AI upskilling takes center stage at SHRM Tech 2.0

The United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®) is establishing itself as a key player in the AI workforce development landscape through strategic industry engagement. By participating as a bronze sponsor at SHRM Tech 2.0 in Mumbai, one of India’s largest HR technology events, USAII® has positioned its certification programs as solutions to the urgent AI upskilling needs facing organizations across sectors. This engagement highlights the growing recognition that AI literacy is no longer a future consideration but an immediate business imperative, particularly in the rapidly developing Asia-Pacific market.

The big picture: USAII® showcased its vendor-neutral AI certification portfolio to over 2,500 HR professionals at SHRM Tech 2.0, addressing the growing demand for structured AI upskilling frameworks.

Key programs offered: USAII®’s certification suite covers the full spectrum of organizational AI needs with role-specific credentials.

• The portfolio includes the Certified AI Transformation Leader (CAITL™), Certified Artificial Intelligence Scientist (CAIS™), Certified Artificial Intelligence Consultant (CAIC™), and Certified Artificial Intelligence Engineer (CAIE™).
• These programs are designed to be flexible and align with varying organizational goals and industry requirements.

What they’re saying: USAII® leadership emphasized the shift from theoretical discussions about AI adoption to practical implementation of AI capabilities.

• “Organizations across sectors are no longer questioning ‘if’ they need AI capabilities—they’re asking ‘how fast’ they can build them,” stated Ajit K Jha, Chief Product Partner at USAII®.
• Praveen Handral, Chief Marketing Partner, noted that “AI readiness is no longer a future goal; it’s a current imperative.”

Important stats: Regional investment in AI training is gaining significant momentum across Asia-Pacific businesses.

• Over 63% of organizations in the Asia-Pacific region are prioritizing AI training specifically for their HR and technology divisions in 2025.

Why this matters: As AI adoption accelerates globally, organizations face a critical skills gap that certification programs are positioned to address, creating new professional development pathways and standards for AI competency.