Adobe announced a strategic investment aimed at enhancing AI-driven creativity and productivity for India’s future talent at the India AI Impact Summit held today. The global technology leader revealed plans to provide its industry-leading applications, including Firefly, Photoshop, and Acrobat, free of charge to students through accredited higher education institutions across India. This initiative aims to prepare the next generation for careers in an increasingly AI-focused economy by offering access to vital tools, curriculum, training, and credentials that can help students stand out upon graduation.
The timing of Adobe’s announcement aligns with the Indian Government’s Create in India vision and the Union Budget 2026, which emphasizes creating two million jobs in the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sectors by 2030. In collaboration with the government, Adobe plans to extend its AI-first offerings and industry-endorsed curriculum to the 15,000 schools and 500 colleges that will establish Content Creator Labs.
“Adobe is expanding the opportunity for creativity for millions of students across India, empowering them with AI skills, further accelerating Prime Minister Modi’s vision,” stated Shantanu Narayen, Chair and CEO of Adobe. “I look forward to seeing what the students of India create with Adobe’s industry-leading tools, and in doing so accelerating Viksit Bharat,” he added.
Students participating in this initiative will gain insights from Adobe’s unique approach to generative AI, which includes safe and commercially viable AI-generated content. They will also have the flexibility to use multiple generative AI models integrated within Adobe applications, fostering creativity and innovation.
Adobe Firefly, described as an all-in-one creative AI studio, integrates top industry models from partners such as Google, OpenAI, and Runway. This integration provides students with the tools and models necessary to generate content in their unique styles. Meanwhile, Acrobat Pro will enhance students’ productivity and collaboration, allowing them to easily edit text and images to produce high-quality work.
Investing in India’s AI and Creativity Ecosystem
Today’s announcements will empower higher education institutions in India to equip students with the AI-driven tools and skills essential for thriving in future careers. As part of the Adobe Digital Academy, the company has partnered with NASSCOMFutureSkills Prime, a digital skilling initiative supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), to offer free, industry-relevant courses and certificates to learners nationwide.
This initiative aims to prepare students for modern careers across various sectors, including graphic design, video and visual effects, animation, gaming, marketing, media, e-commerce, education, and technology. By focusing on creativity, productivity, and AI-powered skills, Adobe is aligning its efforts with the demands of an evolving job market.
During the summit, which positions Adobe as a key partner in advancing India’s AI-led initiatives in creativity and human capital, Narayen serves as a keynote speaker. Adobe is set to showcase its latest innovations in a dedicated experience zone and participates in several panel discussions.
Among the highlights of the summit is the premiere of ‘Kathāvatār’, a series of five AI-generated short films inspired by Indian folklore, created in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The films, produced by a new generation of AI filmmakers, will be showcased at the AI Theatre during the event.
Adobe’s commitment to fostering creativity and AI skills in India reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies recognize the importance of preparing students for a landscape increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. As the initiative unfolds, it stands to make a significant impact on the country’s education and job market, further aligning with the government’s ambitious goals for the future.
See also
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