AWS launches DeepRacer Women’s League to promote upskilling, diversity & inclusion in AI

AWS has launched an initiative called the AWS DeepRacer Women’s League- India 2021, to bring together women students to learn machine learning through a cloud-based virtual racing simulator. This programme will allow participants to build ML models for autonomous driving applications

As an autonomous racing league, it offers a unique opportunity to compete on tracks virtually while diving deep into advanced reinforcement learning and upskilling with ML. Participants will have the opportunity to leverage the AWS machine learning and AWS DeepRacer course modules and several enablement sessions planned during the event. The programme is open for all female students currently enrolled with higher education academic institutions in India, and is designed to promote upskilling in machine learning (ML), as well as inclusion and diversity in the technology sector.

According to a global study, India has higher-than-average share of women with artificial intelligence skillsets (at 22%) compared to other countries. With India having a significant stake in the AI revolution of the world through programmes and initiatives like #AI4All, Digital India and FutureSkills Prime, this is a clear opportunity to build an AI-skilled workforce for the future. This event is expected to foster community learning and help with the early adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning technology for a more diverse workforce of the future, said the company in a statement.

The event was initiated on the occasion of International Women’s Day and will begin with a regional elimination round comprising four regions in India (North, East, West, South), followed by a national elimination community race. The grand finale on 21st April, will allow participants to upload their models and run on the virtual track which will be streamed live on twitch.tv. The winner of the India event will participate in the International DeepRacer League, providing an opporutnity to acquire and test their ML skills on a global platform.