Global technology company Adobe announced a significant investment on , aimed at bolstering AI-driven creativity and productivity within India’s burgeoning talent pool. The initiative, unveiled at the India AI Impact Summit, will provide Indian students with free access to Adobe’s flagship applications – Firefly, Photoshop, and Acrobat – through accredited higher education institutions across the country.
This move aligns with the Indian government’s emphasis on artificial intelligence and its “Create in India” vision, as well as the Union Budget 2026’s focus on generating two million jobs in the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) sector by 2030. Adobe’s commitment extends beyond simply providing software; it includes curriculum, training, and credentials designed to equip students with the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly AI-focused economy.
The program will initially be rolled out to 15,000 schools and 500 colleges that will serve as “Content Creator Labs,” offering students access to Adobe’s suite of creative and productivity tools. This comprehensive toolkit is intended to give students a competitive edge as they enter the workforce, providing them with practical experience using industry-standard software.
“Adobe is expanding the opportunity for creativity for millions of students across India, empowering them with AI skills, further accelerating Prime Minister Modi’s vision,” stated Shantanu Narayen, Chair and CEO of Adobe. “I look forward to seeing what the students of India create with Adobe’s industry-leading tools, and in doing so accelerating Viksit Bharat.”
The initiative centers on providing access to Adobe’s AI capabilities, particularly through Firefly, its all-in-one creative AI studio. Firefly integrates with leading AI models from companies like Google, OpenAI, and Runway, offering students flexibility and choice in their creative workflows. Students will be able to generate AI-powered content that is commercially safe and usable.
Beyond Firefly, the program also includes access to Acrobat Pro, designed to enhance student productivity and collaboration through streamlined document editing and image manipulation. This combination of tools aims to provide a holistic learning experience, covering both creative and practical applications of AI.
Adobe’s efforts are being implemented in partnership with NASSCOM FutureSkills Prime, a digital skilling initiative backed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). This collaboration will provide students with free, industry-relevant courses and certifications, further enhancing their employability. The partnership extends Adobe’s global skilling program, the Adobe Digital Academy, to India.
The company also showcased “Kathāvatār,” a series of five short AI films based on Indian folklore, created in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, at the AI Impact Summit. This demonstrates Adobe’s commitment to leveraging AI to celebrate and preserve Indian culture.
The strategic investment by Adobe reflects a broader trend of technology companies recognizing the importance of investing in the future workforce. By providing students with access to cutting-edge AI tools and training, Adobe aims to not only empower the next generation of Indian creators but also contribute to the country’s economic growth and its ambition to become a global hub for innovation.
The availability of these tools for free represents a significant opportunity for students who may not otherwise have access to expensive software licenses. This democratization of access to creative tools could unlock a wave of innovation and entrepreneurship within India’s student population, potentially fueling the growth of the AVGC sector and beyond.
The program’s success will likely depend on the effective integration of Adobe’s tools and curriculum into existing educational frameworks. The 15,000 schools and 500 colleges designated as Content Creator Labs will play a crucial role in ensuring that students receive the necessary training and support to maximize the benefits of this initiative. The long-term impact will be measured by the number of students who successfully acquire AI skills and secure employment in related fields.
