HCLTech partners IIT Kanpur to turn research into real-world tech for global companies

HCLTech has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT Kanpur to convert cutting-edge research into real-world pilots and scalable solutions for Global Capability Centers (GCCs).

The partnership aims to position HCLTech as a strategic GCC partner by combining its end-to-end GCC capabilities with IIT Kanpur’s research strength and startup ecosystem. The focus areas include AI, robotics, cybersecurity and other next-generation technologies.

Under the collaboration, GCCs will be able to accelerate complex research, access niche skills without setting up in-house labs and reduce time-to-market. The initiative is designed to move beyond traditional talent-led models toward research-driven innovation.

IIT Kanpur Director Prof. Manindra Agrawal said the partnership will give researchers exposure to real-world industry challenges while enabling translational R&D with measurable enterprise impact.

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Kiran Cherukuri, EVP and Global GCC Practice Head at HCLTech, said the next phase of GCC growth will depend on how effectively companies leverage deep tech ecosystems, adding that the MoU will help enterprises transition from frontier research to enterprise-ready solutions at scale.

The collaboration was announced at the ‘GCC 4.0: Co-Creating India’s Innovation Powerhouse’ summit in Hyderabad, attended by over 250 leaders from GCCs, startups and the broader technology ecosystem.

The collaboration comes as India’s GCC ecosystem targets $100 billion in exports by 2030, with deep-tech investments expected to rise sharply as global firms expand AI and robotics capabilities. Through this partnership, HCLTech aims to strengthen its positioning as a research-led GCC enabler, differentiating itself from traditional services-driven models.

Shares of HCL Tech ended today's trade 0.3% lower at ₹1,373 on the NSE.