New Delhi, November 29, 2025: Nasscom Foundation and IBM have announced a nationwide partnership to equip more than 87,000 young people from underserved communities with digital, domain and employability skills aligned to India’s growing technology sector. The initiative is anchored in IBM’s SkillsBuild programme and aims to expand access to market-relevant learning pathways for youth preparing to enter a rapidly evolving digital economy.
Under the collaboration, learners will gain access to IBM SkillsBuild, a free digital learning platform offering curated courses and hands-on experiences in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Data Analytics and Professional Development. Nasscom Foundation will guide students through structured learning journeys to ensure deeper engagement, absorption of skills and improved career readiness.
Beyond self-paced learning, the programme includes interactive sessions, mentorship and guided experiences designed to build technical proficiency and professional confidence. With IBM’s global expertise and Nasscom Foundation’s on-ground reach, the partnership seeks to deliver technology-led skilling opportunities to young people who traditionally lack access to such resources.
“At Nasscom Foundation, we are committed to enabling India’s youth to actively participate in the digital economy. Our partnership with IBM, reflects a shared commitment vision to build a digitally fluent generation by combining IBM’s global expertise with our community-driven mission to connect tech enabled learning with livelihood opportunities. By equipping young learners especially from the underserved communities with future-ready skills, career exposure, and access to learning pathways, we are helping unlock opportunities that can transform lives and strengthen India’s digital workforce,” said Jyoti Sharma, CEO, Nasscom Foundation.
“Skilling is emerging as the new currency of innovation, driving inclusive and sustainable growth,” said Sandip Patel, Managing Director, IBM India & South Asia. “Our collaboration with Nasscom Foundation reinforces IBM’s commitment to expanding access to cutting-edge technology skills across areas such as AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Together, we aim to equip India’s youth to lead the country’s next phase of digital transformation.”
The project will be implemented through a hybrid model involving direct engagement with universities and partnerships with skilling organisations specialising in emerging technologies. This approach combines digital learning with project-based training and placement-linked skilling, enabling learners to apply their knowledge in real-world environments. Select participants will also receive mentor-led sessions focused on employability and career readiness.
With a pan-India reach and a focus on underserved communities, the collaboration aims to contribute to India’s vision of a digitally empowered society. It also aligns with IBM’s global commitment to skill 30 million people by 2030 and train 2 million learners in AI by 2026.
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