Pega, SmartBridge Unveil 200-Hour Program to Bridge India's AI Talent Gap

In a significant move to combat India's widening technology skills gap, enterprise software company Pegasystems has partnered with Hyderabad-based talent accelerator SmartBridge to launch an extensive 200-hour training program. This strategic collaboration aims to cultivate a new generation of professionals skilled in artificial intelligence, automation, and low-code technologies, directly addressing the critical talent crunch facing one of the world's fastest-growing tech markets. The initiative, which will initially roll out across India before expanding to the Asia-Pacific and Middle East, is designed to create a steady pipeline of job-ready talent, equipped with practical skills and globally recognized certifications, thereby reducing the onboarding time and training costs for companies in the Pega ecosystem. This partnership represents a concerted effort to bridge the chasm between academic education and industry requirements, a gap that has become increasingly pronounced with the rapid evolution of AI and digital transformation.

The program's launch comes at a crucial time for India's technology sector. Studies reveal a severe shortage of AI-skilled talent, with some reports indicating that only 15-20% of the tech workforce is currently equipped with the necessary AI skills.[1] This deficit is projected to worsen, with estimates suggesting a potential gap of over one million unfilled AI-related roles by 2027 if upskilling and training initiatives are not significantly ramped up.[2] The demand for AI talent is surging, with job postings increasing by 21% annually since 2019 and compensation rising by 11% for qualified professionals.[2] However, the supply has failed to keep pace, creating a bottleneck for innovation and growth.[2] This talent gap has forced companies to alter their hiring strategies, often paying a premium for skilled individuals and prioritizing adaptability in candidates.[1] The challenge is compounded by a lack of robust research infrastructure and the fact that much of India's current work involves building applications on top of existing large language models rather than developing foundational models, which requires a workforce of adaptable AI engineers, not just traditional coders.[1] This industry-wide challenge underscores the necessity of targeted, high-impact skilling programs that can rapidly build a workforce ready to be deployed.

The Pegasystems-SmartBridge collaboration is structured to directly tackle this industry-academia divide through Pega's University Academic Program (UAP). The 200-plus hour curriculum is a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, consisting of a 90-hour credit course with a capstone project and a 120-hour global certification course.[3][4] This dual focus ensures students not only understand the concepts but can also apply them in real-world scenarios.[3] The curriculum centers on high-demand areas like low-code development, AI, and digital automation, providing training on Pega's own platforms.[3] A key aspect of the program is its emphasis on globally recognized Pega certifications, such as the Pega Certified System Architect (PCSA), Senior System Architect (PCSSA), and Business Architect (PCBA).[3][4] These credentials provide a competitive edge in the job market and signal to employers a candidate's proficiency. The training will be delivered in a blended format, combining mentor-led sessions with practical exercises using Pega's App Studio, mock interviews, and project-based learning to ensure graduates are prepared for the professional world.[3][5] SmartBridge, with its experience in bridging the gap between education and employment, will implement the program in top-tier universities and engineering colleges, initially targeting institutions in East, West, and North India.[3][5] This model benefits all stakeholders: students gain industry-relevant skills and credentials, universities enhance their curriculum and institutional branding, and employers gain access to a pool of well-trained talent.[3][4]

The strategic implications of this initiative are significant for both Pegasystems and the broader Indian technology landscape. For Pega, this program is a long-term investment in building a sustainable talent pipeline. India is already a critical hub for the company, hosting its largest research and development center since 2008 and employing approximately one-third of its global workforce, around 2,000 professionals.[6] By proactively developing talent, Pega not only supports its own growth and the needs of its partners and clients but also strengthens its entire ecosystem. Deepak Visweswaraiah, senior vice president and managing director of Pegasystems India, described the partnership as moving "from intent to impact at scale," creating a distributed model to train talent that the industry can deploy from day one.[3][4] The focus on low-code platforms is particularly strategic. The low-code market is experiencing explosive growth, with projections suggesting it could generate $187 billion in revenue by 2030.[7] These platforms accelerate development, reduce costs, and empower both technical and non-technical users, freeing up highly skilled developers to focus on more complex, innovative work.[8][7] By specializing students in its low-code platform, Pega is cultivating a dedicated community of developers and architects, solidifying its market position and driving future adoption of its technologies. This initiative, therefore, serves as a powerful model for how technology companies can address the talent shortage not just as a corporate social responsibility but as a core business strategy that fosters industry-wide growth and innovation.