: Mumbai, 19 July 2025

Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal today inaugurated the Advanced Cyber Skill Centre established by the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) at the CII Model Career Centre, Kandivali, Mumbai. The centre aims to build a skilled cybersecurity workforce, especially among women and youth from tier-II and tier-III cities.

The initiative is supported by the Kyndryl Foundation—the philanthropic arm of Kyndryl—as the pioneer partner, along with contributions from Onward Technologies, KSMT Foundation, AZA Fashion and Mastek Foundation. The facility is equipped with advanced infrastructure and training capabilities to prepare industry-ready professionals in the cybersecurity domain.

Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Piyush Goyal said, “I congratulate the Data Security Council of India, NASSCOM and Kyndryl Foundation for establishing this state-of-the-art centre. It will empower our youth—particularly women—through specialised cyber security training, preparing them for emerging roles in the digital economy. This initiative will not only generate quality employment but also contribute to the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’. Cybersecurity today is both a national imperative and an opportunity for our youth to become protectors of Digital India.”

Addressing the gathering, Shri Vinayak Godse, CEO, DSCI said,“This facility will serve as a launchpad for skilled cyber professionals and stands as a replicable model across the country. We are also thankful to BMC and CII for their continued support.” Ms. Una Pulizzi, President of the Kyndryl Foundation and Global Head of Corporate Affairs said, “Through this partnership with DSCI, the Kyndryl Foundation is committed to scaling inclusive, skill-based training programs that build cyber resilience and support India's digital priorities.”

The centre will offer a range of courses from beginner to advanced levels in ethical hacking, SOC operations, threat hunting, incident response, and more. Students will benefit from hands-on experience, training by active cybersecurity professionals, mentorship, career guidance, and opportunities to participate in hackathons, workshops, capture-the-flag (CTF) events, and community meetups.

A key feature of the facility is its cyber range and simulation environment, designed to train learners on real-world scenarios including Red Team (offensive) and Blue Team (defensive) cyber war games. The inaugural cohort includes 28 young women engineering graduates, enrolled under the ‘Cyber Vaahini’ program jointly run by DSCI and the Kyndryl Foundation. The intensive four-month program blends technical training with structured learning, mentorship, and industry exposure, aiming to bridge the skills gap and prepare participants for employment in the cybersecurity sector.

The Hon’ble Minister also urged industry stakeholders to provide internships and employment opportunities to trained students, enabling them to become self-reliant and future-ready.

About DSCI
The Data Security Council of India (DSCI) is a not-for-profit, industry body on data protection and cybersecurity in India, set up by NASSCOM. DSCI works with the Government, law enforcement, industry bodies, and global think tanks to establish standards, foster capacity building, and promote a secure and trusted cyberspace.

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Edgar Ceolho/Parshuram Kor

 

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(Release ID: 2146155)