Participate

The Initiative is an opportunity for universities to introduce world-class undergraduate and master’s programs in data science and artificial intelligence within their computer science/engineering and allied departments. The initiative actively supports the institutions in adopting vendor-neutral and cross-platform knowledge frameworks and standards in their undergraduate, Masters, Ph.D., and continuing education programs. WDSI also enables students to get certified on these standards. Institutions joining WDSI get accredited on the latest technology standards, including those of DASCA and ARTiBA, and can provide international certifications to their students.

WDSI accelerates accreditation for eligible institutions on globally respected, vendor-neutral, cross-platform, technology knowledge frameworks and standards. This initiative identifies institutions with the potential for strong influence and actively helps them set up centers of excellence in data science and AI. These institutions form a group that provides critical thought leadership to the initiative. The next group includes several niche institutions and private universities recognized as authorized providers of academic and professional learning in 4IR technology areas. The final critical aspect involves identifying and designating teachers across institutions as Distinguished Professors and ambassadors of standards-based, vendor-neutral technology education.

WDSI is for remarkable institutions that demonstrate a clear intent and strong strategic drive to lead a technology education revolution in their respective country and regions. These leading institutions also influence the education and professional development of Data Science and AI professionals in fellow institutions.

Educators from 60+ countries on five continents unite on the WDSI platform to adopt cutting-edge systems, techniques, content, and curricula for technology education. The initiative also provides subsidies to help institutions from developing countries participate.

All member institutions get complete content support. This includes study materials and access to exclusive online and digital learning resources and virtual labs. Students of member institutions obtain vendor-neutral certifications in data science/artificial intelligence for a subsidized fee structure.

All institutions that are a part of WDSI (accredited universities and/or hosts of CoEs in Data Science and AI) will receive exclusive teaching material and certification exam preparation content. The support includes access to digital study materials and exam preparation content for the latest in Data Science and AI. Students receive individual login access to these resources.

Member institutions receive support in managing undergraduate, master’s, and short-term programs for learners across different educational and professional backgrounds. This includes assistance with program and course structures, exam management, certification, classroom instruction plans, and practical learning strategies.

Member institutions can receive support with teacher and trainer development. Onsite programs with certified master-trainers can be arranged at subsidized costs.

If you are a university, technology school, business school, or government skill-development initiative offering data science education, you can apply for a WDSI subsidy now. Please check if your institution has already received an invitation to participate. Additionally, check whether your institution is listed in one of WDSI’s regional lists of special-focus invitee institutions and has initiated the process of leveraging this exclusive opportunity.

• Round 1– Application Deadline September 25, 2020
• Round 2– Application Deadline December 31, 2020
• Round 3– Application Deadline February 15, 2021
• Round 4– Application Deadline November 30, 2021
• Round 5– Application Deadline April 30, 2022
• Round 6– Application Deadline February 22, 2023
• Round 7– Application Deadline December 15, 2023

IMPORTANT: Institutions can benefit from WDSI subsidies and grants by expressing the intent to seek accreditation from official WDSI accreditors for their eligible degree programs.

• If you are a large academic institution, you may apply directly for accreditation to any official WDSI accreditor – Data Science Council of America (DASCA) or Artificial Intelligence Board of America (ARTiBA). Once you specify that you wish to apply under the WDSI subsidy, your institution’s application will be processed through the WDSI pathway.
• If you are a large public university or World-Bank-funded institution, apply directly to DASCA/ARTiBA to set up a Center of Excellence in Data Science/Artificial Intelligence within your institution.
• After your application for WDSI subsidy is approved, your institution is invited to begin its Data Science accreditation project with DASCA.
• DASCA fast-tracks your institution’s accreditation. DASCA provides you with a digital dashboard for the completion of necessary informational and documentary disclosures during the accreditation process.
• After completing your DASCA accreditation, you can pursue ARTiBA accreditation – also at a subsidized fee.
• Nominate your faculty so they can earn recognition as distinguished Data Science professors.
• If your institution is not included in a WDSI regional list of special-focus invitee institutions, you may write to us at join@worlddatascience.org

• Universities/institutions without existing Data Science or AI programs can also join WDSI and apply for subsidy if they plan to enter the field of Data Science or AI education. Departments like Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Business Administration, and Statistics are ideal hosts for world-class Data Science programs.
• The application deadlines may vary for different regions and time zones.
• Applying to join the Initiative means that the applicant institution is ready to:
  • deliver education based on vendor-neutral, cross-platform knowledge frameworks and standards; and
  • certify its students through an empaneled global certification body that supports the talent development goals of WDSI.
• The number of institutions to be included from various countries may change without notice. Applications may stop without prior notice.
• Applicant institutions are discouraged from making claims on behalf of WDSI or misrepresenting WDSI in any way. Doing so will be considered unethical.
• Applicant institutions are not authorized to release any communication in the public domain without prior approval from WDSI’s offices. This includes advertisements, press notes, website notifications and news, and announcements in print, electronic, or social media. A breach of this norm by an applicant institution may result in the cancellation of its application.
• To join the World Data Science Initiative, applicant institutions must formally agree to train and certify their students on vendor-neutral, cross-platform knowledge frameworks and standards. In addition, they must undertake at least one of the following processes to demonstrate their intent to help foster world-class talent:
  • Get accredited on vendor-neutral and cross-platform knowledge frameworks and standards for Data Science education (subsidies and grant-in-aid available for select geographies).
  • Establish a Center of Excellence to obtain capabilities for research in vendor-neutral, cross-platform knowledge frameworks and standards and higher-education delivery.
• Subsidies or grants-in-aid are not provided in cash to any applicant institution at any stage.