Accenture and IIT Madras Collaborate to Train Talent for Software-Defined Vehicles!

Accenture and the Centre of Excellence in Advanced Automotive Research (CAAR) at IIT Madras have partnered to offer specialized skill development programs for Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) through Accenture’s LearnVantage SDV Academy. This collaboration aims to address the growing demand for skilled talent in the rapidly evolving SDV sector, enabling automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Global Capability Centers (GCCs) to advance in this space. As the automotive industry increasingly embraces digital integration, this initiative will help close the skills gap and equip professionals with expertise in automated driving technology, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electrical and electronic architecture, connectivity, and infotainment systems.

The curriculum offered by the program is tailored specifically for professionals in the automotive technology sector. It includes domain-specific modules and hands-on learning opportunities, delivered through a combination of self-paced and instructor-led sessions by IIT Madras faculty. The topics covered in the program include advanced IoT, embedded systems, vehicle safety, communication protocols, cybersecurity, edge computing, cloud virtualization, and industry standards like AUTOSAR and ASPICE, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for the complexities of SDVs.

According to Accenture’s research, the market for software-defined digital services in the automotive industry is expected to reach $3.5 trillion by 2040, accounting for 40% of global automotive revenues. In response to this shift, the Accenture LearnVantage SDV Academy aims to provide the targeted training necessary to help the industry meet these challenges. Kishore Durg, the global lead of Accenture LearnVantage, highlighted that as vehicles become increasingly reliant on software, there is a critical need for talent proficient in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and safety systems. The partnership with CAAR at IIT Madras represents a significant step in addressing this talent gap, enabling large-scale upskilling and reskilling across OEMs and GCCs.

Professor Krishnan Balasubramanian, the Professor-in-Charge of CAAR at IIT Madras, emphasized the importance of collaborations between academia and industry in creating a skilled workforce for the SDV sector. He stated, “This partnership with Accenture LearnVantage is a win-win for everyone involved, particularly as we focus on upskilling the workforce in emerging fields like SDVs.” Thiruppathy Srinivasan, CEO of CAAR at IIT Madras, echoed this sentiment, noting that the automotive industry’s transition toward electrification, connectivity, and advanced technologies has created an urgent need for digital skills. He highlighted that this collaboration will play a crucial role in bridging the talent gap and preparing professionals for the changing landscape of the industry.

Accenture and IIT Madras also have an ongoing partnership through their joint Centre of Excellence (CoE), which focuses on research and development in autonomous robotics systems, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), digital twins, and other advanced automotive technologies. This collaboration aims to bring together the strengths of both organizations to drive innovation and provide valuable expertise in cutting-edge areas. Additionally, TalentSprint, part of Accenture LearnVantage, offers an advanced postgraduate certification in Data Science and Machine Learning in collaboration with IIT Madras, further enhancing the education and training opportunities available to professionals in the automotive sector.

Accenture, a global leader in professional services, is dedicated to helping businesses, governments, and organizations build their digital capabilities and accelerate growth. With a workforce of over 791,000 employees serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture is at the forefront of technological transformation, specializing in cloud, AI, and data solutions. The company’s diverse portfolio also includes services in Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X, and Song.

The Centre of Excellence in Advanced Automotive Research (CAAR) at IIT Madras plays a key role in fostering technological innovation in the automotive sector. With its focus on developing emerging technologies, providing consulting services, and offering specialized training programs, CAAR is helping to build the skilled workforce needed to drive the future of automotive technology, including software-defined vehicles.