Accenture LearnVantage’s Software-Defined Vehicle Academy andCentre of Excellence in Advanced AutomotiveResearch at IIT Madras to jointly offer specialized skilling programs for automotive OEMs and GCCs
Accenture and Centre of Excellence in Advanced Automotive Research (CAAR), a research society established by Indian Institute of Technology Madras(IIT Madras), are collaborating to offer specialized skilling programs through Accenture’s LearnVantage Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Academy.
The initiative targets automotiveOriginal Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Global Capability Centers (GCCs) looking to develop talent to build software-defined vehicles. It aims to meet the growing demandfor skilled professionals in the SDV domain, bridging the gap between traditional automotive roles and the digital skills needed to develop automated driving technology, advanced driver assistance systems, electrical/electronic architecture, connectivity, and infotainment systems.
“Our collaboration with CAAR at IIT Madras is a game-changer, focused on transforming talent at scale for OEMs and GCCs in the sector. Together, we are committed to rapidly upskilling and reskilling talent to embrace technological advancements and develop the interdisciplinary skills needed for the SDV landscape.”
-Kishore Durg, global lead of Accenture LearnVantage
The curriculum, designed for automotive technology practitioners at OEMs and GCCs, includes domain-specific modules, interactive learning environments, and expert coaching delivered through a mix of self-paced and IIT Madras instructor-led sessions. The modules cover advanced Internet of Things, embedded systems and software, vehicle safety, communication protocols, cybersecurity, edge computing, cloud virtualization, and industry standards like AUTomotive Open System Architecture (AUTOSAR) and Automotive Software Process Improvement Capability Determination (ASPICE).
According to an Accenture Research estimate, the software-defined digital servicesmarket is projected to reach USD 3.5 trillion and account for 40% of global automotive industry revenues by 2040. To bridge the skills gap, Accenture LearnVantage launched an SDV Academy that offers specialized training curriculum for the industry.
“The academia-industry partnership, enabled by the Center of Excellence CAAR is a unique model that creates a win-win for all parties and enables upskilling of the next generation workforce in new areas such as SDVs. We are delighted to be partnering with Accenture’s LearnVantage.” – Prof. Krishnan Balasubramanian, Prof. in Charge of Center for Advanced Automotive Research (CAAR), IIT Madras
Kishore Durg, global lead of Accenture LearnVantage, said, “As vehicles transform into sophisticated software-defined machines, the automotive industry requires digital-native talent skilled in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and safety systems. Our collaboration with CAAR at IIT Madras is a game-changer, focused on transforming talent at scale for OEMs and GCCs in the sector. Together, we are committed to rapidly upskilling and reskilling talent to embrace technological advancements and develop the interdisciplinary skills needed for the SDV landscape.”
CAAR aims to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial solutions in the automotive industry, providing advanced technology, skilled talent, and facilities.
Speaking about this collaboration, Prof. Krishnan Balasubramanian, Prof. in Charge of Center for Advanced Automotive Research (CAAR), IIT Madras, said, “The academia-industry partnership, enabled by the Center of Excellence CAAR is a unique model that creates a win-win for all parties and enables upskilling of the next generation workforce in new areas such as SDVs. We are delighted to be partnering with Accenture’s LearnVantage.”
Thiruppathy (Thiru) Srinivasan, Chief Executive Officer of CAAR, IIT Madras, said, “The automotive industry is rapidly evolving with the adoption of electrification, connectivity, and advanced smart technologies. The high-growth software-defined vehicle space demands both new digital skills and a larger pool of skilled professionals, making upskilling a top priority. Our collaboration with Accenture LearnVantage offers a synergistic platform to bridge the talent gap by equipping professionals with the competencies needed to thrive and meet the industry’s evolving needs.”
Accenture and IIT Madras have an existing collaboration through their joint Center of Excellence (CoE), which undertakes research projects and develops intellectual properties in autonomous robotics systems (ARS), industrial internet of things (IIoT), digital twin systems (DTS), and advanced automotive technologies. In addition, TalentSprint, a leader in deep tech education and now part of Accenture LearnVantage, offers a post graduate level advanced certification programme in Applied Data Science and Machine Learning in partnership with IIT Madras.
