Ed Lenta, Senior VP & GM, Asia-Pacific & Japan, Databricks: Harnessing the promise of India both as a lucrative market as well as a destination for carrying out R&D operations
In a significant development, Databricks, a leading provider of cloud database management systems & data science and ML platforms, is all set to have a greater engagement with India both as a happening market as well as a credible destination for carrying out innovative research & development (R&D) activities. For that, the company has announced a substantial investment of $250 Million in the country over the next three years. The company aims at accelerating innovation in data and artificial intelligence (AI) at its Bengaluru centre, which is an integral part of Databricks’ global R&D network, which includes sites in Amsterdam, Belgrade, Berlin, San Francisco, Mountain View and Seattle.
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 the headcount substantially. 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.
The company has also launched its 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 one of our key growth markets for Databricks, and we’re pleased that many leading organisations, including CommerceIQ, Freshworks, HDFC Bank, Swiggy, TVS Motors, and Zepto have been 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 VP & GM, Asia-Pacific & Japan, Databricks.
Rochana Golani, Vice President of Learning & Enablement, Databricks: Believes in the Indian tech talents
Rochana Golani, Vice President of Learning & Enablement, Databricks, commented, “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.”
“Our partners are very important in our learning ecosystem, and we’re also excited that Accenture has recently launched a Databricks learning program in their Bengaluru Innovation Hub, where more customers and learners can be equipped with data modernization skills,” added Golani.
Expanding Bengaluru R&D Facility
Databricks recently opened its new Bengaluru R&D office, reinforcing 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.
Vinod Marur, Senior VP, Engineering, Databricks, said, “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.”
“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’re excited to keep growing our team. This year, we plan to hire an additional 100-plus R&D engineers to strengthen our capabilities and deepen our roots in this vibrant technology community,” added Marur.
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