India,
16th May, 2026: HOAG, in collaboration with BITS BioCyTiH
Foundation (BBF), the deep-tech and innovation initiative of BITS Pilani, has
announced the launch of the Certificate Program in Applied Artificial
Intelligence, a fully online, three-month immersive program designed for
students aged 12 to 17. This online program falls under HOAG’s Future
Essentials category which focuses on future-forward critical competencies for
young learners.
Despite
growing awareness around AI, structured and application-driven learning opportunities
for school students remain limited to basic theory and simplified exposure that
yield no real outcome. Students rarely gain access to environments that
introduce them to the architectures, workflows, systems thinking, and
real-world applications that power modern Artificial Intelligence today.
HOAG
and BITS BioCyTiH Foundation developed the program to bridge this gap through a
rigorous and future-facing learning model that mirrors the way AI increasingly
operates across universities, innovation ecosystems, startups, and professional
environments. The curriculum enables students to understand the fundamentals of
machine learning, train and evaluate models, and build practical AI solutions
through hands-on learning experiences and contemporary no-code and low-code
platforms.
The
Applied AI program launches a transformative 50-hour curriculum designed
to evolve teenagers from AI consumers into active creators through a
structured framework. The journey begins with basics of how machines see and
learn, progresses into generative AI and intelligent automation , and
culminates in a Capstone Incubator where they turn their own ideas into working
prototypes. Our unique pedagogy emphasizes "hand-holding" over
passive assistance wherein expert mentors facilitate breakout rooms to
guide students as they independently construct their own models, prompts, and
workflows. This immersive environment blends collaborative design thinking with
innovative brainstorming, empowering students and faculty to transform conceptual
ideas into tech prototypes for a final professional showcase.
This
online program positions AI as a multidisciplinary field that intersects with
creativity, communication, ethics, design thinking, entrepreneurship, systems
analysis, and decision-making. Students will engage with concepts and workflows
that typically remain inaccessible at the school level, including intelligent
automation systems, generative media creation, AI-assisted workflows, prompt
structuring, model behavior, responsible deployment, and human-centered
innovation.
Adetya
VN Chopra, Founder of HOAG, said: “Young learners today are capable thinkers
and builders and not passive recipients of simplified technological education.
They interact with Artificial Intelligence constantly, but very few get the
opportunity to understand how these systems actually function, how they
influence industries, or how they can be applied creatively and responsibly. We
designed this program to create a level of depth, structure, and practical
engagement that students in this age group rarely encounter. The objective is
to expose learners to the realities of modern AI systems through serious,
application-oriented learning that encourages experimentation, independent
thinking, and innovation.”
Dr.
Anil Wali, CEO of BITS BioCyTiH Foundation, said: “Artificial Intelligence will
shape the future academic, professional, and entrepreneurial journeys of
today’s students across disciplines and industries. Meaningful exposure to AI
at an early stage requires far more than theoretical awareness. Students must
engage with systems, experimentation, application, and responsible innovation
in structured ways. This program creates an intellectually engaging environment
where learners can explore how modern AI technologies operate and how they can
contribute thoughtfully to a rapidly evolving world.”
The
inaugural cohort of the program will commence on August 1st, 2026. Applications
for the program will open in mid-June 2026.
About
BITS BioCyTiH Foundation
BITS
BioCyTiH Foundation is a technology innovation hub of BITS Pilani established
under the aegis of NM-ICPS (DST). The Foundation focuses on advancing
interdisciplinary research, innovation, and technology-driven solutions across
sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, water, and the environment. With
access to advanced facilities, expert mentors, and industry collaborations, BBF
supports young innovators in developing impactful problem-solving abilities and
responsible leadership.
About
HOAG and HOAG Future Essentials
HOAG
is an education-focused initiative dedicated to designing immersive and
future-oriented learning experiences for young learners in India. Through
experiential programs, mentorship, and interdisciplinary frameworks, HOAG helps
students develop adaptability, leadership, and real-world capabilities relevant
to a rapidly evolving global landscape. HOAG Future Essentials serves as the
organization’s future-forward critical competencies category, expanding access
to structured and experiential learning opportunities for students across
geographies.
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Helpline Number:
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833 8271