Cloud data company Snowflake has joined hands with FutureSkills Prime, a digital learning initiative by Nasscom and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), to offer free data and AI training for professionals and students in India.
Goal of the Initiative
The partnership aims to train over 100,000 learners in data and AI skills over the next two years through free, on-demand courses. The program is part of Snowflake’s global One Million Minds + One Platform initiative, which focuses on upskilling talent in AI and cloud data to meet growing industry demands.
Who Can Enroll?
The courses are designed for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced professionals. They cater to:
- Engineers
- Analysts
- Data scientists
- Machine learning (ML) engineers
- Developers
- Data architects
- System administrators
Learning Modules and Skills Covered
The program offers six free learning modules covering essential skills such as
- Cloud data management
- SQL and data analytics
- AI and ML fundamentals
- Debugging and troubleshooting
- Data security and privacy
- Modern data architecture
The courses include hands-on labs, interactive content, and practical exercises to help learners build industry-relevant skills.
Bridging the Skills Gap
According to the Nasscom report on data science and AI skills in India:
- India ranks #1 in AI skills penetration globally.
- Despite this, there is a 51% gap between the demand for AI professionals and the available talent.
- By 2026, the demand for AI and data science professionals is expected to exceed one million.
Cassie Wallgren, VP of Global Educational Services at Snowflake, stated that the initiative aims to bridge the talent gap by equipping individuals with industry-relevant certifications and practical expertise, making them job-ready.
Impact on the Indian Workforce
The partnership is expected to:
✅ Enhance employability by providing sought-after AI and data skills.
✅ Accelerate digital transformation across industries by creating a data-literate workforce.
✅ Empower businesses to adopt AI and data-driven solutions effectively.
Flexible Learning with Real-world Applications
The courses offer flexible, self-paced learning through:
- On-demand modules are accessible anytime, anywhere.
- Real-world case studies to apply skills in practical scenarios.
- Globally acknowledged certifications to boost job opportunities.
Industry Leaders’ Views
Dr. Abhilasha Gaur, CEO of IT & ITeS SSC Nasscom, highlighted that the initiative will equip professionals with cutting-edge AI and data cloud skills, driving business growth and innovation across sectors.
Vijayant Rai, MD of Snowflake India, emphasized that AI and data expertise are essential for career growth, and the program will help learners stay ahead in the evolving tech landscape.
Key Takeaway
With the growing demand for data and AI skills, this collaboration offers students and professionals in India a valuable opportunity to gain in-demand expertise for free, enhancing their career prospects in the tech industry.
