Kyndryl injects $2.25 billion into India, fueling AI and digital workforce.

Kyndryl, a leading provider of IT infrastructure services, has announced a significant $2.25 billion investment in India over the next three years, a move poised to accelerate the nation's artificial intelligence capabilities and digital workforce development.[1][2][3] This substantial commitment will fund the establishment of a new AI Innovation Lab in Bengaluru, deepen the company's collaboration with the Indian government on strategic AI initiatives, and support extensive skilling programs designed to train approximately 200,000 citizens in advanced digital technologies.[1][3][4] The investment underscores India's rising prominence as a global technology powerhouse and Kyndryl's strategy to expand its footprint in one of the world's fastest-growing digital economies.[1][4] The announcement followed a meeting between Kyndryl's Chairman and CEO, Martin Schroeter, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who welcomed the partnership and its potential to build solutions that benefit both India and the global community.[2][5][6]

At the heart of Kyndryl's investment is the creation of an AI Innovation Lab in Bengaluru, which will serve as a collaborative hub for businesses to develop and implement AI-powered solutions.[7][4] This facility, similar to Kyndryl's existing labs in the United Kingdom and Singapore, will bring together data scientists, consultants, and platform engineering professionals to co-create solutions for enterprises.[1][8][9] The lab will focus on key areas such as data, cloud applications, and software engineering, aiming to advance the company's AI-powered consulting services.[10][8] A significant aspect of the lab's mission will be its alignment with the Government of India's IndiaAI Mission, supporting projects related to the transformation of governance and the enhancement of digital public infrastructure.[1][11][12] Kyndryl intends to use the lab to spearhead high-impact projects demonstrating the application of AI in critical infrastructure and cyber resilience, culminating in a showcase at the government-hosted AI Impact Summit in February 2026.[1][2]

A cornerstone of this multi-billion dollar initiative is a massive push towards talent development and digital skilling. Kyndryl aims to equip around 200,000 people across India with in-demand digital skills through its social impact initiatives and grants from the Kyndryl Foundation.[1][4] The "Kyndryl Skilling" program will offer advanced courses in areas like DevSecOps, Cloud Operations, and Resilient Systems.[1][2][7] In a significant collaboration, this program will be integrated with the portal of the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) to broaden its reach to students and professionals nationwide.[1][5][9] Recognizing the untapped potential in smaller cities, Kyndryl also plans to establish offices in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, fostering regional innovation ecosystems.[1][7][13] This expansion will be complemented by partnerships with graduate schools and research centers to create a new early-career program, building a sustainable talent pipeline for the future.[1][12] This focus on workforce training is timely, as recent research from Kyndryl indicates that while India leads in AI workforce readiness, 72% of its business leaders are prioritizing upskilling to keep pace with rapid AI adoption.[2][7]

The investment also signals a deepening of Kyndryl's strategic partnership with the Indian government. The company is signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to support its Ease of Doing Business initiative.[2][7][8] Through its AI-enabled operating platform, Kyndryl Bridge, the company will pioneer the application of AI to advance India's regulatory reform agenda.[2][5][13] This collaboration reflects a broader focus on contributing to India's digital public infrastructure goals and long-term economic health, with an emphasis on AI, cybersecurity, and hybrid IT modernization.[1][3][9] Kyndryl already serves numerous leading organizations in India, including Bangalore International Airport, Canara Bank, and the National Stock Exchange of India, providing a strong foundation for this expanded focus.[5][7]

In conclusion, Kyndryl's $2.25 billion investment represents a multifaceted strategy that intertwines technological innovation, workforce development, and strategic government collaboration. By establishing a dedicated AI lab, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of India's burgeoning AI ecosystem. The comprehensive skilling programs address the critical need for a future-ready workforce, while the partnership with the government on key national missions like IndiaAI and Ease of Doing Business demonstrates a long-term commitment to the country's digital transformation journey. This significant financial injection is set to not only bolster Kyndryl's presence in the region but also to provide a substantial catalyst for innovation and growth across India's technology sector, reinforcing the nation's role as a critical hub for global tech talent and AI development.