Snowflake, a leading AI data and cloud company, has joined forces with FutureSkills Prime, a digital skilling initiative led by Nasscom and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). This collaboration aims to strengthen India’s position as a global digital talent hub by equipping professionals and students with essential AI and data skills.
As part of the initiative, Snowflake and Nasscom plan to enroll over 100,000 learners in free, on-demand entry-level courses on data and AI within the next two years. The effort aligns with Snowflake’s global One Million Minds + One Platform program, which is dedicated to AI upskilling worldwide.
Cassie Wallgren, Vice President of Global Educational Services at Snowflake, emphasized the importance of the partnership in addressing the current skills gap. “Together, we are preparing a future-ready workforce for the data-driven world. Through industry-recognized certifications, hands-on experience, and accessible learning pathways, this collaboration will open doors to new career opportunities and drive innovation in AI and technology,” she said.
Addressing India’s AI Skills Gap
According to Nasscom’s State of Data Science and AI Skills in India report, India ranks first in AI skills penetration and holds the top global positions in AI talent concentration. However, despite this strength, the gap between demand and supply remains significant at 51%, with the need for AI and data professionals expected to exceed one million by 2026.
Dr. Abhilasha Gaur, CEO of IT & ITeS SSC Nasscom, highlighted the critical role of AI and data cloud skills in industry growth. “The courses offered by Snowflake will empower students and professionals with expertise in AI and data cloud technologies. These training programs will accelerate business growth and technological advancements across industries by enhancing skills in cloud data management, AI-driven analytics, and modern data architecture,” she said.
With businesses increasingly relying on data to drive AI innovation and decision-making, demand for skilled professionals in data engineering, data science, and AI/ML is set to rise. Roles such as data analysts, data architects, and data administrators will become even more critical in the evolving job market.
Structured Learning for Future-Ready Careers
Snowflake’s training programs provide structured learning paths tailored for professionals at different career stages. The entry-level courses offer flexible, self-paced learning, featuring on-demand modules, hands-on labs, and foundational training in key areas like cloud technologies, SQL, AI/ML, and data science.
Vijayant Rai, Managing Director of Snowflake India, underscored the impact of these specialized courses on career growth. “Our data and AI courses are designed to enhance industry readiness and career prospects. Through this collaboration, we aim to help organizations gain a competitive advantage, foster innovation, and achieve long-term success,” he said.
By bridging the AI skills gap, this initiative has the potential to empower India’s workforce, accelerate digital transformation, and solidify the country’s reputation as a global leader in AI and data-driven innovation.
