Edtech major & Asia’s largest Higher Education company upGrad today announced a giant step in offline higher education with the launch of its new brand “UGDX” which stands for
upGrad’s massive thrust in emerging digital technologies.
The ‘X” factor to UGDX is added by its recently acquired Data Science, AI, ML-focused offline institute – INSOFE.
With an investment of USD 30 Million, UGDX will open 10 Institutes in the next year; 3 in the US of which the
San Francisco unit goes live in January 2023, 5 in India across Delhi & Chennai to add to its existing facilities in
Mumbai, Hyderabad & Bangalore, and 1 in Singapore and the Middle East, each.
UGDX is slated to reach operational break-even in 5 (five) Quarters from its launch. The plan is also to have
faculty recruitments in various geographies and shall use technology to seamlessly integrate campuses, faculty,
and corporates within one ecosystem. UGDX will specialize in AI, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Blockchain,
Connected Devices, IOT, Quantum Computing, Digital Management, Leadership courses & the Cloud, and will offer Certificates, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs in these areas.
“As part of our goal to be the world’s first & largest fully integrated Higher Edtech company spanning college
learners & working professionals from the age of 18 to 60+ years, this is a natural extension as we move to a very
scaled blended offline and online model under our own upGrad brand,” said Ronnie Screwvala Co-founder
& Chairperson upGrad.
“UGDX’s Work-integrated Education program is unique and sets it apart from traditional universities. Our DNA
will be industry-centric, and we are creating programs that will prepare students to help corporates transform.
Rich engagements with industry connections will also enable our learners with real-world experience from day one.
All our programs have at least twice the number of capstones and project work compared to traditional
programs,” said Dr Dakshinamurthy Kolluru, Founder & CEO, upGrad INSOFE, who will also be
heading the UGDX. “Every UGDX will have an incubation unit, to invest in IPs and foster budding entrepreneurs
to formulate ideas and build patents which will be developed and nurtured inside the Institute itself,” he further
clarified.
Dr Sridhar Pappu, President of UGDX said, “As a premier institution, the impact on our learners and
society at large, is extremely important to us. Hence, the faculty at UGDX shall work with multiple colleges in the
nearby areas, and design free faculty development programs, bootcamps, and summer schools for socially and
economically less-privileged students. We're committed to creating digital transformation at all levels.”
