The Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission (KKEM), an initiative by Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC) has partnered with Coursera, a leading global online learning platform, to equip youth across the State with industry-relevant skills.

The collaboration aims to train 60,000 Kerala residents in 2025, equipping them with critical skills for 17 high-demand digital job roles. The partnership is an integral part of KKEM, which seeks to train 30 lakh individuals and create 20 lakh jobs by 2026, a press release said.

The vision of the program is not just focused on employment but also on building a robust talent pipeline that aligns education with industry needs, fostering sustainable and inclusive growth. All learners will have access to 40 virtual academies focused on key domains such as AI/ML, cloud computing, cybersecurity, creative design, logistics and supply chain, and digital marketing.

K N Balagopal, the State Finance Minister said the partnership with Coursera is a step forward in ensuring that the youth and workforce are equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. By aligning education with industry needs, the State is not only fostering local innovation but also positioning Kerala as a hub of global talent and opportunity.

“We are thrilled to partner with K-DISC on this transformative initiative. Kerala is setting an inspiring example of how collaboration between governments, educators, and industry can create a skilled workforce and unlock new opportunities for growth,” said Tim Hannan, Chief Marketing Officer, Coursera.

Taking a community-driven approach, Coursera and KKEM will also train 1,000+ mentors from across Kerala, including faculty, career counsellors, and community leaders, to provide personalised guidance to learners.