Centre of Excellence in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence with 1M1B

1. Industry Sponsorship & Strategic Alignment

The Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence at Lloyd Business School operates as a multi-stakeholder, government–industry–academia collaboration aligned with national and state-level digital transformation priorities. Initiated under the AI Pragya – Government of Uttar Pradesh initiative, in collaboration with 1M1B (One Million for One Billion) and supported by IBM and Ernst & Young (EY), the CoE is strategically aligned with the vision of making Artificial Intelligence accessible, inclusive, and impactful across society.

Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Vandana Arora Sethi, Group Director & Chief Strategy Officer, Lloyd Business School, the initiative focuses on empowering youth with AI capabilities to drive societal change, sustainability, and digital inclusion—directly supporting the Government of Uttar Pradesh’s mission to democratize AI education across the state.

2. Co-Creation of Curriculum & Learning Pathways

The learning framework under the AI Pragya CoE is co-created with government and industry partners, ensuring relevance, inclusivity, and real-world applicability. The curriculum integrates:

• Foundational and advanced AI concepts
• Generative AI applications
• AI for governance, sustainability, and social impact
• Industry-recognized certification pathways

Training modules are delivered through a blend of workshops, online learning, and project-based challenges, enabling students across disciplines to build deployable AI skills while addressing real societal and sustainability challenges.

3. Infrastructure & Digital Enablement

The CoE leverages digital platforms and industry ecosystems rather than standalone labs.

• Lloyd Business School provides academic coordination, student mobilization, and institutional oversight.
• Industry and ecosystem partners provide:
  • Access to IBM SkillsBuild and AI learning platforms
  • Structured AI Pragya digital content
  • Certification infrastructure from IBM and EY

4. Experiential Learning: Live Training, Outreach & Internships

Experiential learning is central to the AI Pragya CoE.

Key initiatives include:

• Student-as-Trainer Model:
  PGDM–Business Analytics students conduct AI and Generative AI workshops, acting as certified trainers.
• Scale of Impact:
  Over 500 students trained in a single week, spearheaded by the CSR and Business Analytics Club.
• Certifications Delivered:
  Students deliver IBM and EY certification-oriented training, reinforcing peer-led learning and leadership development.

In addition, the program includes:

• A 5-hour common expert-led workshop by 1M1B and IBM
• Assignment-based evaluation within one day
• Selection of top performers for 4-week virtual internships in AI + Sustainability, in partnership with AICTE

5. Certification, Evaluation & Career Linkage

The CoE integrates industry-recognized credentials as a core outcome.

Students receive:

• Certificates of participation and completion
• Digital badges and credentials from IBM
• Evaluation through assignments, workshops, and project work

High-performing students gain access to:

• AI + Sustainability virtual internships
• Career guidance and mentorship
• Enhanced employability through verified AI credentials