Hyderabad: India’s Rising Global Tech & Innovation Hub

Introduction
Hyderabad is evolving into one of the most promising global tech hubs, driven by investments from major international companies and progressive government policies. Once known primarily for its IT and business process outsourcing (BPO) services, the city is now pivoting towards high-end product innovation, AI research, and the development of next-gen technologies. The shift from Global Capability Centres (GCCs) to Global Value Centres (GVCs) signals a major transformation in Hyderabad's tech landscape.

1. From GCC to GVC: Hyderabad's Next Phase of Transformation

Hyderabad’s tech sector is moving from being a hub for outsourcing to becoming a hotbed for AI, R&D, and product development. This shift is enabling the city to become a strategic location for Global Value Centres (GVCs), which emphasize IP development, deep-tech research, and innovation.

• Key transformation: Hyderabad is no longer just about cost-effective solutions but also about building the next wave of tech products. Companies now see Hyderabad as a place where their R&D teams, not just back-office operations, thrive.

2. Major Global Players Betting Big on Hyderabad

DAZN

DAZN, the UK-based sports streaming giant, has recently opened its first tech centre in India in Hyderabad. With an investment of ₹200 crore and plans to hire 4,500 employees by 2025, DAZN aims to develop cutting-edge technology solutions around AI, computer vision, AR/VR, and high-quality streaming.

Heineken

The Dutch brewing giant, Heineken, is setting up its Asia-Pacific GCC in Hyderabad. This investment, ranging between ₹2,500 and ₹3,000 crore, will create more than 3,000 new tech jobs. This signifies a growing trend of global manufacturing giants moving to Hyderabad to digitally transform their operations.

Amgen

Amgen, a global leader in biotech, is investing $200 million to develop AI-driven drug discovery tools in Hyderabad. The new tech-innovation centre is expected to employ 2,000 tech professionals by 2025, signaling the city’s potential to support high-tech innovations in healthcare and biotech industries.

3. Infrastructure, Policies, and Ecosystem: The Enablers of Hyderabad’s Rise

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure

Hyderabad’s HITECH City, Financial District, and new development zones like Salarpuria Knowledge City are home to global tech campuses. These hubs not only offer high-speed internet and world-class office spaces but also provide the perfect environment for R&D, AI development, and cutting-edge product engineering.

Government Support

The Telangana government has launched an ambitious vision to build Hyderabad as India’s AI capital. From MoUs with global tech giants like NVIDIA and Microsoft to setting up a 200-acre “AI City,” the state government’s proactive policies are making the city an attractive destination for international firms looking to build next-gen solutions.

Thriving Innovation Ecosystem

Hyderabad’s T-Hub, a premier incubator for tech startups, is home to over 2,000 new companies. It provides funding, mentorship, and partnership opportunities, making it a critical ecosystem player in nurturing the next wave of tech talent and startups.

4. Metrics that Matter

5. Why Hyderabad Now?

• Talent Density & Cost Efficiency: Hyderabad offers access to a highly skilled workforce at competitive wages compared to Bengaluru or Mumbai.

• Rapid Scaling Capability: Companies can scale rapidly—DAZN, for example, moved from a few dozen to 4,500 employees in under two years.

• Strategic National Goals: India’s broader ambition for defence tech, AI, and biotech R&D are aligned with Hyderabad’s industrial growth. Major sectors like pharma and AI are setting up to support national initiatives like Digital India.

Conclusion

Hyderabad is at the precipice of a tech revolution—transcending its legacy as a BPO hub to become a powerhouse of innovation, AI, R&D, and product development. With continued investment from global players, robust infrastructure, and forward-thinking policies, the city is set to be a key player in the next wave of global technology development. Whether it's sports streaming innovation at DAZN or biotech breakthroughs at Amgen, Hyderabad is the city to watch.