India has emerged as a leader in the world of Generative AI (GenAI), with a staggering 81% of organizations already embracing this transformative technology, according to a recent report by Elastic, a leading Search Analytics firm. This widespread adoption indicates a significant shift towards AI-powered solutions across various sectors in India. The report predicts a surge in investment and budget allocation for AI initiatives in the coming years, as businesses recognize the potential of GenAI to enhance productivity and efficiency.
IT service providers are at the forefront of this revolution, integrating GenAI into their core development processes. Developers are now leveraging the power of GenAI to write more efficient code, automate tasks, and deliver projects faster, ultimately boosting client satisfaction and driving overall productivity. GenAI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot are proving to be invaluable for developers, offering code suggestions and automating repetitive tasks, which significantly accelerate project timelines.
This increased reliance on AI is prompting organizations to prioritize AI upskilling programs, ensuring their workforce is equipped to navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Srinivas Reddy, Managing Director at EPAM India, emphasizes the transformative impact of AI on IT operations, stating that it not only automates processes but also revolutionizes engineering workflows. EPAM’s commitment to AI upskilling is evident in their comprehensive training initiatives, which focus on equipping engineers with the necessary skills to effectively utilize tools like ChatGPT and Copilot. To date, approximately 4,000 engineers have completed training in foundational prompt techniques, while over 2,500 have gained proficiency in AI-integrated Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
Reddy outlines three key areas of focus for EPAM’s AI strategy: AI operations, AI-enabled SDLC, and AI-assisted onboarding. AI operations are geared towards optimizing business performance, leveraging AI to identify areas for improvement and drive growth. AI-enabled SDLC streamlines project scope creation, modernizes legacy systems, and accelerates development cycles. AI-assisted onboarding facilitates faster access to project information for new team members, enabling them to contribute effectively from day one.
The emphasis on AI upskilling within IT firms aligns directly with the need for enhanced speed and productivity throughout the project lifecycle. To fully harness the power of GenAI, organizations must embrace a comprehensive framework that incorporates GenAI solutions, establishes baseline metrics for success, and provides hands-on coaching through workshops and training programs. As Elaina Shekhter, Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer at EPAM, highlights, a well-rounded approach to AI upskilling is essential, combining a supportive toolkit for software development with engaging learning initiatives to create a truly empowered workforce.
