Adobe is set to transform creative education in India by offering free licenses of its AI-powered tools to lakhs of students, as revealed by CEO Shantanu Narayan at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. This bold step is designed to supercharge creativity and prepare youth for AI-driven careers, directly contributing to national development goals.
The free toolkit includes powerhouse software like Firefly – a versatile AI studio blending models from Google, OpenAI, and Runway – alongside Photoshop and Acrobat. Students in accredited colleges and universities will dive into structured courses, practical training, and certification programs tailored for real-world application.
Imagine students harnessing generative AI safely, generating professional-grade content without ethical concerns. Acrobat Pro adds efficiency with easy text-image edits and team collaborations, making complex projects manageable.
Narayan highlighted his anticipation for groundbreaking student projects that propel India’s creative economy forward. Echoing PM Modi’s vision, this initiative strengthens ‘Create in India’ and aligns with the ambitious plan to generate 20 lakh AVGC jobs by 2030, as outlined in the 2026 budget.
Through government collaboration, Adobe’s resources will reach 15,000 schools and 500 colleges, complete with dedicated content creator labs. This isn’t just software giveaway; it’s a full ecosystem to build India’s next wave of digital innovators, ensuring they thrive in an AI-first world.