DataVolt Launches Saudi Arabia's First AI Diploma To Equip Workforce For Digital Economy

In a strategic move to strengthen the Kingdom's foothold in the global digital economy, DataVolt, along with the Energy & Water Academy (EWA) and Innovatics, has unveiled a national Diploma in Data Science and AI.

This initiative, announced at the Riyadh LEARN event, marks a significant step towards equipping the Saudi workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the digital age. The programme, which is the first of its kind, seamlessly blends academic learning with practical, real-world AI problem-solving experiences, aiming to prepare Saudi Arabia's talent for future digital challenges.

The Diploma enjoys full endorsement and approval from several key governmental bodies, including the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), College of Excellence (CoE), and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).

It also garners support from the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF). This integration of classroom education with hands-on project work sets the Diploma apart from conventional academic offerings. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with leading companies like DataVolt, working on actual business challenges to develop AI solutions that can be directly applied in the industry.

Rajit Nanda, CEO of DataVolt, emphasised the programme's alignment with Vision 2030, highlighting its role in building both the physical and intellectual infrastructure necessary for Saudi Arabia to lead in the AI-driven global economy.

"DataVolt is not only building the Kingdom's next-generation data centers but also the local Saudi talent to power them, ensuring the country is prepared to lead the global AI economy in the long term," Nanda stated.

DataVolt's commitment extends beyond just launching the Diploma; the company has pledged to sponsor five students from the first cohort, guaranteeing them employment upon completion of their studies.

These graduates will play a crucial role at DataVolt's high-tech data centers, including the pioneering AI factory campus currently under development in Oxagon. Furthermore, to ensure the program's success and accessibility, DataVolt is seeking additional co-sponsors to support the entire cohort of 100 students, half of whom are women, starting their studies in November 2025.

The launch of this Diploma is timely, as the AI market is projected to significantly boost the Middle East's economy by 2030, with Saudi Arabia poised to reap the most benefits. Aligning with Vision 2030 and the National Strategy for Data & AI (NSDAI), the programme aims to fill the AI talent gap by producing 20,000 AI specialists over the next five years. This initiative will ensure that the Kingdom has a ready pool of professionals equipped with the latest skills and real industry experience to drive growth in this sector.

Salwa Smaoui, CEO of Innovatics, described the Diploma as a strategic workforce initiative, highlighting its role in preparing graduates for immediate contribution to the Kingdom's ambitious AI projects.

Echoing this sentiment, Tariq Alshamrani, CEO of EWA, expressed pride in partnering with DataVolt and Innovatics to cultivate the next generation of data scientists and AI professionals poised to lead Saudi Arabia's digital transformation.

In February 2025, DataVolt's investment in Saudi Arabia's digital infrastructure took a significant leap forward with the signing of an agreement to develop a sustainable, net-zero AI factory campus in Oxagon, NEOM.

This $5 billion investment marks the beginning of a project that promises to revolutionize the region's industrial capabilities, with operations expected to start in 2028. This development, alongside the new diploma programme, underscores DataVolt's commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia's position in the global digital economy.