At the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi, Adobe announced a nationwide initiative to democratise access to AI-powered creative tools for students across India. The company revealed plans to offer complimentary access to key applications including Adobe Firefly, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Acrobat through accredited higher education institutions.
The initiative is designed to equip learners with practical, industry-aligned skills for emerging AI-driven careers. In addition to software access, students will receive structured coursework, guided training modules, and opportunities to earn professional certifications. The goal is to empower young creators with capabilities in digital design, content production, visual communication, and productivity tools essential for modern workplaces.
Adobe’s move aligns with the Government of India’s “Create in India” vision and complements the Union Budget 2026 emphasis on boosting employment in high-growth AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) sectors. The company plans to collaborate with government stakeholders to expand its AI-enabled ecosystem to thousands of schools and colleges expected to establish Content Creator Labs in the coming years.
Chair and CEO Shantanu Narayen highlighted that providing broad access to advanced AI tools will unlock new creative pathways for millions of Indian students. He emphasised that hands-on exposure to globally recognised platforms can help learners compete effectively in international markets while contributing to India’s expanding digital economy.
Adobe’s generative AI platform, Firefly, enables students to create commercially viable AI-generated content with safeguards for responsible use. Meanwhile, Acrobat Pro enhances collaboration, document workflows, and academic productivity skills increasingly relevant in both higher education and professional environments.
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As part of its wider skilling efforts, Adobe India has also partnered with NASSCOM FutureSkills Prime, a digital learning platform backed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Through this collaboration, students nationwide will gain access to free, industry-focused courses and certifications aimed at strengthening AI and digital competencies.
The programme is expected to particularly benefit learners aspiring to careers in graphic design, animation, gaming, marketing, e-commerce, media, and technology—industries undergoing rapid AI-led transformation.
During the summit, Adobe also presented “Kathāvatār,” a series of short AI-powered films inspired by Indian folklore, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Students enrolled through participating institutions will be able to access the newly launched AI toolkit as part of the broader rollout.
