DBT Bureau
Pune, 28 April 2025
Databricks, the Data and AI company, announced a strategic investment of over US$250 million in India over the next three years to accelerate innovation in data and artificial intelligence (AI). The investment, announced ahead of its flagship Mumbai Data Intelligence Day event, will support training and enablement, research and development (R&D), and go-to-market resources, including increasing headcount by more than 50% to over 750 local employees at the end of this fiscal year. This underscores Databricks’ long-term vision for India as a key market for AI-driven transformation, reinforcing the company’s commitment to fostering India’s thriving data and AI ecosystem.
Launch of Databricks’ India Data + AI Academy
Databricks has also launched the India Data + AI Academy, a pioneering initiative designed to equip the Indian workforce with advanced data and AI skills. The academy aims to train 500,000 partners and customers in India over the next three years. Through a comprehensive training program in data, analytics and AI, the academy allows learners to take the courses at their own pace with AI-powered tutors and hands-on labs. The academy will empower professionals to maximize the value of their Databricks solutions, enhance productivity, and drive innovation. Professionals completing this program will obtain Databricks certifications and accreditations. With an increasing demand for AI talent, the academy is poised to meet the demands for advanced data and AI skill sets.
“India is emerging as a global AI talent hub, and Databricks is proud to invest in its growing ecosystem. The India Data + AI Academy will equip professionals with critical skills in data and AI, ensuring they stay ahead in the AI-driven economy. Through personalised learning paths and AI-driven skilling initiatives, we aim to shape the workforce of tomorrow and strengthen India’s leadership in data and AI expertise,” said Rochana Golani, Vice President of Learning & Enablement at Databricks. “Our partners are very important in our learning ecosystem – as one of several strategic activations, Accenture is featuring Databricks in its Bangalore Connected Innovation Center, which serves as a hub for helping clients innovate, prototype, and scale digital technologies, including emerging data and AI solutions.”
“India is one of our key growth markets for Databricks, and we are pleased that many leading organisations, including CommerceIQ, Freshworks, HDFC Bank, Swiggy, TVS Motors, and Zepto, are leveraging the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform to drive innovation and transformation for their businesses. I’m excited that all our investments in India will ultimately enable our customers to become more successful in their data and AI journey,” said Ed Lenta, Senior Vice President & GM for Asia Pacific & Japan at Databricks.
Opening of Bengaluru R&D Office
Databricks recently opened its new Bengaluru R&D office, reiterating the company’s commitment to innovation and its rapid growth trajectory in the country. The 105,000-square-foot state-of-the-art workspace at Bagmane Capital Park is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and connection for Databricks and its customers and partners in the region.
“We continue to expand our presence into premier technical hubs across the globe. Our investment in R&D in India, and particularly in Bengaluru, reflects our belief in the extraordinary technical talent found here,” said Vinod Marur, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Databricks. “In less than two years, our Bengaluru R&D center has grown into a dynamic team of over 100 engineers, building innovative products and infrastructure that are central to our global mission. India is a vital part of Databricks’ future, and we are excited to keep growing our team. This year, we plan to hire an additional 100+ R&D engineers to strengthen our capabilities and deepen our roots in this vibrant technology community.”
The new R&D center in Bengaluru will be an integral part of Databricks’ global R&D network, which includes sites in Amsterdam, Belgrade, Berlin, San Francisco, Mountain View and Seattle.
