Snowflake and Nasscom collaborate to enhance data and AI skills for 100,000 learners in India

Snowflake, a leading AI Data Cloud company, has partnered with FutureSkills Prime—a digital skilling initiative by Nasscom and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology —to offer free, entry-level courses in data and artificial intelligence . This collaboration aims to enroll over 100,000 professional and student learners across India within the next two years.

India currently leads globally in AI skills penetration and holds prominent positions in AI talent concentration and scientific publications. Despite this, there exists a significant 51% gap between the demand for and supply of skilled professionals in the data and AI sectors. Projections indicate that by 2026, the demand for such professionals in India will exceed one million.

Addressing this disparity, Snowflake's collaboration with FutureSkills Prime is set to provide high-quality training resources. By integrating Snowflake's training modules into the curricula of over 2,100 institutions within Nasscom's Academia network, the initiative aligns with India's National Education Policy 2020. These courses will be available to undergraduate and postgraduate students—from their second year onwards—as well as to working professionals seeking to enhance their careers.

The program offers six comprehensive learning modules covering essential topics such as data management, SQL, AI fundamentals, and machine learning. Participants will engage in both theoretical lessons and hands-on exercises utilizing Snowflake's AI data platform. Upon completion, learners will receive certifications jointly issued by Nasscom and Snowflake, enhancing their credentials in the competitive job market.

Cassie Wallgren, Vice President of Global Educational Services at Snowflake, emphasized the transformative impact of this partnership, stating that it bridges the current skills gap and prepares a future-ready workforce equipped to lead in a data-driven world. Dr. Abhilasha Gaur, CEO of IT & ITeS SSC Nasscom, highlighted the initiative's role in equipping individuals with the knowledge and expertise to harness the power of AI and data cloud technologies, thereby accelerating business growth and technological advancements across industries.

Vijayant Rai, Managing Director of Snowflake India, underscored the importance of a robust data strategy as foundational to any AI strategy. He noted that Snowflake's specialized courses in data and AI are designed to enhance learners' career prospects and industry readiness, aligning with Nasscom's mission to advance India's IT and technology workforce.

This initiative is part of Snowflake's global program, "One Million Minds + One Platform," aimed at upskilling individuals worldwide in AI competencies. By providing accessible learning pathways and industry-recognized certifications, the collaboration between Snowflake and Nasscom seeks to empower individuals to unlock new career opportunities and drive advancements in AI and technology.

As companies increasingly rely on data to drive innovation and business growth, the demand for skilled professionals in fields like data engineering, data science, and AI/machine learning continues to rise. Roles such as data analysts, data architects, and data administrators are becoming critical for translating data into actionable insights. Through this collaboration, Snowflake and Nasscom aim to address the critical skills gaps by providing access to high-quality training and resources, ensuring that data and AI professionals are fully equipped with the necessary tools to succeed in the evolving data landscape.

By joining the FutureSkills Prime platform, Snowflake gains access to a vast network of institutions, facilitating the integration of its training courses into university curricula as either mandatory or optional programs. This integration is in alignment with India's National Education Policy 2020, ensuring that the courses meet national educational standards and contribute to the broader goal of making India a digital talent hub.

These courses are structured to provide a pathway to developing expertise in high-demand technology fields. They are available to undergraduate and postgraduate students, starting from their second year in degree or diploma programs, as well as to working professionals looking to enhance their careers. Delivered through the FutureSkills Prime platform, the courses offer a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, equipping learners with the skills necessary to excel in the data and AI sectors.

The collaboration between Snowflake and Nasscom represents a significant step toward addressing the skills gap in India's workforce. By providing access to comprehensive training and resources, this initiative prepares professionals for high-demand roles in data and AI sectors, contributing to India's ongoing digital transformation and positioning the country as a leader in the global digital economy.