Accenture and IIT Madras partner to upskill SDV workforce

In a move that addresses the widening skills gap in automotive software, Accenture and the Centre of Excellence in Advanced Automotive Research (CAAR) at IIT Madras have announced a new collaboration. Through Accenture’s LearnVantage Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Academy, the partnership will offer advanced skilling programs for engineers at automotive OEMs and Global Capability Centers (GCCs).

The initiative focuses on preparing professionals for the rapidly growing domain of SDVs—vehicles increasingly defined by code rather than mechanical parts.

“As vehicles transform into sophisticated software-defined machines, the automotive industry requires digital-native talent skilled in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and safety systems,” said Kishore Durg, global lead of Accenture LearnVantage. “This collaboration with CAAR is a game-changer.”

Curriculum built for today’s mobility landscape

The learning modules combine IIT Madras’s academic rigor with Accenture’s industry exposure. Delivered through both self-paced formats and instructor-led sessions, the curriculum covers:

• Embedded systems and vehicle software

• Advanced Internet of Things (IoT)

• Automotive cybersecurity and safety

• Cloud virtualization and edge computing

• Communication protocols and industry standards like AUTOSAR and ASPICE

Designed for professionals already working in automotive technology, the program aligns with the latest advancements in automated driving, in-vehicle connectivity, infotainment systems, and electrical/electronic architecture.

A trillion-dollar market and a massive opportunity

The SDV revolution isn’t theoretical anymore. According to Accenture Research, the global software-defined digital services market is projected to touch USD 3.5 trillion by 2040, making up 40% of automotive revenue. However, the shift requires upskilling at scale.

By merging LearnVantage’s digital training infrastructure with CAAR’s domain expertise, this initiative aims to produce talent ready to work across automation, electrification, and mobility software.

Building on an existing alliance

The SDV skilling program is not the first venture between Accenture and IIT Madras. The two institutions already collaborate on a Centre of Excellence that explores robotics, industrial IoT, digital twins, and advanced automotive technologies.

In parallel, TalentSprint, a deep-tech education platform under LearnVantage, offers a post-graduate certification in Applied Data Science and Machine Learning with IIT Madras, adding further momentum to industry-academia alignment.