Zoom Deepens Collaboration with Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) to Advance Digital Inclusion in Karnataka
Hyderabad: Zoom Communications, Inc., today announced the expansion of its collaboration with the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) reinforcing Zoom’s commitment to digital inclusion, economic opportunity, and human connection in India. The initiative will advance access to digital skills and tools across remote and underserved districts of Karnataka.
Building on earlier collaborations in Telangana and Madhya Pradesh, this latest collaboration will support the establishment of 55 Digital Access Centers across Karnataka, designed as community-led hubs for digital connectivity, skills training, and inclusive economic participation. The centers are expected to train more than 16,500 micro-entrepreneurs and artisans and reach over 110,000 citizens, enabling them to participate more fully in the digital economy.
“Access to technology is the foundation for inclusive growth in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world, but it is human connection that turns access into opportunity,” said Aparna Bawa, Chief Operating Officer, Zoom. “Through our continued collaboration with DEF, we’re helping communities across India build the skills, confidence, and support they need to participate meaningfully and thrive in the digital economy, wherever they are.
Participants will use digital tools, including Zoom’s AI-first open work platform, to connect with markets, access services, build digital storefronts, collaborate virtually, and grow their enterprises online.
A key focus of the Karnataka initiative is empowering artisans and micro-entrepreneurs working within Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged industries. Through hands-on training in digital marketing, storytelling, and virtual business collaboration, these centres will enable participants to use online tools to bring region-specific crafts and products to wider markets, preserving cultural heritage while creating new income opportunities.
Founded in 2002, DEF works to bridge India’s digital divide through a community-driven, hyperlocal model led by women social entrepreneurs known as SoochnaPreneurs. Equipped with digital skills and infrastructure, SoochnaPreneurs support village-level communities in accessing healthcare, education, jobs, financial services, and livelihood opportunities. With a network that has reached more than 10,000 villages and served over 35 million people, DEF continues to lead efforts connecting remote communities and advancing digital literacy and livelihoods across India.
“Our continued collaboration with Zoom is helping to bridge India’s digital divide from the ground up while building a digital dividend among the most marginalized communities,” said Osama Manzar, Founder & Director, Digital Empowerment Foundation. “As technology rapidly evolves, we want to ensure that no one is left behind. By combining DEF’s grassroots reach with Zoom’s technology and resources, we’re empowering communities to connect and build sustainable livelihoods.”
This initiative builds on Zoom Cares’s philanthropic efforts in India, which also include collaborations with Head Held High Foundation, CyberPeace Foundation, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Women’s Collective, and Goonj. In late 2025, Zoom made a US$10 million three-year commitment to AI for Good to help build AI readiness and positive societal impact.
Together, Zoom and DEF are building inclusive, community-led pathways to digital opportunity where access to technology is paired with skills, support, and human connection. As India’s digital economy continues to grow, this collaboration reflects our long-term commitment to ensuring that progress is shared and opportunity reaches those who need it.
