According to Tim Hannan, Coursera's Chief Marketing Officer, "This is an exciting opportunity for the governments, educators, and industries to come together and build a skilled workforce that unlocks growth potential". He said the collaboration would offer accessible learning opportunities that would promote community empowerment and globally competitive talent.

Thomas Isaac, former Finance Minister and current Chief Advisor of KKEM, said the partnership is a vital component of Kerala's vision for a future-ready workforce. Through this partnership, the state looks to strengthen its talent pipeline, promote inclusive growth, and position its workforce for success in the digital economy.