Hyderabad GCC Hub: India’s Fastest-Growing Innovation Centre

Why in News?

Hyderabad has emerged as one of the fastest-growing Global Capability Centre hubs in India, attracting 197 GCCs in the last two-and-a-half years since December 2023. According to data released by the State Information Technology department, more than 70 GCCs chose Hyderabad in 2024, 84 commenced operations in 2025, and 43 GCCs came forward in the first half of 2026. The number is expected to cross 100 by the end of 2026.

What are Global Capability Centres?

Global Capability Centres, or GCCs, are captive centres established by multinational parent companies to meet their own business needs.

They are used for:

• research
• product development
• innovation
• technology operations
• engineering
• global business functions

GCCs are different from ordinary service-based IT companies because they are not mainly dependent on external client contracts. They support the parent company’s internal innovation and business requirements.

Hyderabad’s GCC Growth Trend

Hyderabad’s GCC growth has been rapid in recent years.

This shows that Hyderabad is becoming a major destination for technology, innovation and global business operations.

Difference Between IT Companies and GCCs

The rise of GCCs marks a shift in Hyderabad’s technology sector from conventional IT services to high-value innovation-led work.

Why Hyderabad is Attracting GCCs

1. Skilled Workforce

Hyderabad has strong human resources in technology, engineering, finance, life sciences and digital services.

2. World-Class Infrastructure

The city offers infrastructure suitable for large multinational operations and expanding office spaces.

3. Favourable Business Environment

A supportive business environment and proactive government measures have made Hyderabad attractive for GCCs.

4. Alternative to Bengaluru’s Urban Challenges

Though Bengaluru continues to have the highest number of GCCs, traffic congestion and other challenges there are encouraging companies to consider Hyderabad.

5. Strong Sectoral Base

Hyderabad has strengthened its position in BFSI, life sciences, semiconductors, engineering and digital services.

Key Sectors of GCC Expansion

Hyderabad is attracting investments in several advanced sectors:

• Banking, Financial Services and Insurance
• Artificial Intelligence
• Generative AI
• Life sciences
• Semiconductors
• Engineering R&D
• Cybersecurity
• Cloud computing
• Data analytics
• Global business services
• Digital services

According to the Nasscom GCC Landscape Report 2026, more than 50% of newly established BFSI GCCs in India have chosen Hyderabad, making it a leading destination in this segment.

Major Developments in 2026

In the first half of 2026, several global companies either set up new centres, expanded existing operations, or planned new operations in Hyderabad.

Prominent developments include:

• L’Oréal established its first GCC in India and its first Beauty Tech Hub in Hyderabad.
• T-Mobile expanded its technology and engineering operations.
• Novartis expanded its largest global operations hub outside Switzerland.
• Voya Financial expanded its technology and operations centre.
• Astera Labs established a new engineering and product development centre.
• Bluepace launched a new GCC.

Other global companies such as Zurich Insurance, Roche Diagnostics, ABB, BASF, Regeneron, Silicon Labs, Nestlé, Reckitt, Uber, Warner Bros. Discovery, American Airlines, InvoiceCloud, Omnicom and Maximus have commenced, expanded, or are planning operations in Hyderabad.

Conclusion

Hyderabad’s emergence as India’s fastest-growing Global Capability Centre hub reflects a major transformation in the city’s technology economy. With 197 GCCs attracted in two-and-a-half years, strong growth in BFSI, and expanding investments in AI, semiconductors, life sciences, engineering R&D and digital services, Hyderabad is moving from a conventional IT services destination to a global centre for innovation, product engineering and leadership functions.