Cisco puts Mumbai on the global map with first global 40 Communities rollout

Cisco has selected Mumbai as the first international community under its 40 Communities initiative, launching major programs in AI, networking, entrepreneurship, and cybersecurity to accelerate digital inclusion, skill development, and innovation across Maharashtra.

Cisco today announced that Mumbai has been chosen as the first international community under its global 40 Communities initiative, marking a significant milestone in the company’s long-term commitment to India’s digital transformation. Designed to bridge the digital divide, strengthen cybersecurity, and equip youth with future-ready skills, the initiative will bring targeted investments, community partnerships, and skill-building programs to Mumbai and nearby regions.

The global program seeks to engage 40 communities worldwide through technology-led development, and Cisco’s India-focused efforts will align with both national and state digital priorities. Working closely with local leaders, academia, industry partners, and non-profit organizations, the company plans to co-create sustainable programs that deepen digital access and build workforce capabilities.

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal welcomed the announcement, saying the initiative supports India’s broader vision of a technologically empowered society. “I am happy to learn that Mumbai has been chosen as Cisco’s first international location under the global 40 Communities initiative,” he said. “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.”

New Cisco–CII Centre of Excellence for AI, Networking and Entrepreneurship

As part of the initiative, Cisco and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) are setting up a Cisco Centre of Excellence for AI, Networking, and Entrepreneurship at the Multi Skill Training Institute and Model Career Centre in Kandivali (East). The advanced facility will host hybrid classrooms, innovation zones, a design thinking lab, and a makerspace.

The Centre aims to train 100,000 students over three years, offering in-person and hybrid courses in AI and networking — key skills that are increasingly demanded by industry. Beyond skilling, the Centre will serve as a hub for community engagement and entrepreneurship development, providing tailored programs for aspiring founders and small businesses in the AI and networking domain.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said such investments will strengthen the state’s economic ambitions. “To reach our $1 trillion economy goal, we need people with strong digital skills,” he noted. “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.”

Scaling AI and Cybersecurity Training with NIIT Foundation

Cisco also announced a multi-year expansion of its partnership with NIIT Foundation, building upon the success of the Cyber Suraksha program launched in 2022. The new collaboration aims to train 2.7 million people in India on AI awareness and cybersecurity by 2028, including 100,000 individuals across Maharashtra.

The initiative will deepen cybersecurity literacy among students, communities, and underserved groups, addressing one of the most critical challenges facing India’s rapidly digitizing economy.

Boosting Innovation and Entrepreneurship with EDGE Center in Pune

In partnership with Dr. DY Patil College of Engineering & Innovation, Cisco will launch an Experience, Design, Go-to-Market (EDGE) Center in Pune. The facility will offer students, start-ups, faculty, and MSMEs access to Cisco’s collaboration technologies, design-thinking frameworks, and cybersecurity tools.

The center will host training sessions, advisory services, a cybersecurity lab, and a dedicated industry engagement zone. It aims to accelerate go-to-market strategies for emerging businesses and create employment opportunities through technology-led capacity building.

Strengthening Digital Skilling through Cisco Networking Academy

Cisco will work with the Government of Maharashtra and the Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University to expand its Networking Academy programs to over 125 state-run skill centers. Students will gain access to more than 30 courses in AI, networking, cybersecurity, and data analytics, along with experiential learning platforms such as Virtual Internships, Skill-a-thons, and competitions.

These programs are designed to ensure that youth across the state receive globally aligned, job-ready training for the technology workforce of the future.

Startup Accelerator for Urban Sustainability

Cisco also announced a partnership with Villgro Innovation Foundation to launch a startup tech accelerator focused on water and waste management challenges in Maharashtra. The accelerator will help early-stage ventures access technical support in cloud optimization, automation, interoperability, and security.

Cisco Reinforces Long-Term Commitment to India

Brian Tippens, Senior Vice President and Chief Social Impact & Inclusion Officer at Cisco, said the company’s efforts underscore its belief in technology as a force for inclusive progress. “India’s digital transformation is unfolding at an extraordinary pace,” he said. “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.”