Accenture (NYSE: ACN) 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 automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Global Capability Centers (GCCs) looking to develop talent to build software-defined vehicles. It aims to meet the growing demand for 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.

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 services market 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.

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.”

Mr. 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.


ABOUT ACCENTURE

Accenture is a leading global professional services company that helps the world’s leading businesses, governments and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth and enhance citizen services—creating tangible value at speed and scale. We are a talent- and innovation-led company with approximately 791,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Technology is at the core of change today, and we are one of the world’s leaders in helping drive that change, with strong ecosystem relationships. We combine our strength in technology and leadership in cloud, data and AI with unmatched industry experience, functional expertise and global delivery capability. Our broad range of services, solutions and assets across Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X and Song, together with our culture of shared success and commitment to creating 360° value, enable us to help our clients reinvent and build trusted, lasting relationships. We measure our success by the 360° value we create for our clients, each other, our shareholders, partners and communities. Visit us at accenture.com.


ABOUT CAAR

Centre of Excellence in Advanced Automotive Research (CAAR) is a research society set up by IIT Madras, working with automotive industry, across the value chain. With a focus on translational research, CAAR, takes technology needs from Industry, seeks out suitable innovative concepts developed by research labs, such as IIT Madras, and others nationally and around the world, and develops them to maturity for industry adoption. CAAR, as an independent research society, works with its research and development resources, in partnership with research labs across the country and the world. Development of the Industry’s human and facility resources for fast and effective adoption of these emerging technologies, is facilitated with consulting for facility development, and skilling programs for industry professionals. CAAR’s efforts and infrastructure are funded through Industry memberships, CSR contributions, investment by government and other research funding agencies, and residuals from research projects funded by industry. Visit www.caar.tech for further information.