Databricks to pump in $250M in India; launches AI academy

The investment over the next three years will primarily support training and enablement, research and development, and go-to-market resources.

Apr 24, 2025 - 08:40

Databricks to pump in $250M in India; launches AI academy

AI and data analytics firm Databrickswill invest over $250 million in India over the next three years.

The investment will primarily support training and enablement, research and development (R&D), and go-to-market resources, the company said in a statement. Databricks also plans to increase its headcount by more than 50% to over 750 employees in the country at the end of this fiscal year.

The San Francisco-based firm has also launched the India Data + AI Academy to assist the Indian workforce with advanced data and AI skills. It plans to train around 5 lakh partners and customers. The initiative will offer a training programme in data, analytics, and AI, and allow learners to take up courses at their own pace, the statement said. The courses come with AI-powered tutors and hands-on labs.

“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 our Databricks Data Intelligence Platform," said Ed Lenta, Senior Vice President & GM for Asia Pacific & Japan at Databricks.

"I am excited that all our investments in India will ultimately enable our customers to become more successful in their data and AI journey,” he added.

Upon completion of the programme, professionals will receive Databricks certifications and accreditations.

Databricks has also opened its new R&D office, a 105,000-square-foot workspace located at Bagmane Capital Park in Bengaluru. It plans to hire over 100 R&D engineers.

“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.

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“In less than two years, our Bengaluru R&D centre 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,” he added.

The new office will be a part of the company’s global R&D network, which includes sites in Amsterdam, Belgrade, Berlin, San Francisco, Mountain View, and Seattle.

Databricks caters to over 10,000 global organisations, including Block, Comcast, Condé Nast, Rivian, Shell, and over 60% of the Fortune 500 companies.

Edited by Swetha Kannan