GIFT IFI Inauguration: Ahmedabad University, IIT Gandhinagar, and UC San Diego to Bridge Fintech Talent Gap through Multidisciplinary Training and Research

The evolution of India's financial markets through technological advancements highlights a critical talent gap in the financial services industry: the lack of professionals with a combined understanding of regulation, technology, and finance. While engineers and finance professionals can be found separately, identifying individuals with expertise in all three areas remains a challenge. The demands of the 21st-century worldview emphasise the need for training, education, and research in fintech. However, a major challenge persists, individuals with knowledge of finance and accounting often appear disconnected from the world of technology, and vice versa.

While many institutes have embraced emerging technologies in their curricula, there is a need to instil curiosity in current professionals. The education system still primarily focuses on delivering what is required rather than encouraging critical thinking and questioning. The industry needs educational institutes to produce well-rounded professionals who can challenge the status quo and think outside the box, thereby addressing the broader talent shortage in the fintech sector.

In response to this situation, a consortium led by Ahmedabad University​​​​​​, in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar and UC San Diego, launched the GIFT International Fintech Institute (GIFT IFI). Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel officially inaugurated the institute in Gandhinagar on January 17, 2025. With a strong focus on deep tech and financial services innovation, GIFT IFI aims to bridge the talent gap and create forward-thinking, skilled professionals.

Dignitaries present at the inauguration included Hasmukh Adhia, Chairman of GIFT City; Tapan Ray, Managing Director and Group CEO of GIFT City; and several industry leaders across sectors such as banking, asset management, financial services, state government agencies, and universities. The launch also outlined plans for developing essential physical infrastructure, including a dedicated space for operations and collaboration among industry stakeholders to design impactful training programmes. In his address, the Chief Minister highlighted how the institute serves as an important milestone in realising GIFT City's vision of becoming a global fintech destination.

The GIFT International Fintech Institute represents a collaborative effort of partner universities pooling their collective experience of several decades of institutional knowledge and research to build a curriculum, training programmes, and research endeavours in this emerging area. This is reflected in the institute's vision: to create a world-class, practice-driven teaching, learning, and research environment centered on three pillars: industry-driven programmes, talent pool creation, and practice-based research. "Ahmedabad University brings to this consortium an excellent multidisciplinary research environment. Domain expertise in finance, accounting, business, financial services, data science, computer science, and other fields converge here to create an ecosystem where practice-based research and training will be closely developed with the industry," said Vice Chancellor Pankaj Chandra at the launch.

The event also outlined the programme structure, emphasising stackable courses that offer flexibility and comprehensive training, catering to both local and global competencies. The launch highlighted a variety of certificate programmes, including foundational fintech courses and advanced certifications in critical areas such as cloud computing and cybersecurity. Additionally, niche programmes, such as a one-year postgraduate diploma and a Master of Science in Fintech, were discussed, along with plans for an Executive Doctorate. These initiatives are supported by partnerships with global institutions and a strong emphasis on sustainability and climate technology.

Fintech industry experts at the event discussed how India, with its 1.5 billion population, faces unique challenges that require tailored solutions. Existing models from other countries may not suit India's needs. Instead, the country must develop its own approach to drive national progress distinct from the capital-driven U.S. model. India's path often combines socialist and capitalist elements, highlighting the importance of a symbiotic relationship between universities and industry. While the industry must fund research and development, universities are responsible for producing trained professionals and conducting research aligned with industry needs.

As India progresses toward becoming a developed nation, an international financial institute will grow alongside it. The vast landscape of entrepreneurs, companies, and consumers will drive this growth. What sets GIFT City apart is its potential to leverage the technologies of the digital age to build a truly inclusive financial world.