HCLTech and Sarvam to Set Up Rs 14,257 Crore AI Technology Centre in Odisha by 2028
HCLTech has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Odisha to establish a world-class global technology centre in Bhubaneswar, with an investment of Rs 14,257 crore. The centre, to be set up in partnership with Sarvam AI at the upcoming Odisha Sovereign AI Park, will focus on innovating and delivering AI-led digital solutions to global enterprises and is expected to begin operations by 2028, accommodating up to 5,000 people.
The investment marks HCLTech’s first AI data centre in the Odisha Sovereign AI Park and reflects the company’s broader push under its New Vistas initiative to expand technology infrastructure closer to emerging talent pools across India. Rahul Singh, Chief Operating Officer Corporate Functions at HCLTech, noted that Odisha offers a strong combination of quality infrastructure and a vibrant talent ecosystem, and that the company sees Bhubaneswar as one of its key global innovation and delivery hubs going forward.
Beyond infrastructure, HCLTech has indicated that the centre will actively strengthen the local talent ecosystem through structured engagements with educational institutions and the government, with a specific focus on next-generation skills. The company currently employs 1.70 lakh people across its technology campuses and centres in Noida, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, Nagpur, Madurai, Vijayawada, and GIFT City.
The Odisha investment comes alongside a significant strategic move in India’s AI ecosystem. In June, HCLTech announced it would invest $150 million approximately Rs 1,427 crore as the lead strategic investor in Sarvam AI, acquiring 41,421 equity shares for a 10.46 per cent stake. C Vijayakumar, CEO and MD of HCLTech, described the Sarvam investment as a step toward building a differentiated full-stack AI platform for enterprises and governments. By integrating Sarvam’s AI research capabilities with HCLTech’s global delivery presence, the company aims to strengthen its ability to deliver secure, scalable, and responsible AI solutions at scale.
Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCLTech, framed the Odisha centre within the company’s long-term strategic direction, stating that HCLTech’s role has consistently been that of an enabler for India’s sovereign AI ecosystem, offering differentiated offerings across the value chain through focused investments and partnerships.
The establishment of the Bhubaneswar centre and the Sarvam stake together signal HCLTech’s intent to anchor itself at the centre of India’s emerging AI infrastructure combining domestic AI model development through Sarvam with global enterprise delivery through its expanded footprint in Odisha.
