US$10 million donation of training and access to SAS AI software and computing capacity supports goal of training 10,000 higher education students and educators in AI
About the Collaboration
The Commonwealth Secretariat and data and AI leader SAS will collaborate to build a more diverse, global AI workforce by bringing AI software and computing resources to Commonwealth countries. A donation of SAS software, computing capacity and training, with a combined value of US$10 million, includes AI capabilities and content that will not only help higher education students learn how to use AI but also how to do so responsibly.
About the Project
The project is an initiative of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Commonwealth AI Consortium (CAIC), which aims to build technological capacity with an emphasis on small states and young people. Higher education students and educators in Commonwealth countries will have free access to SAS Viya for Learners, a comprehensive, cloud-native platform that provides robust capabilities for data analytics, machine learning and AI.
About the Training and Resources
Students and educators will also have access to the digital learning environments SAS Skill Builder for Students and the SAS Educator Portal. These platforms offer digital courses, certification programs, and hands-on learning opportunities designed to build and validate analytics and AI skills. Additionally, the Educator Portal includes teaching materials that make it easy to integrate analytics content into curricula.
About the Competitions
The Commonwealth’s postsecondary institutions are also invited to participate in the Curiosity Cup – SAS’s global student data competition – and the SAS Hackathon. These free competitions provide an excellent opportunity for students to apply their analytical skills to real-world problems, collaborate with peers and gain recognition on a global stage.
About the Quotes
About the Market
According to Statista, the AI market exceeded $184 billion in 2024 and is projected to race past $826 billion by 2030.
Conclusion
The Commonwealth Secretariat and SAS are committed to building a more diverse, global AI workforce by providing training and access to AI software and computing resources to Commonwealth countries. This collaboration will help bridge the digital divide and empower young minds with the tools to innovate, create, and solve global challenges.
FAQs
Q: What is the goal of the collaboration?
A: The goal is to train 10,000 higher education students and educators in AI over five years.
Q: What is the value of the donation?
A: The donation is worth US$10 million.
Q: What is SAS Viya for Learners?
A: SAS Viya for Learners is a comprehensive, cloud-native platform that provides robust capabilities for data analytics, machine learning and AI.
Q: What are the digital learning environments available?
A: The digital learning environments available are SAS Skill Builder for Students and the SAS Educator Portal.
Q: What are the competitions available?
A: The competitions available are the Curiosity Cup – SAS’s global student data competition – and the SAS Hackathon.
Q: What is the market size of the AI industry?
A: According to Statista, the AI market exceeded $184 billion in 2024 and is projected to race past $826 billion by 2030.