As the global workforce faces a tidal shift in AI-driven transformation, the challenge is no longer access to education but finding the right kind that truly prepares professionals for real-world roles. Techcanvass is solving this with a pragmatic, role-based learning model that integrates AI in business outcomes and job readiness.
In this exclusive interview, Abhishek Srivastava, Founder & CEO of Techcanvass, shares how his edtech company is rewriting the playbook for Business and Data Analyst training blending domain depth, certification alignment, and AI-powered tools to prepare learners not just to understand AI, but to work alongside it. From launching India’s first AI tracks for analysts to building career-aligned simulations and stakeholder scenarios, Srivastava with over 25 years of cross-sector experience and a legacy of educational authorship, is shaping a future where skilling is not just theoretical but transformative.
While Techcanvass stands out in a saturated edtech space, what core principles or innovations have helped you maintain that edge while staying learner-centric?
At Techcanvass, our north star has always been real-world readiness over theoretical knowledge. In a market crowded with content, what truly sets us apart is how we approach upskilling.
Firstly, our programs are role-based, not merely subject-based. We begin with a fundamental question: What does this professional need to accomplish on the job? From there, we design learning experiences that build relevant, applicable skills.
Secondly, all our trainers are seasoned practitioners. They bring firsthand industry experience, ensuring that our learners gain insights into current challenges, not just textbook theory.
Finally, we are actively shaping the future of skilling by embedding Artificial Intelligence into our programs. We were among the first to launch AI tracks specifically for Business and Data Analysts — a segment often overlooked in AI discourse. We're now extending AI integration across all our major learning paths.
This unwavering focus on industry alignment, practical application, and learner outcomes is how we continue to stay learner-centric and future-ready.
With your recent launch of AI-driven courses for Business and Data Analysts, how are you ensuring these offerings go beyond theory to deliver industry-ready skills?
That’s a critical distinction. In the current AI buzz, many courses remain overly theoretical. We’ve consciously chosen a different path. Our AI programs for Business and Data Analysts are grounded in practical application. Learners engage in structured labs, scenario-based exercises, and integrated case studies that mirror real business environments. This ensures they don't just learn AI—they learn how to apply AI in their specific roles. Each course also includes a capstone project, where learners solve real-world problems and present their solutions. This provides a strong validation of their problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication skills. One of our learners put it best in a LinkedIn post: “A big thank you to the Techcanvass team for delivering a hands-on and highly relevant learning experience.”
In today’s fast-evolving tech landscape, what do you see as the biggest challenge in upskilling IT professionals and how is Techcanvass addressing it at scale?
The biggest challenge is the paradox of choice—there’s an abundance of content but a lack of clarity and direction. Professionals often struggle to identify which skills will deliver the most value for their time and effort. At Techcanvass, we address this by acting as career advisors first, and a training provider second. We guide learners through structured career pathways, whether they aspire to be Business Analysts, Data Scientists, or transition into AI-powered roles. Our career clinics, one-on-one advisory sessions, and defined skill paths ensure that learners don't waste time on irrelevant certifications. We also provide access to mentors and peer communities, creating a robust ecosystem that supports real career progress.
Despite AI being a trending skill, do you believe most training platforms are missing the mark in how they teach AI? What would you do differently?
Absolutely. While AI is the buzzword of the decade, most platforms treat it like any other technical subject offering slide decks and lectures but missing the context of application.
We believe that AI is not just a new skill—it's a new paradigm. Every professional role will be redefined, not just in tech but across business functions.
At Techcanvass, we're leading this transition by offering:
● AI-integrated programs for Business and Data Analysts
● AI-Augmented Learning Tracks that combine human instruction with AI-enhanced personalization to improve learning outcomes and completion rates
● In-house developed tools and solutions that offer better learner engagement and real-time application experience
This hands-on, role-aware, and platform-smart approach is what differentiates us in the AI training space.
From your consulting and training experience, where is the industry falling short in preparing professionals for real-world roles, especially in Business Analysis and Agile?
The biggest gap is the lack of focus on soft skills and strategic thinking. While technical tools and frameworks are taught, professionals are often underprepared for the nuanced demands of real-world roles especially in stakeholder engagement, influencing without authority, negotiation, and navigating ambiguity.
In roles like Business and Data Analysis, these competencies are non-negotiable. Unfortunately, most training stops at technique and doesn’t equip learners to lead with influence or think strategically. AI only raises the bar further because now analysts must not only understand data and processes but also learn how to work alongside AI and guide its use responsibly.
At Techcanvass, we embed role-play simulations, stakeholder scenario modelling, and strategic exercises into our programs. We train learners to think in terms of value delivery,not just task execution. We believe the industry needs to evolve from transactional training to transformation-oriented development—and we are proud to be pushing that shift forward.