In the fast-evolving landscape of technology, few voices carry as much weight as Andrew Ng’s. On March 23, 2026, Ng—a British-born American computer scientist, entrepreneur, and educator—once again sounded the clarion call for individuals and businesses to embrace artificial intelligence (AI). His message was simple, yet profound: “AI is the new electricity.” According to Ng, ignoring AI today is as unwise as ignoring electricity was a century ago. The world is on the cusp of a transformation, and Ng wants everyone to be ready.
Ng’s credentials are as impressive as his vision. He co-founded Coursera, the online learning platform that has brought quality education to millions worldwide. Before that, he led Google Brain, the deep learning project that made major advances in AI. He later served as Chief Scientist at Baidu, where he led their AI division, and today, he is the founder and CEO of both Landing AI and DeepLearning.AI. His career, as reported by livemint.com, has been built on the belief that AI should be accessible to all, not just a privileged few.
“The future is here; are you…?” Ng’s rhetorical question, cited by livemint.com, encapsulates his sense of urgency. He doesn’t just want people to marvel at AI’s possibilities—he wants them to roll up their sleeves and get involved. “AI is the new electricity. Just as electricity transformed almost everything 100 years ago, today I actually have a hard time thinking of an industry that I don’t think AI will transform in the next several years.” This analogy, which Ng has repeated in interviews and lectures, isn’t just catchy. It’s a deep comparison that puts AI’s potential into perspective. Just as electricity revolutionized factories, transportation, and communication, Ng believes AI will reshape every sector—from healthcare and agriculture to finance and manufacturing.
But how does one begin to navigate this new era? Ng’s advice is refreshingly practical: “Many people are interested in AI, but they don’t know how to get started. My advice is to just start building things.” According to Ng, the key is hands-on experience—experimenting, trying small projects, and learning by doing. He recommends online courses, like those offered by Coursera or DeepLearning.AI, as excellent starting points. These platforms, which he helped create, are designed to make AI education accessible and actionable for everyone, regardless of background. “The AI revolution is not just for computer scientists. It’s for everyone,” Ng asserts. This inclusive message is at the core of his advocacy, urging people from all walks of life to participate in shaping the future.
Ng’s call to action comes at a time when institutions around the globe are ramping up efforts to provide AI education. In India, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) has just announced a four-week intensive certificate programme in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), set to run from June 15 to July 15, 2026. The programme, according to official details and reported by NDTV, targets students, researchers, faculty members, industry professionals, and R&D personnel. It aims to provide in-depth exposure to advanced technologies such as AI, ML, Neural Networks, and Deep Learning, with a strong emphasis on hands-on implementation.
Registration for the IIT Kanpur programme is already open, with a Golden Registration deadline on March 31, 2026, and a Flash Registration deadline on April 22, 2026. The course is designed to be immersive, offering Python-based training, guided projects, and expert lectures from leading professionals associated with global technology companies. Participants can expect mentorship support throughout the programme and will receive a certification from IIT Kanpur upon successful completion. The initiative reflects the growing recognition that practical, project-based learning is essential for mastering AI—a point Ng has long emphasized.
“Start small and keep learning,” Ng advises, echoing the ethos behind both his own educational initiatives and those like IIT Kanpur’s. The idea isn’t to become an overnight expert, but to build a foundation and grow from there. Continuous learning, he stresses, is the best way to prepare for the rapid changes AI will bring to every industry. This sentiment is echoed in his work at Coursera, Google Brain, Landing AI, and DeepLearning.AI, where the focus is always on making complex technology understandable and usable for the widest possible audience.
What’s striking about Ng’s message is its universality. He doesn’t see AI as the exclusive domain of coders and engineers. Instead, he insists that the coming transformation will touch every job and every person. “AI will touch every person and every job. People from all backgrounds—not just tech professionals—need to learn, adapt, and help shape what comes next.” For Ng, the democratization of AI knowledge is both a moral imperative and an economic necessity. By equipping people with the skills to harness AI, society can ensure that the benefits of this technology are shared broadly, rather than concentrated in the hands of a few.
The comparison to electricity is more than a metaphor—it’s a warning. When electricity was first introduced, those who adapted quickly gained a competitive edge, while those who lagged behind risked obsolescence. Ng sees a similar dynamic unfolding with AI. The industries, companies, and individuals who embrace AI now will be better positioned to thrive in the years ahead. Those who ignore it, he cautions, may find themselves left behind as the world changes around them.
For those feeling overwhelmed by the pace of change, Ng’s advice is reassuring: “Just start building things.” The journey into AI doesn’t have to be intimidating. With resources like Coursera, DeepLearning.AI, and now specialized programmes like IIT Kanpur’s, the barriers to entry have never been lower. Whether you’re a student, a researcher, a teacher, or a business leader, there’s a pathway to learning and applying AI that fits your needs.
The momentum behind AI education isn’t slowing down. As more institutions follow the lead of pioneers like Ng and IIT Kanpur, the opportunities for individuals to gain practical, hands-on experience will only grow. The message from the world’s leading AI educators is clear: don’t wait for the future to arrive—start shaping it today.
In the end, Ng’s vision is both optimistic and pragmatic. He sees a world where AI empowers people from all walks of life to solve real-world problems and unlock new possibilities. The tools are here, the knowledge is accessible, and the time to act is now. The question is—will you answer the call?