HCLTech to invest over ₹14,000 cr in Odisha AI data centre; technology centre to employ 5,000

HCL Technologies has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Government of Odisha on Friday, July 24, to establish a Global Technology Center in Bhubaneswar and its first AI Data Center at the upcoming Odisha Sovereign AI Park, the company said in exchange filings.

The Global Technology Center, which is expected to begin operations by 2028, will house 5,000 employees and focus on developing and delivering AI-led digital solutions for global enterprises. The company said the facility will also strengthen Odisha's technology ecosystem by creating direct and indirect employment opportunities and collaborating with educational institutions to develop next-generation digital skills.

The technology centre will complement HCLTech's proposed AI Data Center, which will be developed in partnership with AI startup Sarvam and the Government of Odisha.

₹14,257 crore AI data centre investment

HCLTech said the proposed AI Data Center will involve a planned capital outlay of ₹14,257 crore, including financial assistance from the Odisha government.

The facility will leverage HCLTech's full-stack AI capabilities and Sarvam's foundation models to develop sector-specific AI applications for public and private sector enterprises while supporting India's sovereign AI ambitions. The company said the project will also help deliver multilingual AI-powered services aligned with the government's Digital India initiatives.

The AI Data Center marks HCLTech's entry into the full-stack AI infrastructure space, following its announcement on July 13 regarding plans to expand into the segment.

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Rahul Singh, Chief Operating Officer – Corporate Functions at HCLTech, said the company is expanding its footprint across India under its New Vistas initiative to bring technology jobs closer to talent pools.

He said Odisha offers a strong combination of quality infrastructure and skilled talent, adding that the company aims to develop Bhubaneswar into one of its key global innovation and delivery hubs.

HCLTech Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra said the investment aligns with the company's efforts to support India's sovereign AI ecosystem through strategic partnerships.

HCLTech currently employs more than 170,000 people across its technology campuses and delivery centres in India, including Noida, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, Nagpur, Madurai, Vijayawada and GIFT City, according to the exchange filing.

Shares of HCL Technologies were trading 1.2% higher at ₹1,259.60 in Friday's session.

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