German enterprise software company SAP announced additional skilling programmes in India on 28 October 2026 under its existing goal of equipping two million people with AI-ready skills by 2030.
The programmes cover artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data and enterprise technologies through partnerships with educational institutions, government bodies, businesses and community organisations. The announcement expands existing initiatives rather than introducing a new two-million-person commitment.
SAP said nearly 13% of its India target had already participated through certification, student education and community programmes. This is a participation figure across different initiatives, rather than a count of completed AI certifications. The India commitment forms part of the company’s global target of reaching 12 million people by 2030.
“The foundation of India’s strength in technology has always been its people,” said Manish Prasad, President and Managing Director, SAP Indian Subcontinent.
Vocational training and community programmes
Through the Future Right Skills Network, SAP works with industry partners and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship on training for Industrial Training Institute students. This combines foundational AI learning, communication skills and industry exposure.
The company also identified Code Unnati, Digital Academy and AI Careers for Women among its community initiatives. These programmes serve groups including women, unemployed graduates and young people in Tier 2 and Tier 3 locations, offering technical learning, practical projects and career guidance.
University and industry partnerships
The expansion builds on earlier academic partnerships. On 25 August 2026, SAP India and PwC India announced an 18-month Career Readiness Training Programme for engineering students, beginning with KIIT Bhubaneswar.
The programme combines SAP-certified learning with practical industry experience. Its initial focus included B.Tech students in computer science, electronics and communication, information technology, and AI and machine learning. Students demonstrating strong performance may qualify for six-month internships with PwC India, with further employment opportunities.
According to PwC’s current programme page, participants must be nominated by partner colleges and meet its academic criteria. Applications for the 2026 intake have closed, and progression to internships and employment depends on eligibility and performance.
Eligible university students and faculty can separately access SAP Learning Hub, student edition, free of charge after verification of their academic affiliation. It includes learning materials, expert-led sessions, cloud-based practice systems and two certification examination attempts. Access lasts 12 months and can be renewed while eligibility continues.
AI and workforce training
AI skilling covers more than the development of AI models. It also involves learning to use AI-enabled software, interpret its outputs, manage data and identify tasks that require human oversight.
For students, this training sits alongside formal education; for working professionals, it forms part of adapting to changes in workplace tools and processes. Company-led programmes provide experience with specific technologies, making the breadth of the training and its practical application relevant considerations.
Participation targets show the intended scale of these initiatives. Completion rates, demonstrated skills and employment outcomes are also needed to assess their results.
