upGrad partners with OpenAI; Ronnie Screwvala says, 'Making AI skills a core part of India's workforce DNA'

upGrad has announced a strategic partnership with OpenAI at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 to integrate advanced generative AI capabilities across its learning ecosystem, positioning itself as the first Indian skilling platform to embed OpenAI’s latest tools directly into its programmes.

Through the collaboration, upGrad will integrate ChatGPT, Codex and the ChatGPT Atlas browser into its learning infrastructure. The company said the move is aimed at creating a seamless bridge between real-time AI interaction and credentialed learning, shifting from basic conversational AI to applied technical utility.

As part of the partnership, learners will gain access to dedicated ChatGPT Foundations certifications designed to move beyond basic prompting and build deeper technical expertise.

upGrad will also roll out Engineering and Data Labs with OpenAI Codex integrated into its Data Science and Full Stack Development programmes to support complex technical assignments.

In addition, ChatGPT Atlas will be deployed for research and workflow automation, including its native “Agent Mode” to streamline research tasks.

Commenting on the collaboration, Ronnie Screwvala, Co-founder and Chairperson, upGrad, said, “upGrad's collaboration with OpenAI is an important step in making AI skills a core part of India's workforce DNA. Real transformation happens when access meets ambition and this is about giving our learners direct access to frontier AI tools. The more we invest in capability at scale the faster India moves from being a talent supplier to a product and innovation hub.”

The announcement aligns with India’s broader “AI for All” vision and reflects a push to embed AI literacy into mainstream higher education and workforce development. By combining OpenAI’s research and technology capabilities with upGrad’s outcome-oriented pedagogy, the company said it aims to democratise access to advanced AI skills across the country.

Founded in 2015, upGrad describes itself as Asia’s leading integrated skilling and workforce development company. It offers online and hybrid skilling programmes and certifications under its B2C portfolio, and works with Indian and global universities to offer Diploma, Master’s and Executive Doctorate programmes, with degrees awarded solely by the respective universities.

The company also runs a corporate skilling division for enterprise clients, alongside recruitment and staffing services, supporting learners from early career stages to senior leadership roles.