India, February 11, 2026: Zoom Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZM) has announced the expansion of its collaboration with the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), reaffirming its commitment to advancing digital inclusion, economic opportunity, and meaningful human connection across India. The latest initiative will focus on enhancing access to digital skills and technology in remote and underserved districts of Karnataka.
Building on successful partnerships in Telangana and Madhya Pradesh, the expanded program will establish 55 Digital Access Centers across Karnataka. These community-driven hubs will serve as platforms for digital connectivity, skills development, and inclusive economic participation. The initiative is expected to empower more than 16,500 micro-entrepreneurs and artisans with essential digital capabilities, while positively impacting over 110,000 citizens by enabling greater participation in the growing 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 central pillar of the Karnataka initiative is the empowerment of artisans and micro-entrepreneurs engaged in Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged industries. Through practical training in digital marketing, storytelling, and virtual business collaboration, these centers will equip participants with the tools needed to showcase region-specific crafts and products to broader markets. The effort aims to preserve cultural heritage while unlocking sustainable income opportunities through digital platforms.
Established in 2002, the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) works to bridge India’s digital divide through a community-led, hyperlocal model driven by women social entrepreneurs known as SoochnaPreneurs. Armed with digital skills and infrastructure, SoochnaPreneurs enable village communities to access essential services such as healthcare, education, employment, financial inclusion, and livelihood support. With a presence in over 10,000 villages and outreach to more than 35 million people, DEF continues to play a leading role in connecting remote communities and advancing digital literacy and economic empowerment 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.
About Zoom
Zoom (NASDAQ:ZM) provides the AI-first, open work platform built for human connection and purposefully designed to move conversations to completion. From entrepreneurs to global enterprises, customers choose Zoom to seamlessly collaborate, communicate, and drive outcomes across meetings, chat, phone, contact center, events, and more — all with the built-in assistance of Zoom AI Companion. Founded in 2011, Zoom is headquartered in San Jose, CA. For more information, visit Zoom.
