Countries like USA and China are leading the AI race. They are investing heavily in AI research, startups, and talent development. This is because they know that AI will continue dominating future industries and it will continue driving innovation that is shaping economies, industries, and societies. For this purpose, they are also fostering the best minds with quality education and training, cutting-edge research labs and an entrepreneurial ecosystem.
But what about India? Are Indian students and young minds ready to lead the global stage? Is it possible to match the technical rigour, access and innovations of the world’s AI giants?
The answer is yes, India can foster AI innovation and lead the AI race but for this it needs the right education foundation.
What the US and China are doing right?
According to Stanford’s Global AI Vibrancy Ranking 2023[1], the United States is the global leader in AI, excelling in research, private investments, and the development of advanced AI models. It is home to some of the most iconic AI breakthroughs in recent years like OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. American companies like Tesla, Meta, and Microsoft are using AI and redefining its applications. American universities like MIT, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon are producing world-class research in the field of AI and fostering AI led education. The Silicon Valley serves as the foundation for thousands of AI-led startups and talents.
Meanwhile, China is the current global second when it comes to AI innovation. The Chinese government has declared its ambition to become the world leader in AI by 2030. Government-backed initiatives and strategic policy planning have made AI a national priority.From AI-powered surveillance systems and facial recognition to fintech innovations, China’s strength lies in its sheer scale of implementation. It also ranks high in AI patents, investments, and smart technological deployments. Institutions like Tsinghua University are considered global leaders in AI education and research. Moreover, the integration of AI into everyday life through WeChat's smart ecosystem and Alibaba’s logistics makes China a living AI laboratory.
These countries are not just creating opportunities for their students, they are building an ecosystem of innovation that is born in classrooms and tested through startup ventures.
Several US students are exposed to coding, robotics, and AI as early as high school. So, by the time they enter college, they already have project experience, certifications, etc. Universities in USA and China are also deeply research focused and their course work is based on practical project-based learning. Hackathons, AI clubs, and innovation labs are a part of campus life.
Students in international universities also get access to direct mentorship form industry experts who are working with big tech companies during college workshops, seminars or internships. The culture in such universities is also experimental and students are encouraged to explore, question and build as they go.
Why Indian Students lag behind?
India has no shortage of brilliant minds. Every year, millions of students graduate with degrees in engineering, data science, and computer science from Indian colleges. But often, there’s a gap between academic learning and real-world application. While Indian tech talent powers global companies, within India engineers often struggle with a lack of exposure to AI tools, mentorship, or AI-first thinking.
The traditional education systems, even in premier institutions, often lag behind the pace at which the AI landscape evolves. Students learn about Python and machine learning in their third or fourth year of college. While in the US or China, students are building AI models from day one, collaborating on global AI engineering projects, or contributing to open-source communities before graduation. The difference is that they are getting practical exposure from day one.
Hence, the issue is the current education system. Indian students need a push like AI-first education to match the level of USA or China pupils. They need a Btech degree program that doesn’t just teach but builds innovators with real world tech projects, relevant tools and techniques and mentorship to compete with the best in the world.
How Mirai Bridges this Gap
At Mirai School of Technology, we offer a new-age AI-focused B.Tech program designed to bridge this exact gap. Our AI-first curriculum is purpose-built for tomorrow's challenges. From the first year itself, students get hands-on experience with real-world AI tools, coding frameworks, industry-grade projects, and the kind of problem-solving mindset that leading global institutions nurture.
We integrate AI education with emerging tech trends, ensuring that students aren't just keeping up, they're staying ahead in the AI race. Whether it’s working with natural language models, computer vision, robotics, or ethical AI deployment, Mirai’s goal is simple- To empower Indian students with the same level of access, mentorship, and innovation opportunities that their peers in the USA or China receive.
What do we do differently?
- AL-first Education from Day One
Unlike traditional B.Tech programs, Mirai doesn’t wait until the third year to introduce you to AI, machine learning or data science. At Mirai, you begin coding, building, and innovating from Year one. Every subject is taught with AI as the lens from maths, to logic, and systems design.
- Real World projects with Industry Mentors
Mirai students work on live projects that solve actual problems, not just textbook exercises. Our mentors come from global tech giants and AI startups, guiding students in understanding the real-world application of their learning.
- Personalised Learning
The mentorship model at Mirai is tailored to each student’s individual learning journey. We help students accelerate their interests of interest and improve their problem areas.
- Internships and Real-World Practice
Mirai collaborates with big tech companies and AI startups to offer its students internship opportunities closely aligned with their learnings. So, by the time Mirai’s students graduate, their portfolio impresses recruiters even before they enter the room.
Future of India in AI
India has the potential to produce the best AI engineers and lead the next wave of AI innovation. Our growing digital infrastructure, tech-savvy population and young demographic has all the ingredients necessary to contribute and lead the way to the AI revolution.
However, to achieve this, we need educational institutions not to be bound by outdated models of education. We need colleges that are more than just lectures and theoretical knowledge. We require a launchpad for the next generation of AI engineers, data scientists and innovators who can go head-to-head with the best students in the world, like Mirai School of Technology.
Conclusion
USA and China are forging ahead in the AI race by investing in the right education, creating an ecosystem and facilitating innovation pipelines. India can also be a leader in this journey by using its brains, ambition and potential. What it needs desperately is the right foundation, a place that nurtures its talent.
Mirai School of Technology’s AI-first Btech undergraduate course equips Indian students with everything they need to compete and win on the global stage.
AL’s innovation won’t wait and neither should you. Visithttps://msot.org/ to enroll into our one-of-its-kind Btech course today
