Students
Graduated and studying further? Build hands-on AI deployment skills.
Certified by iHUB DivyaSampark, IIT Roorkee
Forward Deployed Engineer
Become the engineer who takes AI from demo to production for real customers. Seven months, instructor-led, online.
Client systems
ERP
CRM
Contracts
Email
What you build
Data pipeline 48,210 rows · reconciled
Contracts assistant cited answers · 47/50
Refunds agent typed tools · MCP
Used by
Ops team
Finance
Customers
3 systems in production 0 errors
7 Months Including a capstone
8–10 Hrs/Week Weekly time commitment
Graduates & Postgraduates Eligibility
8–10 PM Weekdays, local time zone
Faculty from
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-
-
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Ministry of Defense
State of Qatar
The role
Half engineer, half consultant.
FDEs take AI from demo to production inside a customer's business. The role began at Palantir and has spread across AI and enterprise software.
The customer Data, systems and people
You, the FDE
- Listen like a consultant
- Build like an engineer
- Own it like an operator
The AI platform Models, agents and tools
800%+ Rise in FDE job postings in 2025 Indeed via the FT, Jan–Sep 2025
19× Growth in FDE job postings in India Indeed India, June 2025 to June 2026
US$220K Median total pay for FDEs in the US Levels.fyi, October 2026
Who it's for
Studying, working or just starting out?
The program is open to graduates and postgraduates across the Middle East who want to move into the Forward Deployed Engineer role.
Graduates & postgraduates
Turn your degree into a hands-on role deploying AI for real customers.
Working professionals
Bring your industry experience into the Forward Deployed Engineer role.
Career starters
Start out with two real-world capstone projects to show employers.
Coding background Prior coding experience required
Classes Instructor-led live classes
Time 8–10 hrs per week
Curriculum
Seven months. Six modules. One real engagement.
From Python and SQL to production AI agents, with a client skill built into every module.
Module 01
Programming, SQL & Software Foundations
Build Python, Git, SQL and API skills from scratch using real business data.
Client skills you'll practise Active listeningStructured problem-solvingClear explanation
Tools you'll use 
Python 
Git 
GitHub 
VS Code 
Google Colab 
GitHub Copilot 
Cursor 
PostgreSQL 
MySQL 
pytest
Python Git GitHub VS Code Google Colab GitHub Copilot Cursor PostgreSQL MySQL pytest Module 02
Customer Systems, Data Engineering & Integration
Connect to customer systems and build reliable data pipelines you can diagnose and deploy.
Client skills you'll practise Stakeholder managementScope negotiationAnalytical diagnosis
Tools you'll use Python 
FastAPI 
Pydantic 
Docker 
Render PostgreSQL 
OAuth Git GitHub
Python FastAPI Pydantic Docker Render PostgreSQL OAuth Git GitHub Module 03
LLM Foundations, Evaluation & Customer Knowledge
Build evaluated AI applications over customer documents and data, with cited answers.
Client skills you'll practise Evidence-based judgementManaging uncertaintyHonest communication
Tools you'll use 
OpenAI API Pydantic 
Chroma 
Tesseract ChatGPT
OpenAI API Pydantic Chroma Tesseract ChatGPT Module 04
Controlled Agents & MCP
Design bounded AI agents with tested tools, human approval and safe failure recovery.
Client skills you'll practise Trade-off reasoningNegotiationAccountability
Tools you'll use OpenAI API Pydantic Python 
MCP
OpenAI API Pydantic Python MCP Module 05
Production Engineering & Customer Adoption
Secure, monitor and operate the solution, then prepare real users for rollout.
Client skills you'll practise Composure under pressureChange managementOwnership
Tools you'll use Docker Render 
Prometheus 
Grafana Git GitHub
Docker Render Prometheus Grafana Git GitHub Module 06
FDE Engagement & Capstone
Deliver a complete customer solution, then demonstrate, defend and hand it over.
Client skills you'll practise Executive communicationExpectation managementProfessional accountability
Tools you'll use FastAPI Docker Render PostgreSQL OAuth Chroma OpenAI API Prometheus Grafana Git GitHub
FastAPI Docker Render PostgreSQL OAuth Chroma OpenAI API Prometheus Grafana Git GitHub Capstone · choose one
Two real-world projects
Warehouse Fulfilment Recovery Desk
Sync warehouse orders with courier tracking, flag failed or delayed shipments, answer staff from SOPs with citations, and let a supervised agent propose fixes.
Systems like this run at
Hospital Prior-Authorization Desk
Reconcile bookings against payer authorizations, answer from policy with citations, and let a supervised agent draft prior-auth packs for review.
Systems like this run at
What you'll ship
A portfolio of deployments, not notebook demos.
Every module ends in something that runs. Visuals are illustrative.
A pipeline that survives failure
Incremental syncs with checkpoints and reconciliation.
An assistant that cites its sources
RAG over customer documents, tested on unseen cases.
An agent that asks first
Typed tools, MCP and a human in the loop.
A deployment you can monitor
Secured, observable, rolled out to users.
A full client engagement
From discovery call to defended handover.
The difference
Not another AI course.
Most programs teach you to use AI. This one teaches you to deliver it.
FDE Program Typical AI course
Foundations Python, SQL and APIs on real data Python syntax on toy examples
Data Pipelines that recover and reconcile One-off CSV uploads
LLM apps RAG with citations and real tests Copy-pasted chatbot tutorials
Agents Your own agent loop, tools and MCP Drag-and-drop agent builders
Deployment Deployed, monitored, handed over Ends at a notebook demo
Tool stack
The stack behind real deployments.
From your first query to production monitoring.
Python Language Git Version control GitHub Code hosting VS Code Code editor Google Colab Notebooks GitHub Copilot AI pair programmer Cursor AI code editor PostgreSQL Database MySQL Database FastAPI APIs Pydantic Data validation Docker Containers Render Cloud hosting Chroma Vector database Tesseract OCR MCP Agent tools Prometheus Metrics Grafana Dashboards Faculty
Taught by people who ship AI for a living.
Practitioners from Microsoft, Google, Thomson Reuters and Qatar's Ministry of Defense.
Ashish Prasad
Engineering Manager, AI and ML
Microsoft Turing
Worked on bringing GPT-5 into Microsoft 365 Copilot and on Analyst, an AI data scientist agent.
Sayan Dey
Principal AI Architect
Qatar's Ministry of Defense
Builds air-gapped GenAI and multi-agent systems for military intelligence, with 15+ years in AI.
Karan Bhyana
Analytics and AI
Builds Gemini-powered dashboards for Google Ads. At Walmart, his GenAI A/B tests contributed to a $100M revenue lift.
Shirsha Ray Chaudhuri
Senior Director of Applied Research
Thomson Reuters
Takes AI research into production agentic systems. Previously at Amazon, Mercedes-Benz R&D and Nokia.
Certification
A certificate from iHUB DivyaSampark, IIT Roorkee.
To earn it
65% attendance
30% cumulative score
- Get certified by iHUB DivyaSampark, IIT Roorkee
- Add it to your LinkedIn profile and portfolio
- Verifiable online at tih.iitr.ac.in
A certification program, not a degree. Delivered in collaboration with Masai.
Careers
Where this takes you.
Roles
What you can aim for
- Forward Deployed Engineer Core
- Solutions Engineer Related
- Customer Engineer Related
- Implementation Engineer Related
- AI Deployment Engineer Related
- Applied AI Engineer Related
- AI Integration Engineer Related
Industries
Where FDE skills are in demand
IT & SaaSBFSI & FintechE-commerce & RetailHealthcare & DiagnosticsConsulting & AnalyticsManufacturing & Industry 4.0
Companies hiring FDEs today-
Palantir -
OpenAI -
Anthropic -
Salesforce -
Databricks
Examples of employers with open FDE roles. Not hiring partners of this program.
Where you are
Middle East
Governments, banks, airlines and energy firms across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the wider GCC are putting AI into operations.
Where it can take you
United States
Where the FDE role began, at companies like Palantir, OpenAI and Anthropic. Median pay is US$220K.
Europe
The same skills carry over to enterprise AI teams in London, Berlin, Paris and beyond.
Asia
FDE job postings in India grew 19× in a year, and regional AI teams are growing fast.
Admissions
Four steps to the January 2027 batch.
- 1
Register
Book your US$5 qualifier test.
Open now - 2
Take the qualifier
An online readiness test.
November 15, 2026 - 3
Get your result
Shared after the test.
After the test - 4
Secure your seat
Pay the program fee.
Before 19 Jan 2027
0 days until the batch starts on 19 Jan 2027
Qualifier test
Qualifier test details.
To join the program, you must clear the qualifier test on your allotted date.
1
Topics covered
Quantitative Aptitude
Class 10 level Number systems, percentages, ratios, averages, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, speed and distance, basic algebra and data tables.
Logical Reasoning
Number and letter series, analogies, odd one out, syllogisms, seating and arrangement puzzles, blood relations, directions, coding-decoding, statements and conclusions, and data sufficiency.
Basic Computer Knowledge
Hardware and software, input/output devices, RAM vs storage, files, folders and extensions, install/update, the internet, browsers, URLs and email, cloud storage, office tools, keyboard shortcuts, and password hygiene and phishing awareness.
Verbal Ability & Communication
Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, sentence correction and workplace scenarios: clarifying a request, explaining something in plain language.
2
Registration process
- Pay US$5 and choose your slot
- Unlock a free mock test and practise before the qualifier test
3
Things to remember
- Test duration: 60 minutes
- You can take the test only once, at your allotted time and slot
- The test must be taken on a desktop or laptop. Supported browsers (latest versions only): Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge and Firefox
The institute
Backed by IIT Roorkee's innovation hub.
iHUB DivyaSampark works on AI and cyber-physical systems for healthcare, industry, smart cities and defence.
The campus · Roorkee, Uttarakhand
One of Asia's oldest engineering institutions
Founded in 1847 to train engineers for the Ganges Canal, it became India's seventh IIT in 2001. iHUB DivyaSampark, its technology innovation hub, runs from this campus.
- 1847 Founded
- 7th IIT, since 2001
- 365 Acre campus
Government-backed
A joint initiative of India's DST and IIT Roorkee
Deep-tech research
AI, smart devices and cyber-physical systems
Startup incubator
Mentorship and grants for deep-tech startups
Industry board
Leaders from Accenture Labs and L&T Semiconductors
Fees
One clear fee, paid once.
Total program fee Start with the $5 qualifier
US$1,500
≈ AED 5,509 · for all 7 months
- Qualifier test US$5
- Payment One-time, in full
What's included
- 6 modules and a capstone over 7 months
- Instructor-led online classes
- Certificate from iHUB DivyaSampark, IIT Roorkee
- Class recordings, notes and assignments on the LMS
- Doubt-clearing sessions with industry mentors and TAs
- A private Discord community with fellow learners
FAQ
Questions, answered.
What is the program duration?
The program duration is 7 months, with a weekly time commitment of 8–10 hours.
Will I receive a digital copy of the programme certificate?
Upon successful completion of the program and fulfilment of all requirements, participants will receive a digital copy of the certificate.
When will I receive my certificate after completing the program?
Certificates will be issued within 2–3 months from the date of the final examination. The exact timeline for issuance will be communicated during the program.
What is the mode of delivery for the program?
The mode of delivery of the program is online through the Zoom platform.
Who will be teaching the classes in this program?
The program is taught by esteemed professors from IITs, IIMs, and industry experts.
What are the eligibility criteria for the program?
The program is open to graduates and postgraduates, including students, working professionals, and career starters.
Can international students apply for the program?
Yes, international students can apply for the program.
Will there be examinations?
There are 6 online module exams and one capstone project, which will be your final project. All details will be shared in your LMS, and submissions also need to be done in the LMS.
What is the difference between Registration Fee and Course Fee?
The Registration Fee secures your seat in the program. The Course Fee is the total program cost. Your enrollment is confirmed only after the full Course Fee is paid.
How soon will I receive the receipt after paying the registration or course fee?
The receipt will be emailed to your registered email address within 24–48 business hours of payment.
What is the fee payment deadline?
The fee payment deadline is available on your dashboard. Kindly ensure you complete the fee payment within the specified timelines to complete your enrolment in the program.
What are the class timings?
Classes will be conducted on weekdays, in the evening from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM (local time zone).
How many hours of engagement are required per week?
You'll need to dedicate approximately 8–10 hours per week, which includes attending live sessions, completing tutorials, and engaging in self-paced study to stay on track with the program.
How will the class schedule be communicated to students?
The class schedule will be communicated primarily through the Learning Management System (LMS).
What if I miss a live session? Will I be able to access the recording?
We recommend that you attend live sessions. In any unforeseen circumstances, if you miss attending live classes, recordings will be made accessible to you on the Learning Management System (LMS). Kindly ensure you watch the entire class recording to ensure you don't miss important concepts covered.
I am a working professional / college student and would like to plan my week ahead. Can I get access to the schedule well in advance?
Yes, you'll receive the class schedule and updates every Saturday for the upcoming week, allowing you to plan your time effectively and stay organised.
What happens if I miss a live session?
If you miss a live session, you can still maintain attendance by watching the recorded session within the allowed window. The recording must be watched in full or at least 80% to count toward your attendance.
What are the requirements for completing this program successfully?
To successfully complete the program, students must maintain 65% attendance, combining both live sessions and recorded sessions. They must also achieve at least 30% overall score in the evaluations, which include assignments, quizzes, and offline exams. Students must meet both criteria to receive the Certificate of Completion.
Is there any attendance criterion in this program for course completion?
Yes, to be eligible for course completion, you must maintain a minimum of 65% attendance, which can be achieved through either live sessions or recorded lectures.
How is attendance calculated?
Attendance is calculated automatically through the Learning Management System (LMS). You will be marked present if you complete either of the following in full:
- Live Attendance: Counted when you join the live session in full using your registered email ID and attend the class.
- Recording Attendance: Counted when you watch the session recording in full within 30 days of the class.
What happens if the student doesn't meet the required attendance criteria?
If a student does not meet the required attendance criteria, they will not be eligible to receive the course completion certificate.
What if I am unable to attend live sessions or watch recordings within 30 days due to some exigencies?
In such cases, you can raise a support ticket with your respective Program Coordinator, along with the necessary supporting documents. Exceptions may be granted after reviewing your request.
How can I raise any queries once I enrol in the program?
Once your enrolment is complete, you will be onboarded on the Learning Management System (LMS). You can raise your queries through ticketing support and your Program Coordinator for all non-conceptual queries during the tenure of the course.
How can I interact with my peers?
You will have opportunities to engage throughout the program. You can connect with industry mentors and TAs during dedicated doubt-clearing sessions. Additionally, you can interact and collaborate with fellow learners through our learning platforms and private Discord community.
Is there a helpline session for student queries?
Yes, a dedicated live helpline session is available to address your queries. Details of the session will be shared as part of your weekly schedule to help you stay informed and supported throughout the program.
What learning resources will be made available during the program?
You will have access to a variety of learning resources, such as notes, pre-reads, class recordings, and assignments to support your learning on the Learning Management System (LMS).
How often will assessments be conducted?
Assessments will be conducted periodically throughout the program, with evaluations at the end of each module and ongoing project work to track your progress.
Anything else? Message the admissions team on WhatsApp
January 2027 batch
The next AI project at your client could be yours to lead.
Seven months from your first SQL query to an AI system running for a real client.