5 Things to Know About Databricks’ $250 Million Bet on India
Databricks has announced that it’s going to invest over $250 million in India over the next three years. The funding will be used to strengthen its presence in the country through research and development, workforce expansion, and a new education initiative aimed at closing the AI skill gap.
The announcement came ahead of the company’s flagship “Data Intelligence Day” event in Mumbai. Apart from that, during the media briefing, the company also talked about the recently opened 105,000-square-foot R&D office in Bengaluru’s Bagmane Capital Park. So based on that, here are the 5 things you should know about Databricks’ $250 million bet on India:
1. $250 Million Investment Focuses on R&D, Hiring, and Market Expansion
Databricks will invest over $250 million in India by 2028. The money will support research and development, go-to-market expansion, and hiring. The company plans to grow its India team by more than 50%, reaching over 750 employees by the end of this fiscal year.
2. New Bengaluru R&D Hub Is Central to Global Engineering
Databricks also talked about its recently opened new 105,000-square-foot R&D facility in Bengaluru’s Bagmane Capital Park. According to the company, the facility is already home to 100+ engineers, and the center will contribute to Databricks’ core global product development. An additional 100 engineers are expected to be hired this year alone.
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 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.
Vinod Marur, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Databricks
3. India Data + AI Academy Targets 500,000 Learners
Databricks has launched the India Data + AI Academy, which aims to train half a million professionals, both customers and partners, over the next three years. This initiative will include self-paced courses powered by AI tutors, and will also include hands-on labs. The company will also give badges and certifications for the completion of the course. Accenture has already adopted the training initiative at its Bengaluru Innovation Hub.
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.
Rochana Golani, Vice President of Learning & Enablement at Databricks
4. India’s AI Landscape Is Seen as Cutting-Edge
During the media briefing, when I asked whether the company is working on any India-specific data or AI problems, Marur said, “For things like data privacy and stuff like that, we are working closely with our partners. Apart from that, the majority of our Indian customers are on the cutting-edge side, which we see at the global level.”
5. India Is One of Databricks’ Fastest-Growing Markets
India continues to be one of the fastest-growing markets for Databricks, with customers including HDFC Bank, Swiggy, Zepto, CommerceIQ, and TVS Motors. Ed Lenta, Senior Vice President and GM for Asia Pacific and Japan highlighted that the local investments are geared toward allowing customers in India to scale their data and AI operations more effectively.
The company’s investment arrives amid a wider push by global tech firms to leverage India’s large pool of technical talent and growing enterprise demand for AI solutions. For example, a Silicon Valley-based cybersecurity firm, Operant AI, recently started its operations in India.