wadhwani foundation
committed to enabling millions to live dignified lives
About
Wadhwani Foundation
Wadhwani Foundation is the global philanthropic brand representing the work of Wadhwani Charitable Foundation (WCF) and Wadhwani Operating Foundation (WOF).
Founded by Dr. Romesh Wadhwani, it is united by a mission to accelerate economic development in emerging economies by creating large-scale, family-sustaining jobs.
Through WCF and WOF, independent local non-profit organizations receive funding and strategic support to design and deliver high-impact programs in entrepreneurship, workforce skilling, artificial intelligence, innovation, and social good across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
WCF advances research, innovation, entrepreneurship, workforce skilling, and social good through philanthropic grantmaking. WOF sponsors and supports high-impact programs delivered by independent local non-profit organizations.
Across the countries where these programs are delivered, independent local organizations—including the National Entrepreneurship Network (NEN) and Skills Development Network (SDN) in India, Upskill Network Foundation A.C. in Mexico, Upskill Network Association in Brazil, Yayasan Wahana Dharmavan Negeri in Indonesia, and Upskill Development Foundation Inc. in the Philippines—design, implement, and operate programs that respond to local priorities while remaining independently responsible for their governance, operational decisions, and program outcomes.
Together, these organizations work toward a common mission of accelerating economic development through job creation and sustainable livelihoods.
Beneficiary-centric Approach
Treat all the beneficiaries as valued clients, striving to meet their needs and exceed their expectations.
Innovation at Scale
Foster a culture of ambitious thinking and innovation to create a widespread, meaningful impact.
Global Vision Local Execution
Advance a shared global vision through independent local non-profit organizations that design and deliver initiatives tailored to local priorities.
Collaborative Ecosystem
Actively collaborate with the government, academia and industry to maximize impact and reach.
our approach
“The best way to celebrate success is by giving back through high-impact philanthropy based on a long-term strategic commitment of ideas, energy, time and money that can change the face of India and other emerging economies.”
The Foundation supports a network of independent local non-profit organizations that design and deliver high-impact initiatives in partnership with governments, educational institutions, corporates, mentors, industry experts, investors, NGOs, and industry associations. Together, these collaborations accelerate innovation, strengthen local ecosystems, and expand sustainable economic opportunity.
Programs are supported by our own cutting-edge AI-powered platform Wadhwani GenieAI that enables personalized learning, access to an expert network, and other resources from across the world.
The Foundation extends its capabilities and the depth and breadth of its impact through an extensive network of partners, including governments, educational institutions, corporates, mentors, industry experts, investors, NGOs and industry associations.
Our partners
Trusted Partners in Growth and Success
We collaborate with a global network of independent local non-profit organizations that design and deliver high-impact initiatives aligned with local priorities and our shared mission.
National Entrepreneurship Network
Independent local implementing organization for entrepreneurship development, entrepreneurial ecosystem development, and AI platform initiatives in India.
Skills Development Network
Independent local implementing organization for workforce skilling, employability and government digital transformation initiatives in India.
Upskill Network Foundation A.C.
Independent local implementing organization for Wadhwani Foundation initiatives in Mexico.
Upskill Network Association
Independent local implementing organization for Wadhwani Foundation initiatives in Brazil.
Yayasan Wahana Dharmavan Negeri
Independent local implementing organization for Wadhwani Foundation initiatives in Indonesia.
Upskill Development Foundation Inc.
Independent local implementing organization for Wadhwani Foundation initiatives in the Philippines.
Our Global Impact
In the last five years, the Foundation’s direct impact through engagement and support includes:
Students Skilled For Employment
Aspiring Entrepreneurs Inspired
SMB & Startups Supported
Government Officials In India Trained On Digital Transformation
Bioengineering Projects Funded
Bioengineering Projects Commercialized
How We Operate
Wadhwani Foundation advances its mission through a global philanthropic model that combines strategic funding with locally led implementation. Wadhwani Charitable Foundation and Wadhwani Operating Foundation support the mission through grantmaking, initiative sponsorship, and philanthropic funding, while independent local implementation organizations design and deliver initiatives aligned with local priorities. Each organization remains independently governed and accountable for its operations and outcomes.
Global Board of Directors
Dr. Romesh Wadhwani
Aditya Ghosh
Dr. Ajay Kela
CP Gurnani
Board of Advisors
Ganesh Krishnan
Portea Medical
Musthafa P.C.
iD Fresh Food
Pramod Bhasin
Data Security Council of India & ICRIER
Sanjeev Bhikchandani
Vice Chairman, Info Edge
Our journey
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Launched the National Innovation Network (NIN) to accelerate translational research, commercialization, and entrepreneurial innovation in India.
Launched hyperlocal ecosystem support model
Commenced our Skilling initiative
- Commenced our Government Digital Transformation initiative
- Expanded the Foundation to Indonesia
Touched base in Latin America
Launched the ‘Sahayata’ initiative in response to the Covid-19 crisis to assist Small and Medium Businesses and Public Health workers
Launched CSIS Wadhwani Center for AI and Advanced Technologies
- Launched Wadhwani Foundation in India
- Commenced our Entrepreneurship initiative
Moved further to East Africa and the Philippines
Launched Wadhwani Skilling Academy (earlier known as Wadhwani Institute of Technology & Policy) under our Government AI initiative
Launched Wadhwani Innovation Network to to boost research commercialization in India
Kickstarted our Innovation & Research initiative
Expanded further to MENA and West Africa
Our journey
A journey across entrepreneurship, skilling, innovation and technology—united by one mission: Creating Jobs. Changing Lives.
