The Nasscom Foundation, in collaboration with the Nasscom SME Council, has initiated the second round of its joint CSR project named Ascend: Skilling Youth in Emerging Technologies.

This effort unites nine small and medium-sized tech companies (SMEs) to jointly enhance digital skills and job prospects for underprivileged youth in India. Building on the framework from the previous year, the initiative plans to train 150 young individuals in Delhi-NCR, Trivandrum, and Pune in in-demand fields such as Data Analytics and Java Full Stack, along with soft skill development and career preparation programs.

The training will be delivered through a hybrid approach, with 80 percent conducted in-person and 20 percent online, and 60 percent of the participants will be women, underscoring a dedication to diversity and inclusion. Graduates who are successful in the program will also be provided with job placement opportunities.

“Enabling TechForGood lies at the heart of everything we do at Nasscom Foundation. This initiative is a powerful example of how collaboration can drive meaningful social impact, making technology-led skilling accessible to marginalized youth. By bringing together nine visionary tech SMEs in this cohort, we are not only equipping the young minds with future-ready skills but also empowering businesses to embrace inclusive and responsible growth. Together, we are creating a scalable model that transforms lives, fosters equity, and ensures that technology becomes a force for sustainable progress,” says Jyoti Sharma, CEO, Nasscom Foundation.

The initiative addresses the challenges SMEs often face in executing impactful CSR, such as limited budgets, complex regulations, and lack of awareness. By providing a shared CSR platform, the program allows SMEs to pool resources, reduce operational burden, and maximize collective impact.

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“The success of last year’s initiative clearly showed the power of collective action among SMEs to drive social change. We are excited to once again partner with Nasscom Foundation to take this vision forward. This collaboration not only enables us to contribute to nation-building through skilling but also reflects the SME Council’s commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for youth, especially young women from marginalized communities. Together, we are proving that when purpose and partnership align, how purpose-driven SMEs can create a big impact,” says Maulik Bhansali, CEO, NetWeb Software Pvt. Ltd. and Chair – SME Council.

The program will feature guidance from industry experts, hands-on learning through projects, and collaboration with corporate partners to guarantee that participants acquire practical experience and are prepared for employment.

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The launch reinforces the Nasscom Foundation’s dedication to inclusive digital transformation and enhancing access to opportunities via technology-driven solutions.