Cognizant Expands Synapse Initiative Aiming to Upskill 2 Million by 2030

Cognizant's Ambitious Plan to Reach 2 Million by 2030

On December 4, 2025, Cognizant, a leading technology services company, unveiled an expansion of its Synapse initiative, setting a new target of upskilling 2 million individuals globally by the end of 2030. Initially launching in 2023 with an aim to reach a million people by 2026, Cognizant rapidly exceeded its objective, prompting this bold new goal.

The Need for Upskilling in the Age of AI

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly transforming the global job landscape. A study conducted by Cognizant in collaboration with Oxford Economics concluded that within the next decade, 90% of jobs—spanning all levels from entry-level to executive positions—will be impacted by AI. As companies scramble to adapt, the demand for comprehensive upskilling initiatives is becoming increasingly urgent. The Synapse initiative seeks to meet this demand by mobilizing company-wide efforts to foster education and development, build technology partnerships, and invest in nonprofit projects.

Cognizant's CEO, Ravi Kumar S., stated, “Expanding our Synapse commitment is a critical step toward building a workforce that is future-ready. Surpassing our original goal ahead of schedule is a testament to the dedication of our teams and partners.” He further emphasized that the ambitious new goal reflects Cognizant's significant role in enabling individuals worldwide to thrive in the AI era and participate in the prosperity brought about by digital transformation.

Redefining Readiness for the Workforce

Through the Synapse initiative, Cognizant aims to set a new standard for workforce readiness. The initiative is designed to break down socioeconomic, cultural, and linguistic barriers, supporting the training of job seekers, promoting employee-led STEM education, and fostering strong partnerships with government entities, academic institutions, nonprofits, and industry leaders.

Cognizant remains committed to individuals, as outlined during the launch of Synapse. This includes the Skills Accelerator program, technology partnerships, educational initiatives, community-building efforts, and employee facilitation. As part of its extended commitment, Cognizant plans to broaden several focus areas of Synapse, including:

1. Enhanced Learning and Development Resources: Cognizant aims to increase its investments in upskilling its workforce, fostering partnerships with educational institutions, and providing learning pathways tailored for customer teams.

2. Brand-Related Learning Programs and Events: The company intends to offer brand-specific learning experiences, bringing Cognizant's bespoke educational opportunities to customer sites, educational institutions, and NGO partners.

3. Social Impact Initiatives: Cognizant plans to broaden the distribution of its philanthropic funds to NGOs aligned with Synapse’s mission while designing and implementing learning and development programs benefiting the communities where Cognizant operates.

Conclusion

Cognizant's renewed commitment to its Synapse initiative marks a significant investment in the future of work and education. The company seeks to equip individuals with the skills necessary to navigate an increasingly digital and AI-driven landscape. As the needs of the job market evolve, initiatives like Synapse become crucial in ensuring that no talent is left behind, and that more people are empowered to compete in the workforce of tomorrow. For detailed information, visit the Synapse website or Cognizant’s official pages at www.cognizant.com.