Applications have officially opened for the 2026 edition of the AI Skills 4 Women programme, a free artificial intelligence training initiative delivered by Founderz in collaboration with Microsoft to strengthen digital skills and expand opportunities for women in the fast-growing AI sector.
The programme is fully online and accessible in more than 13 languages, making it open to participants across different regions and educational backgrounds. It is designed for women with varying levels of experience, including those without prior technical or coding knowledge.
Organisers said the training covers key areas in artificial intelligence, including AI fundamentals, prompt engineering, data analytics, cybersecurity, AI ethics, leadership, and real-world applications of emerging technologies.
On completion, participants will receive a joint certification from Founderz and Microsoft, recognising their achievement in the programme. The initiative is aimed at closing the gender gap in artificial intelligence and increasing the number of women participating in technology-driven careers.
According to data cited by Microsoft and Founderz, women currently represent a small fraction of global AI professionals, underscoring the need for targeted skills development programmes.
Building on the success of previous editions, Founderz said the programme has already reached tens of thousands of women across more than 30 countries, with participants developing hundreds of AI-related projects and several beneficiaries earning scholarships for advanced studies in innovation and artificial intelligence.
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Microsoft has repeatedly emphasised the importance of inclusive access to AI education, noting that diverse participation is critical to shaping the future of technology.
The company said initiatives like AI Skills 4 Women are designed to ensure that more people, especially women, can contribute meaningfully to the development and application of AI systems.
Founderz co-founder Anna Cejudo said the programme is focused on empowering women to take leadership roles in the AI-driven economy.
“We are at a turning point in artificial intelligence, and women mustn’t be left behind. This programme is about equipping them with the skills, confidence and opportunities to lead in the AI era,” she said.
The 2026 curriculum has been updated to reflect recent developments in artificial intelligence, with practical applications across sectors such as healthcare, education, finance, marketing, human resources and entrepreneurship. The training also includes contributions from industry professionals and Microsoft experts.
Participants who complete the programme and final assessment will also be eligible for advanced scholarship opportunities in AI and innovation, further expanding their career and learning pathways.
Organisers said the programme reflects the growing global demand for AI skills as organisations increasingly integrate artificial intelligence into their operations and decision-making processes.
They added that the initiative is open to women from all professional and academic backgrounds, with flexible learning designed to fit around personal and work commitments.
Interested applicants can register through the official portal below:
https://founderz.com/ai-skills-4-women/
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