Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is partnering with Vertiv, a global leader in critical digital infrastructure, and IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation to develop a skilled digital talent pool in India. This strategic partnership was announced on October 6, 2025 as part of Vertiv’s efforts in furthering critical digital infrastructure transformation education and skills development in India.
As part of the initiative, over 2,000 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students will be trained with a 35-hour self-paced online program in data center operations and maintenance (O&M). From the initial pool of students, a select 160 students will get an opportunity to attend a 5-day immersive program at the IIT Madras campus. These students will be recognized with a Certified Intelligent Data Centre-Operations & Maintenance (CIDC-O&M) 5-day program completion from IIT Madras, a certification widely recognized for data-driven, AI-powered data centers.
The curriculum is designed to equip participants with industry-relevant skills, combining theoretical knowledge and hands-on training aligned with the growing demands of India’s digital economy. The program’s design and content aim to supplement and further the students’ employability as they enter the job market.
This program comes at a time when India’s digital infrastructure is rapidly expanding, leading to a growing need for skilled professionals in O&M of the data center and critical digital infrastructure ecosystem.
Mr. Subhasis Majumdar, managing director, Vertiv India.
At Vertiv, we recognize the importance of strengthening India’s talent pipeline in tandem with the nation’s continued digital transformation,” said Mr. Subhasis Majumdar, managing director, Vertiv India. “By partnering with institutions like IIT Madras and IITM Pravartak, we aim to equip the next generation of engineers and technicians with new and practical knowledge of data center technologies—an area that underpins the foundation of today’s digital economy.”
The training program covers critical topics, including data center infrastructure, thermal and power management, remote monitoring, and predictive maintenance strategies essential for maintaining uptime and operational efficiency in today’s always-on environments. Participants will also gain exposure to emerging technologies and best practices through industry case studies and practical demonstrations.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, a Section 8 company funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS).
Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations), IIT Madras
Speaking on the significance of the IIT Madras–Vertiv collaboration, Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations), IIT Madras said, “By training students in the highly specialized area of data center operations and predictive maintenance, we are equipping them with cutting-edge skills while also contributing to India’s larger digital transformation journey. I truly believe this collaboration with Vertiv will enable the trainees to be ready to take on the challenges of an always-on, technology-driven world.”
Dr. M.J. Shankar Raman, CEO, IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation
Applauding the partnership, Dr. M.J. Shankar Raman, CEO, IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation said,“With the growth of AI and data centers, careers around data centers will see significant traction and growth. This collaboration will prepare students to be a future-ready workforce to manage and operate such data centers. At IITM Pravartak, our mission is to transform students into innovators and problem-solvers equipped to meet the Nation’s digital infrastructure needs. By working with Vertiv and IIT Madras, we are helping students in our country to gain hands-on exposure to data center operations and predictive maintenance—skills that are vital for India’s journey towards becoming a global digital leader.”
Through this effort, Vertiv strives to bridge the gap between academia and industry and help future practitioners in the country develop skills that are not just theoretical, but immediately deployable in critical digital infrastructure roles. The initiative aligns with Vertiv’s mission to support local communities and promote STEM education.
Program links for aspiring students:
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