Databricks will invest over $250 million in India over the next three years, the U.S.-based data and AI firm said on Wednesday, as it ramps up research, skilling, and hiring efforts in one of its fastest-growing markets.
As part of this investment, the San Francisco-headquartered data and AI company has launched the India Data + AI Academy, with a goal to train 500,000 partners and customers over the next three years.
“India is emerging as a global AI talent hub, and Databricks is proud to invest in its growing ecosystem,” said Rochana Golani, Vice President of Learning & Enablement at Databricks. She added that the academy will “shape the workforce of tomorrow” through personalised, AI-driven training programs.
Further cementing its presence in the country, Databricks also inaugurated a new 105,000-square-foot R&D facility in Bengaluru’s Bagmane Capital Park. The center will serve as a key node in Databricks’ global R&D network, which includes locations in Amsterdam, Belgrade, Berlin, San Francisco, Mountain View, and Seattle.
In under two years, the Bengaluru center has grown to over 100 engineers, and the company now plans to hire 100 more R&D professionals to bolster its capabilities. “Our investment in R&D in India reflects our belief in the extraordinary technical talent found here,” said Vinod Marur, Senior Vice President of Engineering.
Databricks is also doubling down on hiring, aiming to grow its India team by more than 50% to over 750 employees by the end of the fiscal year.
“This is one of our key growth markets,” said Ed Lenta, SVP & GM for Asia Pacific & Japan. “All our investments in India will ultimately enable our customers to become more successful in their data and AI journey.”