UPES, Salesforce launch AI-focused BTech programme with data science specialisation
New Delhi, Jun 23 (INB) UPES (University of petroleum and Energy studies) has partnered with Salesforce to launch an industry-first BTech computer science engineering programme with a specialisation in data science and establish a Salesforce academia centre of excellence to equip students with AI, data and enterprise technology skills.
The collaboration will introduce a jointly developed curriculum that integrates artificial intelligence, data platforms, analytics, intelligent automation and enterprise CRM technologies into the academic experience. Students will gain hands-on exposure to enterprise platforms including Agentforce Sales, Agentforce Service, Data Cloud 360, Tableau and Agentforce.
A key component of the partnership is the establishment of a Salesforce academia centre of excellence (CoE) at UPES. The centre will serve as a hub for AI skilling, developer certifications, applied research, faculty development, innovation projects and industry engagement through Trailhead, Salesforce's digital learning platform.
The CoE will feature specialised laboratories and operate on a train-the-trainer model to ensure faculty members remain updated with developments in AI and enterprise technologies. Students will have access to enterprise-grade platforms from the first year of the programme, enhancing workplace readiness.
The initiative is built on a "Triple-C" model — co-create, co-deliver and co-certify — under which UPES and Salesforce have jointly designed the programme. Along with a BTech degree, students will earn industry-recognised Salesforce certifications, enabling them to develop practical skills required for digital transformation in an AI-driven economy.
Students will also gain access to Salesforce Education Cloud and Agentforce technologies from the first year. Additional benefits include opportunities for global certifications, live industry projects, internships and participation in Salesforce learning communities.
Prof. (Dr.) Abhishek Sinha, pro vice-chancellor (student success), UPES, said the collaboration is aimed at preparing graduates with certified and practical capabilities required to lead in an AI-driven economy. He said the centre of excellence and Triple-C model could serve as a benchmark for future university-industry collaborations.
Mankiran Chowhan, managing director, Salesforce India, said AI is reshaping industries and making AI fluency a critical workforce skill. He said the collaboration combines foundational engineering education with hands-on experience in AI, data and enterprise technologies to create future-ready professionals.
According to UPES, the initiative supports its vision of becoming an "AI-first university" by embedding emerging technologies across teaching, research, innovation and industry engagement.
Established under the UPES Act, 2003, UPES is a UGC-recognised private university in Uttarakhand. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025, the university was ranked 45th among universities, while securing ranks of 18 in law, 36 in management and 43 in engineering.
In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, UPES was placed in the 501-600 global band and ranked fifth in India. The university was also recognised as India's top private university for academic reputation in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is among the top two per cent of universities globally.
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