In a bold move to democratize tech education and bridge the education-to-employment gap, Freshworks, in collaboration with Edunet Foundation, has launched the first edition of the Academy for Careers in Tech (ACT) program in Hyderabad. The initiative, backed by Freshworks’ CSR efforts, is designed to equip underserved youth with industry-relevant technical and life skills—free of cost.
CMR Engineering College will serve as the hub for this 18-month intensive skilling program. The college was handpicked for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and alignment with the mission of inclusive, high-impact education.
A Mission-Driven Program for High-Potential Youth
The ACT Program focuses on students from rural and migrant communities across Telangana and Andhra Pradeshwho may not have access to traditional college education but demonstrate strong potential. The program blends technical training, soft skills development, and mentorship, preparing students for high-growth careers in India’s fast-evolving tech industry.
“Our partnership with Freshworks reflects our shared belief in the power of education to transform lives,” said Nagesh Singh, Chairman, Edunet Foundation. “This is more than just a skilling initiative. It’s about giving young individuals real-world experiences, confidence, and the opportunity to shape their futures.”
ACT Program Highlights:
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Zero-cost training program for selected youth
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Hosted at CMR Engineering College, Hyderabad
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First batch goal: 30 graduates in 18 months
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Facilities include:
- Smart classroom for 60 students
- Fully equipped computer lab
- Faculty and counseling rooms
The Selection Journey
Outreach campaigns spanned districts including Chittoor, Guntur, Krishna, Warangal, and Hyderabad, drawing over 1,000 applications. After pre-assessments and interviews, 48 students were selected for the Boot Camp, from which 30 students will be onboarded for the full program.
A Vision for Impact
Sreedhar Gade, Vice President of Engineering and Responsible AI at Freshworks, emphasized the significance of the initiative:
“The ACT Program reflects Freshworks’ long-standing commitment to democratizing tech education and creating pathways for underrepresented communities—something that first started with FSSA. By partnering with Edunet and CMR Engineering College, we’re ensuring these students are not just job-ready but future-ready.”
As India’s digital economy expands, programs like ACT are vital to ensuring that no talent is left behind. With the right ecosystem, tools, and mentorship, this initiative is set to become a beacon for inclusive tech education in the country.
🗓️ Launched on: August 8, 2025
📍 Location: CMR Engineering College, Hyderabad
Stay tuned for more updates as the ACT students gear up to build the future, one skill at a time
About Freshworks Inc.
Freshworks Inc. (NASDAQ: FRSH) delivers people-first AI service software to help businesses offer world-class customer and employee experiences. Trusted by over 74,000 companies globally—including American Express, Sony, and Databricks—Freshworks is a pioneer in simplifying enterprise-grade software..
