HCLTech Unveils INR 14,257 Crore AI Data Centre in Odisha with Sarvam
HCLTech has signed an MoU with Odisha Government and Sarvam for setting up of Global Technology Center and AI Data Center at Odisha Sovereign AI Park in Bhubaneswar. The initiative is projected to produce 5,000 jobs and bolster India’s sovereign AI ecosystem and is likely to be operational by 2028.
On July 24th, HCL Technologies (HCLTech) in partnership with Sarvam has inked an MoU with Odisha. A groundbreaking Global Technology Center will be established in Bhubaneswar, thanks to the inked MoU. The Centre will support innovation and provide digital solutions driven by artificial intelligence to multinational corporations. Odisha Sovereign AI Park is soon to be home to both the Technology Center and HCLTech's planned AI Data Center.
It is anticipated that the Technology Center will begin operations in 2028 and house 5,000 individuals. In addition to creating jobs directly and indirectly, HCLTech's investment will strengthen the local talent ecosystem by attracting and retaining top personnel with an eye toward developing cutting-edge skills. In order to achieve this goal, HCLTech intends to implement structured interventions in close collaboration with regional educational institutions and policymakers.
HCLTech Building its AI Network India
Roshni Nadar Malhotra, chairperson of HCLTech, has stated that the company has been an ambassador for India's tech sector. The firm's goal is to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. This can be achieved by investing in and forming alliances with like-minded organisations so that it may help build India's autonomous artificial intelligence ecosystem.
"We are pleased to start this endeavour in partnership with the Odisha government and Sarvam," Malhotra added. This is a significant achievement in the company's full-stack AI strategy, according to CEO and Managing Director C Vijayakumar. Also, the company will be able to realise the full potential of its strategic alliance with Sarvam and meet the high demand for sovereign AI solutions. "We are excited to collaborate with Odisha and Sarvam because the state has a progressive policy environment and great infrastructure," noted Vijaykumar. The total estimated cost of the project, including funding from the Odisha government, is INR 14,257 crore.
HCLTech Signs $1.14 Billion Mega AI Agreement
HCLTech has been awarded a $1.14 billion strategic contract by a Fortune Global 50 organisation based in Europe. The digital workplace and corporate network operations of Fortune Global 50 firm’s will be transformed utilising an AI-driven operating paradigm, according to the signed pact. Consequently, this marked one of the most significant deal pronouncements made by an Indian IT services company this year.
With an option to extend it by an additional five years, the arrangement will run from July 2026 through December 2031, as the business told stock exchanges on July 3. This contract represents 100% net new business for HCLTech and has an estimated initial term value of $1.14 billion.
As part of the collaboration, HCLTech will develop an AI-powered operational model to revamp and oversee the client's international corporate networks and digital workplace. The customer's identity remains confidential, as the company has chosen not to publish it. However, the firm is headquartered in Europe and is included in the Fortune Global 50, as per HCLTech. This deal exemplifies the rising desire from enterprises for AI-led transformation that goes beyond pilot initiatives. AI is being integrated into core IT processes at an increasing rate. In the time leading up to HCLTech's quarterly reporting, the deal adds a substantial net-new engagement to the company's order book.
