(ANS – Hyderabad – November 13, 2026) – The Salesians of Don Bosco, Hyderabad Province, launched the Don Bosco AI Academy on Wednesday, November 11, in partnership with SARKTEK to equip young people with industry-relevant artificial intelligence (AI) and communication skills and expand access to emerging global career opportunities, particularly for students in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Fr. Thomas Santiago, SDB, Provincial of Hyderabad Province, said the initiative builds on Don Bosco’s longstanding commitment to preparing young people, particularly the poor and marginalized, for life and employment. He noted that artificial intelligence is transforming employment across sectors, making AI literacy essential not only for engineering graduates but also for students of commerce, arts, management, and sciences.

The Academy will initially offer two career-oriented courses. The 30-hour AI for Non-AI People program is designed for students from commerce, arts, management, and science backgrounds, with no prior coding knowledge required. The 40-hour Agentic AI for Computer Science Students course will focus on developing AI agents capable of carrying out complex, multistep tasks to address real-world business problems.

Dr. Mahesh Kumar CV, Applied AI Mentor, explained that the courses combine theoretical understanding with practical application. Students enrolled in the nontechnical program will learn to use generative AI tools, apply AI to industry-specific tasks, and build their own working AI agents. Computer science students will learn to design, develop, test, and deploy AI agents through practical projects.

Alongside technical training, the Academy will provide weekend sessions in English communication, public speaking, and interview skills in collaboration with Toastmasters International. The program will include structured speaking practice, peer evaluation, and opportunities for students to develop their communication and leadership abilities.

The initiative also includes 10-hour, in-person Applied AI Bootcamps for priests and religious leaders, teachers, entrepreneurs, NGOs, social workers, and young people. Ten such bootcamps are planned over the next 90 days.

Career preparation is another component of the Academy. An industry advisory council, a panel of 15 mentors from corporations, academia, and startups, and student project showcases will support students in preparing for employment opportunities.

The Academy will begin with a pilot program in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, with the first student cohorts scheduled to begin in December 2026. The launch marks a significant step in the Salesians’ efforts to integrate emerging technologies into youth education and vocational preparation, ensuring that young people from diverse backgrounds are better equipped to participate in an increasingly AI-driven world.