HCLTech to set up Bhubaneswar tech centre, invest Rs 14,257 crore in AI hub

Bhubaneswar: HCLTech is putting Odisha on its AI map, one data centre and one technology hub at a time. HCLTech has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Odisha to establish a global technology centre in Bhubaneswar that will employ 5,000 people, while also announcing a Rs 14,257 crore investment in an AI data centre at the upcoming Odisha Sovereign AI Park.

The technology centre will develop and deliver AI-led digital solutions for global enterprises and is expected to begin operations by 2028. It will complement HCLTech’s proposed AI data centre, which the company says will be among India’s largest investments in sovereign AI infrastructure.

The data centre will be developed in partnership with homegrown AI startup Sarvam and the Odisha government. The project cost includes financial assistance from the state government.

The initiative follows Sarvam’s USD 234 million funding round last month, led by HCLTech and Bessemer Venture Partners. As the lead strategic investor, HCLTech invested USD 150 million, acquiring a 10.4 per cent stake in the AI startup.

The proposed facility aims to strengthen India’s sovereign AI ecosystem by combining HCLTech’s AI infrastructure and services with Sarvam’s indigenous foundation models to develop sector-specific AI applications for enterprises, government departments and public sector organisations.

Commenting on the expansion, HCLTech chief operating officer, corporate functions Rahul Singh said, “At HCLTech, through our New Vistas initiative, we are focused on expanding our presence across India to bring opportunities closer to where the talent is.”

He added that Odisha’s infrastructure and talent pool make Bhubaneswar well placed to become one of HCLTech’s key global innovation and delivery hubs.

Welcoming the investment, Government of Odisha additional chief secretary Vishal Kumar Dev said, “We welcome HCLTech’s decision to establish their footprint in Odisha. Their presence will further embellish Bhubaneswar’s status as one of India’s most promising technology hubs.”

Separately, HCLTech chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra said the company aims to play a larger role in building India’s sovereign AI capabilities through strategic investments and partnerships across the AI value chain.

Beyond creating direct employment, HCLTech said the technology centre will help strengthen Odisha’s technology ecosystem by working closely with educational institutions and the state government to build next-generation digital and AI skills.

HCLTech currently employs more than 170,000 people across its campuses and delivery centres in India and has a global workforce of over 223,000 employees spanning 60 countries.

With a large AI infrastructure investment alongside a new delivery hub, HCLTech is deepening its commitment to India’s artificial intelligence ambitions while reinforcing Bhubaneswar’s emergence as a growing technology destination.