The  cybersecurity industry is at an historic inflection point. The discrete threats of the past – stolen passwords and malware infections – are converging into complex, systemic risks with financial and societal implications. A key driving force of this change, according to a recent paper published by Kyndryl’s Global Security & Resiliency Practice Leader Kris Lovejoy, is the rise of autonomous artificial intelligence (AI), requiring new tools, technologies and skills to protect the information technology (IT) infrastructure of European banks, hospitals, manufacturers and public authorities.  

The skills shortage remains a critical barrier to progress as technology outpaces training programmes in several sectors. According to Kyndryl’s 2024 Risk Readiness Report, cybersecurity remains one of three most common skill gaps facing large organisations, alongside AI and data science skills.

Recognising the scale of this challenge, the Kyndryl Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Kyndryl, has for two consecutive years awarded grants to organisations that address the shortage of trained cybersecurity professionals by providing skills and placement programmes for learners and job seekers. Kyndryl Foundation grantees also support nonprofits’ cyber resilience through education and consulting.  

The Kyndryl Foundation has supported and enabled its grantees to reach more than 49,000 people – 39,000 of them in Europe – through cybersecurity education, training and awareness. Among the 11 grantees from seven countries in 2024, four serve European communities:  

• Alba Regia Műszaki Felsőoktatásért Alapítvány in Hungary promotes culture, education and skills development in technology to help students access higher education in technology and cybersecurity. 

• Czechitas in the Czech Republic operates nationwide to bring greater inclusion to the IT industry and foster digital proficiency in women and young people. 

• Avsi Polska in Poland works to improve economic and social conditions through human capital development.  

• Digivia in the Czech Republic works toward connecting technology to socially beneficial activities to create a more equitable world. 

Announcing the fiscal year 2025 grant programme, Una Pulizzi, President, Kyndryl Foundation, and Global Head of Corporate Affairs, Kyndryl, said: 

‘As the largest IT infrastructure services provider, we are committed to addressing the critical shortage of cybersecurity and AI professionals. We are proud to offer second-year funding to our grantees and look forward to the positive impact that can be achieved through our continued and expanded work together to drive innovation and build a new generation of skilled professionals.’ 

In 2025, the Kyndryl Foundation awarded its second round of grants to 12 nonprofit organisations in 11 countries, five serving European communities: 

• Czechitas in the Czech Republic provides training programmes to become security operations centre analysts and information security specialists. It will train 100 women in cybersecurity, run cyber awareness initiatives for 50,000 women and educate government officials on cyber resiliency. 

• Fundación Cibervoluntarios in Spain runs a one-year cybersecurity skilling course, which it will extend to 5,000 young people from underserved communities and depopulated areas. 

• Generation: You Employed in the UK will organise train-and-place boot camps for 230 people facing barriers toward careers in IT and cybersecurity. 

• Mamo Pracuj Foundation in Poland organises the Cyber Women Leaders programme that enables women, including refugees and migrants, to return to the workforce after a career break. It will support 40 women through cybersecurity training, career consultation, soft skills sessions and job search guidance. 

• United Way Hungary offers a modular training programme on cybersecurity – the United for CyberSafe Youth – for secondary school students and young adults, with a focus on underserved communities and people with visual disabilities. The nonprofit will train 345 people and help them with career development. 

The second cycle of grants is expected to touch the lives of more than 55,000 Europeans over the next two years through cybersecurity and AI skills development, awareness and job placement initiatives.