Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure, is supporting the expansion of IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation’s data centre skilling initiative into Maharashtra through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.
As part of the initiative, IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University (RTMSSU) to expand access to data centre and digital infrastructure training across the state.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma during the Start-up Frontier 1.0 exhibition and conference held at Y B Chavan Auditorium in Mumbai on July 10, 2026.
1,500 engineering students to receive training
Leveraging its expertise in power, cooling and IT infrastructure, Vertiv will provide free skill development training to 1,500 engineering students in 2026.
The programme will focus on data centre operations and digital infrastructure management, with an emphasis on developing practical skills required by the rapidly expanding digital infrastructure industry.
The initiative builds on a collaboration launched by Vertiv and IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation in 2025 to strengthen India’s skilled talent pipeline for the digital infrastructure sector.
Vertiv has also partnered with IIT Bombay and IIT (BHU) to help engineering students develop practical capabilities in data centre operations and AI-ready infrastructure through hands-on training and industry exposure.
Programme to reach 60 colleges
RTMSSU will leverage its network of pre-incubation centres across 60 colleges in Maharashtra to extend the programme’s reach.
Students will receive certified online training, along with internship and mentorship opportunities designed to prepare them for careers in data centre operations and digital infrastructure management.
The expansion comes as India’s data centre ecosystem grows alongside increasing demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other digital services. The growth is also creating demand for professionals with specialised technical capabilities in operating and managing critical infrastructure.
Industry-academia collaboration crucial
Vertiv India, Vice President, Product Management and Engineering, Dr A S Prasad, said, “India’s digital infrastructure growth is creating increasing demand for professionals with specialised skills in data centre operations and management.”
“At Vertiv, we believe that building this talent pipeline requires close collaboration between academia and industry. Through this initiative, we provide engineering students with practical knowledge, industry exposure and the skills needed to contribute to India’s evolving digital infrastructure ecosystem,” Prasad added.
He said Vertiv is pleased to support IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation and Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University in expanding the programme to Maharashtra and enabling more students to prepare for careers in the sector.
AI boom drives demand for data centre talent
IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, Chief Executive Officer, Dr M J Shankar Raman, said, “As artificial intelligence continues to redefine industries and economies, data centers have become central to this digital transformation.”
“This rapid growth has created an urgent need for skilled specialists who can operate and maintain these essential facilities. Through this program, we are dedicated to building a workforce that supports India’s AI ambitions with the technical talent required to sustain them,” Raman added.
The programme is expected to strengthen the connection between academic learning and industry requirements, while creating a larger pool of trained professionals for India’s growing data centre and digital infrastructure ecosystem.