SAP Expands AI Skilling Push, Targets 2 Million People in India by 2030

Enterprise technology major SAP is stepping up its efforts to prepare India’s workforce for an artificial intelligence-driven economy, reaffirming its commitment to equip two million people in the country with AI-ready skills by 2030.

Citing India’s contribution of 28 per cent of the global STEM workforce and 23 per cent of the world’s software engineering talent, SAP said the country is well positioned to play a leading role in the AI economy, enterprise applications and business AI. The company announced plans to expand its existing learning, certification and workforce development programmes to help more people acquire skills relevant to the evolving digital economy.

The initiative aims to address the growing demand for technology professionals while improving access to practical training in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data and enterprise technologies. SAP plans to work with academic institutions, industry partners, government bodies and community organisations to extend these opportunities to a wider section of the population.

“The foundation of India’s strength in technology has always been its people. Preparing Indian talent for the next wave of innovation requires sustained investment in how people learn, apply their skills, and apply that in their careers,” said Manish Prasad, President and Managing Director of SAP Indian Subcontinent.

Prasad said nearly 13 per cent of the two-million target had already been reached through certification courses, student education and community programmes. The broader commitment, he added, is intended to help more people develop the capabilities needed to contribute to India’s AI-led growth.

SAP is also working with state governments and skill-development institutions to align technology training with regional employment needs. The approach is designed to connect emerging technology skills with practical workforce requirements rather than limiting learning to theoretical knowledge.

One of its key initiatives, the Future Right Skills Network, brings together industry partners and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to improve AI awareness and workplace readiness among vocational learners.

The programme combines foundational AI education with communication skills and industry exposure for students at Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). By introducing technology concepts alongside practical workplace preparation, the initiative seeks to help learners apply their knowledge in real-world employment settings.

SAP’s STEM and community programmes collectively provide more than 1,100 curriculum hours covering AI, digital competencies and workplace skills. Participants also receive mentoring and employment support, helping bridge the gap between education and career opportunities.

As businesses increasingly integrate AI into their operations, access to relevant skills is becoming an important factor in workforce preparedness. SAP’s expanded commitment seeks to strengthen India’s talent pipeline by reaching students, vocational learners and other participants through education, certification and community-based training programmes.

The success of the initiative will depend on how effectively these programmes translate into practical capabilities and improved employment opportunities as India’s digital economy continues to expand.