Mumbai named the first international community in Cisco’s 40 Communities initiative

News Summary

• Launch of Cisco Centre of Excellence for AI, Networking, and Entrepreneurship in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to skill and train 100,000 students over 3 years, along with a

multi-year collaboration with NIIT Foundation to skill 2.7 million individuals across India, over 3 years in AI and cybersecurity, including 100,000 individuals across Maharashtra.

• Partnership with Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Engineering and Innovation to establish an EDGE Center in Pune, and collaboration with the Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University to expand Cisco Networking Academy programs across Maharashtra and enable digital skilling.
• Collaboration with Villgro Innovation Foundation to launch a startup tech accelerator supporting tech-led solutions for urban sustainability challenges.

MUMBAI, Dec 09, 2025 – Cisco, the worldwide leader in networking and security, today announced Mumbai as the first international community under its 40 Communities initiative. This global effort aims to engage, support, and invest in 40 communities worldwide to help bridge the digital and data divide, strengthen infrastructure and cybersecurity, and equip tomorrow’s workforce with future-ready skills. Reinforcing its commitment to India’s digital transformation, Cisco also announced additional initiatives for Mumbai and surrounding communities focused on innovation, skilling, and cyber resilience.

Under the 40 Communities initiative, Cisco will collaborate with community leaders and key stakeholders from academia, non-profit organizations, and other companies. Together, they will design and deliver programs to drive positive impact, aligning to the Government of India’s and State of Maharashtra’s priorities.

Cisco Centre of Excellence for AI, Networking, and Entrepreneurship

Cisco, in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), is launching a Cisco Centre of Excellence for AI, Networking, and Entrepreneurship at the Multi Skill Training Institute (MSTI) and Model Career Centre (MCC) in Kandivali (East), Mumbai. This modern physical center will include a hybrid classroom, an innovation zone, a dedicated design thinking space and a fully equipped makerspace to provide advanced skills in AI and Networking both-in person and through a hybrid model, addressing the critical industry demand for expertise in these transformative technologies. Over three years, the initiative aims to skill and train 100,000 students. Additionally, the Centre will also serve as a hub for community and employee engagement and provide specialized entrepreneurship programs to support individuals seeking to start or expand their businesses, fostering innovation and growth in AI and networking domains.

Partnership with NIIT Foundation on AI and Security 

Cisco is expanding its long-term collaboration with NIIT Foundation focused on AI awareness and cybersecurity training. Building on the success of the Cyber Suraksha program launched in 2022, which has already positively impacted over 1 million individuals across the country, this new multi-year partnership aims to skill 2.7 million people across India by 2028, including 100,000 individuals across Maharashtra.

Fostering Entrepreneurship with EDGE Center

In partnership with Dr. DY Patil College of Engineering & Innovation Cisco will establish a new Experience, Design, Go-to-Market, EDGE Center in Pune. This collaborative hub will empower students, faculty, start-ups, and MSMEs with access to Cisco’s communication and collaboration technologies. The Center will also offer training and capacity-building programs for the academic community and entrepreneurs, along with advisory services to help businesses leverage technology including networking, AI, and cybersecurity. The space will feature spaces for collaboration and design thinking, a cybersecurity lab, and an industry engagement zone to support knowledge sharing, accelerate go-to-market, and create employment opportunities.

Strengthening Digital Skilling Through Networking Academy

Cisco will collaborate with Government of Maharashtra to empower the state’s youth with digital skills by partnering with the Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University. Through this partnership, Cisco Networking Academy’s digital skills programs will be offered at identified 125+ identified skills centre in various academic institutions across the state. Cisco will provide access to Networking Academy’s world-class learning platform, offering 30+ industry-relevant courses in Cybersecurity, AI, Networking, and Data Analytics. Participating institutions will benefit from comprehensive curriculum, industry-aligned content, and assessments, ensuring students gain job-ready skills that meet evolving industry demands. Cisco will also introduce experiential programs such as Skill-a-thon, Virtual Internship Program (VIP), and regional competitions to enhance practical learning.

Startup Accelerator with Villgro Innovation Foundation for Social Impact

In partnership with Villgro Innovation Foundation, Cisco will launch a startup tech accelerator focused on startups offering tech-enabled solutions to address urban sustainability challenges in water and waste management across Maharashtra. Cisco will also connect participating startups with its technical experts for support in areas such as security and compliance, system integration and interoperability, cloud optimization, and automation, empowering the next generation of changemakers to deliver social impact.

With a 30-year presence in the country, Cisco has already positively impacted over 50 million individuals through multiple social impact programs since 2015. These new programs aim to expand partnerships, catalyze innovation, and help build a more connected, resilient, and thriving society. These initiatives underscore Cisco’s commitment to driving inclusive growth, digital empowerment, and sustainable innovation in India.

Supporting Quotes

Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, said “I am delighted to know that Cisco–CII is collaborating to set up a Centre for AI & Networking at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Kaushalya Vikas Kendra in Kandivali (North Mumbai). I am happy to learn that Mumbai has been chosen as Cisco’s first international location under the global 40 Communities initiative. Kandivali, North Mumbai is a fast-growing and diverse community, home to many young people seeking new opportunities. This state-of-the-art centre will equip students, women and youth with practical skills in AI, networking, security, and offer hands-on learning through a makerspace for industry relevant experience.  The initiative aligns with the vision of building a Viksit Bharat, where technology and skills development play a key role in enabling progress. As digital technologies becomes a part of everyday life, initiatives like these are important for meeting the country’s growing digital needs and preparing youth for the future.”

Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, said, “Maharashtra has a vision to become a $1 trillion economy by 2028. To reach this goal, we need people with strong digital skills. I am happy to know that Cisco has chosen Mumbai as its first international location under their Global 40 Communities program, complimenting the city’s capability as a major hub for innovation and technology. I congratulate Cisco and CII on the launch of the Cisco–CII Centre for AI & Networking at CII’s Multi Skill Training Institute in Kandivali (East). This centre will provide training in AI, networking, and cybersecurity. In the next three years, it will train 1,00,000 people with skills needed for today’s digital jobs. I wish Cisco the best in this noble endeavor and hope they achieve and exceed their goals in building the right skills.”

Brian Tippens, Senior Vice President and Chief Social Impact & Inclusion Officer, Cisco, said, “India’s digital transformation is unfolding at an extraordinary pace. At Cisco, we believe that technology, when combined with purpose and partnership, becomes a catalyst for progress. Through these programs in Mumbai and across India, we are empowering talent, enabling innovation, and accelerating global problem solving to positively impact people, society, and the planet — shaping a more inclusive and resilient future.”