IBM SkillsBuild x Hacktiv8: Accelerating Indonesia’s Digital Talent Through AI & Data Upskilling

Overview

IBM Skillsbuild, in collaboration with Hacktiv8, launched a large-scale upskilling initiative designed to accelerate Indonesia’s digital transformation. Through the IBM Skillsbuild platform, the program equipped university students and faculty members with practical knowledge in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and software development—bridging the gap between academia and industry needs.

Spanning six months, the program delivered a structured hybrid learning journey combining online modules, live mentoring sessions, and portfolio-based capstone projects. By integrating IBM’s global expertise with Hacktiv8’s proven learning ecosystem, the initiative reached thousands of learners across the country.

The Challenge

Indonesia faces a growing demand for digitally skilled professionals, especially in AI, data, and cloud technologies. Yet, access to structured, industry-aligned training remains limited for many students and educators. IBM and Hacktiv8 sought to address this gap by democratizing access to high-quality digital learning resources while fostering inclusion and gender diversity in the technology sector.

The Program

The program delivered a tailored learning experience through:

• Target Audience: Univeristy students across faculties, as well as educators from universities nationwide.
  
  
• Curriculum Focus: Generative AI, data analytics, and software development using IBM Granite models.
  
  
• Learning Design: A mix of live classes, guided self-learning, and hands-on project-based assessments hosted on GitHub.
  
  
• Inclusivity Efforts: Active engagement with female-focused communities and government partners to expand opportunities for women in tech.
  
  

Participants who completed the learning path received digital IBM SkillsBuild certificates and Credly badges—verifiable credentials that strengthened their professional portfolios.

Impact at a Glance

Metric

Result

Total Participants Onboarded 

11,000+

Program Completion Rate

94% (10,610 graduates)

IBM Credly Badges Earned

8,200+

LinkedIn Profile Updates with IBM Certification

6,000

Faculty Members Trained

350+

Partner Universities

15

Female-Focused Communities Engaged

20+

Through strategic marketing, organic community engagement, and gamified learning incentives, the initiative achieved more than 1.5 million digital impressions—cementing its position as one of the largest hybrid digital upskilling programs in the region.

The Human Impact

Beyond certifications and numbers, the program opened new pathways for students to discover their potential in technology. Participants gained not only technical proficiency but also confidence to pursue careers in emerging digital fields. Faculty members, in turn, integrated IBM’s curriculum insights into their teaching practices—amplifying the program’s long-term impact across classrooms nationwide.

As one participant reflected, “It wasn’t just about learning AI; it was about realizing that I could be part of the innovation shaping Indonesia’s future.”

Collaborative Impact

IBM provided global content, mentorship access, and the SkillsBuild platform infrastructure, while Hacktiv8 executed localized delivery—managing participant engagement, marketing outreach, and on-ground class facilitation. Together, both organizations created a scalable model for industry-academia collaboration that continues to inspire similar initiatives across the region.

Looking Ahead

The success of IBM SkillsBuild x Hacktiv8 demonstrates the power of partnership in accelerating national talent development. The model now serves as a blueprint for future collaborations aiming to close the digital skills gap and build a more inclusive tech ecosystem in Indonesia.