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Tag: #FutureOfWork

Hyderabad Aims to Become a Global Confidence Centre Beyond GCCs

Hyderabad, October 2026 – Hyderabad is aiming to move beyond its reputation as a leading Global Capability Centre (GCC) hub. Telangana’s IT and Industries Minister, D. Sridhar Babu, has outlined a vision to position the city as a Global Confidence Centre, where multinational companies develop innovative solutions for global challenges.

The announcement came during the inauguration of a new technology development centre by Backbase, a Netherlands-based financial technology company.

Backbase Opens a New Technology Centre

Backbase has opened a 30,000-square-foot technology development centre in Hyderabad to support its expanding engineering operations.

According to the information provided, the company’s Indian engineering team has grown from fewer than 50 engineers in 2020 to more than 600. India is now its largest engineering hub outside its Amsterdam headquarters.

The expansion is expected to create 300 additional skilled job opportunities, strengthening Hyderabad’s position in the global fintech industry.

AI and Digital Banking at the Centre

The new facility will support the development of digital banking software and financial technology products for customers worldwide.

Key roles expected to be supported include:

  • Applied AI engineers
  • Data engineers
  • Full-stack developers
  • User experience specialists
  • Software development engineers in test
  • Forward deployed engineers

These roles reflect the growing demand for professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence, software engineering and digital financial services.

Telangana Focuses on Future-Ready Skills

The Telangana government is working to strengthen the talent pipeline needed by technology companies.

Priority skill areas include:

  • Artificial intelligence and data analytics
  • Cloud computing and cybersecurity
  • Software and product engineering
  • Digital banking technology

Developing these skills could help local professionals access specialised technology careers while encouraging more companies to establish advanced engineering operations in Hyderabad.

Why Hyderabad Wants to Become a Global Confidence Centre

The proposed shift represents a broader ambition for the city’s technology economy.

Moving beyond IT support: Hyderabad aims to attract more core product development, research and engineering activities rather than relying primarily on traditional IT services.

Strengthening fintech: Backbase’s expansion highlights the potential for Hyderabad to become an important centre for digital banking innovation.

Creating skilled jobs: Growing demand for AI, data and software engineering professionals could expand career opportunities for local talent.

Encouraging innovation: The government wants global companies to develop technologies that address complex business and societal challenges.

Global Leaders Attend the Inauguration

The inauguration brought together representatives from the Netherlands and Backbase’s leadership team.

Those attending included Ann Cremers, Deputy Consul General of the Netherlands; Backbase CTO Greg Fahy; Chief of Staff Reinhard Schiel; and India Site Head Surabhi Sharma.

The gathering highlighted the international partnerships supporting Hyderabad’s technology ecosystem.

What This Means for Hyderabad’s IT Sector

Hyderabad has developed into an important destination for multinational technology companies, supported by its skilled workforce and established IT infrastructure.

The Global Confidence Centre vision seeks to build on that foundation by attracting more strategic engineering, product development and research activities.

If this approach succeeds, the city could strengthen its role in developing technologies used by businesses and consumers around the world.

Backbase’s expansion marks another development in Hyderabad’s technology journey, with AI, fintech and advanced engineering emerging as important areas for future growth.

Hyderabad Gets New D.E. Shaw Office: 6 Lakh Sq Ft by Next Year

Hyderabad, October 2026 – In a major vote of confidence for the city’s thriving technology and financial ecosystem, D. E. Shaw India has announced plans to open a sprawling 6-lakh square foot workspace in the Neopolis area of Hyderabad next year. The announcement was made during a special event celebrating the global investment and technology development firm’s 30 years of operations in India.

Project Scope and Scale

The upcoming Neopolis facility represents a significant leap in D. E. Shaw’s Indian footprint. Designed to be a state-of-the-art collaborative hub, the new office will:

  • Foster Innovation: Create enhanced opportunities for employees to work seamlessly across teams, exchange ideas, and solve complex global problems.
  • Expand Career Avenues: Continue to offer diverse career paths across technology, financial research, financial operations, and corporate functions, hiring talent at all experience levels.
  • Consolidate Growth: Build upon the firm’s existing presence, which currently employs 2,500 professionals across its Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Gurugram offices.

A Three-Decade Journey in Hyderabad

D. E. Shaw’s relationship with Hyderabad dates back to 1996, when it opened its very first Indian office in the city with just 20 employees. Over the past three decades, the firm has grown exponentially, mirroring Hyderabad’s own transformation into a global IT and financial services powerhouse. The firm’s subsequent expansion into Bengaluru and Gurugram in 2023 further solidified its pan-India strategy, but the new 6-lakh sq. ft. Hyderabad facility reaffirms the city as its foundational anchor.

Leadership Perspectives

The expansion was warmly welcomed by state leadership, highlighting the strong synergy between the government and global corporations.

Mr. D. Sridhar Babu, Telangana’s IT and Industries Minister, who graced the 30th-anniversary event, noted:

“The firm has been part of the city’s landscape for three decades, and the new office is a welcome sign of its continued confidence in Hyderabad.”

Echoing this sentiment, Eddie Fishman, Managing Director and Executive Committee Member at D. E. Shaw, praised the local talent pool:

“Investing and technology have changed dramatically in 30 years, and the rigour and skills our D.E. Shaw India colleagues bring to the firm have helped us remain at the forefront.”

Chaitanya Gorrepati, Managing Director and Operating Committee Member of D. E. Shaw India, added:

“The new office marks the next chapter of our growth in the country.”

Strategic Impact on Hyderabad’s Real Estate and Tech Sector

The decision to establish a 6-lakh sq. ft. campus in Neopolis carries profound strategic implications for the region:

  1. Boosting Premium Commercial Real Estate: Neopolis is rapidly emerging as a premium destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs). D. E. Shaw’s massive footprint will attract further investments and elevate the micro-market’s status.
  2. Reinforcing Hyderabad as a FinTech Hub: While Hyderabad is already renowned for its IT prowess, the expansion of a top-tier global quantitative investment and technology firm underscores the city’s growing dominance in high-end financial research and operations.
  3. Talent Retention and Attraction: The new facility will generate hundreds of high-value jobs, helping the region retain top-tier engineering and financial talent while attracting global expertise to the city.
  4. Long-Term Commitment: In an era of shifting global supply chains and remote work debates, a physical expansion of this magnitude signals a deep, long-term commitment to the Indian market and its workforce.

Looking Ahead

As D. E. Shaw India gears up to open its doors in Neopolis next year, the 6-lakh sq. ft. facility will stand as a physical testament to three decades of mutual growth between a global financial giant and the City of Pearls. For Hyderabad, it is yet another milestone confirming its position as a premier, future-ready destination for the world’s most innovative companies.

Planon Expands Hyderabad Footprint with New Facility, Boosting AI and Cloud Innovation in Telangana

Hyderabad, October 2026 – Global smart building management software company Planon India has expanded its Hyderabad facility, strengthening its presence in one of India’s leading technology hubs.

The expanded centre will support Planon’s growing operations and contribute to the company’s global technology and product development activities.

Hyderabad Centre to Focus on Technology and Innovation

Planon’s expanded Hyderabad facility will focus on several key technology areas, including software engineering, product development, cloud technologies and artificial intelligence.

The centre will help develop digital solutions that enable organisations to manage workplaces, buildings and real estate more efficiently.

AI and machine learning will also play an important role. These technologies can support applications such as predictive maintenance, energy optimisation and smarter use of building spaces.

Telangana Leaders Attend Inauguration

The facility’s inauguration brought together government and company representatives, highlighting Hyderabad’s growing role in the technology sector.

Those attending included:

  • Anudeep Durishetty, Joint Secretary, IT, Electronics and Communications Department, Government of Telangana
  • Manne Sateesh Kumar, Chairman, Telangana Technology Services
  • Henk Laracker, CEO, Planon
  • Kiran Madhunapantula, Statutory Director, Planon India
  • Radhika Reddy Gangarapu, Centre Head, Planon Hyderabad

Planon CEO Henk Laracker highlighted Hyderabad’s importance to the company’s global operations, particularly in research, development and operational activities.

Planon Hyderabad Centre Head Radhika Reddy Gangarapu also emphasised the city’s strong technology talent pool and its role in supporting the company’s global innovation goals.

Focus on Diversity and Inclusion

The company also highlighted its commitment to workplace diversity.

According to Planon, women represent more than 40% of its workforce in India. The company sees gender diversity as an important part of building an inclusive technology workforce.

What Planon’s Expansion Means for Hyderabad

The expansion adds to Hyderabad’s growing reputation as a destination for global technology and product development.

More Technology Opportunities

The expanded operations could support opportunities for professionals in software engineering, artificial intelligence, data science and product management.

Smart Building Innovation

Planon’s focus on connected and sustainable buildings aligns with the growing demand for energy-efficient and digitally managed workplaces.

Strengthening Hyderabad’s GCC Ecosystem

The expansion also reflects the broader growth of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in Hyderabad. Increasingly, these centres are moving beyond traditional IT support to undertake product development, engineering, research and strategic functions.

Hyderabad’s Role in the Future of Smart Buildings

The demand for intelligent and sustainable buildings is increasing as organisations look for better ways to manage energy, space and workplace operations.

With its expanded Hyderabad facility, Planon aims to combine global technology development with Hyderabad’s growing pool of skilled professionals.

The investment further strengthens Hyderabad’s position as a hub for technology innovation and could contribute to the city’s expanding smart building and digital transformation ecosystem.

Hyderabad GCCs Emerging as Global Strategic Hubs, Says Sridhar Babu

Hyderabad, 2026 – India’s Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are undergoing a major transformation. Once focused mainly on back-office support and routine IT services, these centres are now becoming strategic hubs for research, technology, intellectual property (IP), and global decision-making.

Speaking at the RISE Health Innovation Summit 2026, Telangana IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu highlighted this shift and said Hyderabad is well positioned to lead the next phase of GCC growth.

GCCs Move from Support to Strategy

The role of GCCs has changed significantly in recent years. Many centres are now responsible for critical functions such as product development, research, technology, and business strategy.

Minister Sridhar Babu highlighted the scale of this transformation:

  • More than 1,800 GCCs are currently operating in India.
  • These centres employ over 1.9 million professionals.
  • Around 44% of GCCs have become “portfolio hubs”, with end-to-end responsibility for important business functions.

This shift is increasing the strategic importance of India within the global operations of multinational companies.

Why Hyderabad Is Emerging as a GCC Hub

Hyderabad has several advantages that support the growth of strategic GCCs. Its strengths span life sciences, healthcare, engineering, technology, and digital services.

1. Strong Life Sciences and Healthcare Ecosystem

Hyderabad has a well-established life sciences and healthcare ecosystem, with more than 2,000 enterprises and over 250 USFDA-approved manufacturing sites.

This strong industrial base provides global healthcare and pharmaceutical companies with access to specialised talent, infrastructure, and domain expertise.

2. Deep Engineering and Digital Talent

Hyderabad has developed into a major technology and engineering centre. The city has a large talent pool across software, engineering, data, artificial intelligence, research, and digital technologies.

This gives multinational companies access to professionals who can support complex R&D and digital transformation projects.

3. Government Support and Infrastructure

Telangana has also focused on creating an environment that supports technology, life sciences, and investment.

Infrastructure projects, technology corridors, life sciences initiatives, and business-friendly policies are helping strengthen Hyderabad’s position as a destination for global companies.

Minister Highlights Hyderabad’s Strategic Advantage

Speaking to leaders from the healthcare, life sciences, technology, and R&D sectors, Minister D. Sridhar Babu highlighted the changing role of GCCs.

“India’s global capability centres are moving from support roles to being strategic hubs for research, technology, intellectual property, and global decision-making.”

He also highlighted Hyderabad’s combination of life sciences expertise and engineering and digital talent as a key advantage for the city.

Impact on Hyderabad’s Economy

The growth of strategic GCCs could have a broader impact on Hyderabad’s economy and workforce.

High-Value Employment

As GCCs take on more R&D, technology, and IP-related responsibilities, demand is increasing for specialised professionals. This can create more high-value employment opportunities across technology, engineering, healthcare, and research.

Stronger Innovation Ecosystem

Global R&D centres can also create opportunities for collaboration with startups, universities, research institutions, and MSMEs.

Such connections can support knowledge sharing, technology development, and new business opportunities.

Long-Term Investment

Moving GCC operations beyond routine support functions can encourage companies to establish deeper and longer-term operations in Hyderabad.

This could strengthen the city’s position as a global destination for technology, research, and innovation.

Hyderabad’s Next Phase of Growth

Global companies are increasingly distributing their research and innovation activities across international locations. Hyderabad is positioned to benefit from this trend because of its combination of life sciences expertise, engineering talent, digital capabilities, and supporting infrastructure.

The evolution of GCCs is therefore creating new opportunities for the city. Hyderabad is moving beyond its traditional identity as a technology and IT-services centre and increasingly positioning itself as a global strategic innovation hub.

Acumatica Opens New Global Capability Center in Hyderabad, Gearing Up for Major Hiring Push

Hyderabad’s reputation as a premier global technology hub continues to grow, with cloud-based ERP solutions provider Acumatica officially announcing the launch of its new Global Capability Center (GCC) in the city. The strategic move is designed to accelerate product innovation and serve as the core of the company’s growth engine in India.

Fueling Innovation and Regional Growth

Acumatica, a leading provider of cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions for small and mid-sized businesses, has established the Hyderabad center to tap into the region’s world-class engineering talent.

The new GCC has kicked off operations with an initial team of 30 employees, but this is just the beginning. The company has announced aggressive plans to ramp up hiring in the coming months. While the initial focus is squarely on engineering and product development, Acumatica intends to expand the center’s scope into additional disciplines over time, supporting its continued regional and global growth.

A Strategic Global Footprint

The Hyderabad GCC is a significant addition to Acumatica’s expanding international footprint. It joins the company’s existing, well-established operations across the United States, Canada, Serbia, and Sri Lanka. By decentralizing its innovation hubs, Acumatica is positioning itself to deliver faster, more robust, and globally informed software solutions to its SMB clientele.

To ensure a seamless and scalable setup, Acumatica established the Hyderabad center in strategic partnership with ANSR and Summit Consulting Services, leveraging their deep expertise in building and managing high-performance global capability centers in India.

Leadership Perspective

Highlighting the strategic importance of this new facility, Miten Mehta, Chief Engineering Officer at Acumatica, noted that the Hyderabad GCC will act as the “core of the company’s growth engine in India.” This underscores the company’s long-term commitment to the region, viewing it not just as an outsourcing destination, but as a vital center for core product innovation and engineering excellence.

Why Hyderabad?

Hyderabad has consistently proven to be a magnet for global tech giants establishing GCCs. With its rich talent pool of software engineers, robust IT infrastructure, and a highly supportive state government ecosystem, the city offers the perfect environment for companies like Acumatica to scale their R&D and engineering operations efficiently.

Looking Ahead

As Acumatica ramps up its hiring and broadens the functional scope of its Hyderabad team, the new GCC is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of cloud ERP technologies. For tech professionals in Hyderabad, this expansion represents an exciting wave of new, high-value career opportunities in a company that is actively redefining business management software for the modern era.

Microsoft Launches New Cloud Region in Hyderabad to Power India’s AI Economy

In a monumental step for India’s digital infrastructure, Microsoft has officially announced the launch of its India South Central cloud region in Hyderabad, Telangana. This strategic expansion is designed to supercharge the nation’s artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, accelerate enterprise digital transformation, and solidify Microsoft’s position as the leader in hyperscale cloud computing in India.

Unmatched Scale and Local Compliance

With the activation of the Hyderabad facility, Microsoft now operates four cloud regions in India, giving it the largest hyperscale cloud footprint in the country.

The new India South Central region is purpose-built to support demanding AI applications, mission-critical systems, and scalable digital services. It features three Availability Zones, meticulously designed to meet India’s stringent data residency, regulatory, and infrastructure requirements. This ensures that businesses can process data locally with ultra-low latency, enhanced security, and uncompromising reliability.

From AI Experimentation to Durable Business Value

As industries ranging from financial services to manufacturing rapidly integrate AI into their core operations, the need for robust, localized infrastructure has never been more critical.

Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India and South Asia, highlighted the strategic value of this launch: “Whether it is a Frontier Firm already running AI at scale or an enterprise taking its first steps, the question we hear most often is: how do we move faster from experimenting with AI to creating durable business value with AI? This new region provides secure infrastructure closer to businesses and data sources, strengthening our commitment to India’s cloud and AI growth.”

The market has already responded with overwhelming enthusiasm. Microsoft reports strong early adoption and interest from major Indian enterprises, including the Adani Group, Bajaj Finserv, HDFC Bank, and PB Pay, all of whom are leveraging the new region to scale their next-generation workloads.

Sustainability Meets Innovation

Microsoft’s commitment to the environment is deeply embedded in the design of the new Hyderabad facility. The data center incorporates advanced, state-of-the-art infrastructure features, including mechanical cooling systems engineered for zero water consumption. This aligns perfectly with Microsoft’s global pledge to be water-positive by 2030, proving that massive technological expansion and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

Empowering the Future Workforce

Infrastructure is only half the equation; talent is the other. Recognizing the need to build a future-ready workforce, Microsoft has reiterated its ambitious commitment to train 20 million Indians in AI skills by 2030. By coupling world-class cloud infrastructure with massive upskilling initiatives, Microsoft is ensuring that India is not just a consumer of AI, but a global creator and innovator.

Looking Ahead

The launch of the Hyderabad cloud region is more than just a new data center; it is a catalyst for the next phase of India’s technological renaissance. With double-digit Azure growth already recorded over the past two years, this new facility is poised to unlock unprecedented momentum for startups, enterprises, and developers across the subcontinent.

For Hyderabad, already renowned as “Cyberabad,” this investment reinforces its status as a premier global hub for technology, innovation, and the future of AI.

From Labs to Startups: How Indian Universities Are Bridging Theory with Practical Skills & Adaptability

Education is no longer just about degrees—it’s about readiness.

Across India, a quiet revolution is transforming campuses from traditional lecture halls into innovation ecosystems where theory meets practice, research fuels entrepreneurship, and students graduate not just with certificates, but with real-world adaptability.

From IITs and NITs to state universities and private institutions, Indian higher education is embracing a powerful new mandate: prepare students not just for jobs, but for impact.

🔑 The Shift: Why Practical Skills Matter Now More Than Ever

The global economy is evolving at breakneck speed. Automation, AI, climate tech, and digital transformation are reshaping industries—and the skills required to thrive in them.

Traditional education models, focused heavily on rote learning and theoretical exams, are struggling to keep pace.

That’s why forward-thinking Indian universities are now prioritizing: ✅ Hands-on learning through labs, projects, and industry collaborations
✅ Entrepreneurial mindset via incubation centers and startup mentorship
✅ Adaptability & critical thinking through interdisciplinary curricula
✅ Industry-ready competencies via internships, certifications, and capstone projects

💡 The Goal: Produce graduates who can solve problems, not just pass exams.

🌟 How Universities Are Making It Happen: 5 Key Strategies

1️⃣ Integrated Incubation & Innovation Hubs

Leading institutions are embedding startup support directly into campus life:

  • IIT Madras: Home to over 300+ startups via its Incubation Cell
  • BITS Pilani: Technology Business Incubator nurturing deep-tech ventures
  • IIIT Hyderabad: T-Hub partnerships connecting students to Hyderabad’s startup ecosystem
  • University of Hyderabad: Social innovation labs driving community-impact ventures

These hubs offer: 🔹 Seed funding access
🔹 Mentorship from industry veterans
🔹 Prototyping labs and co-working spaces
🔹 IP guidance and legal support

2️⃣ Curriculum Redesign: Learning by Doing

Under the **National Education Policy **(NEP 2020), universities are overhauling syllabi to include:

  • Credit-based internships: Mandatory industry exposure for degree completion
  • Project-based learning: Real client briefs replacing hypothetical assignments
  • Micro-credentials: Stackable certifications in AI, data science, design thinking, etc.
  • Interdisciplinary electives: Engineering students taking business courses; humanities students learning coding

🎯 Outcome: Graduates who can collaborate across domains and adapt to evolving role requirements.

3️⃣ Industry-Academia Partnerships That Deliver

Universities are moving beyond MoUs to co-created value:

  • Live industry projects: Companies sponsor student teams to solve actual business challenges
  • Adjunct faculty from industry: Practitioners teaching cutting-edge tools and workflows
  • Joint R&D labs: Collaborative research with commercialization pathways
  • Placement-plus programs: Training aligned with specific employer skill maps

Example: VIT Vellore’s “Grand Challenge” program partners with TCS, Infosys, and startups to give students end-to-end product development experience.

4️⃣ Skill Labs & Makerspaces: Where Ideas Become Prototypes

Campuses are investing in physical infrastructure that enables experimentation:

  • AI/ML labs with GPU clusters for student research
  • IoT & robotics workshops with 3D printers, sensors, and microcontrollers
  • Design thinking studios for user-centered problem solving
  • Media labs for content creation, UX/UI, and digital storytelling

These spaces democratize innovation—any student, regardless of branch, can prototype an idea.

5️⃣ Soft Skills & Adaptability: The Hidden Curriculum

Technical prowess alone isn’t enough. Universities are now intentionally cultivating:

  • Communication & storytelling: Pitching ideas, writing proposals, presenting research
  • Emotional intelligence: Team dynamics, conflict resolution, leadership
  • Resilience & growth mindset: Learning from failure, iterating quickly
  • Ethical reasoning: Responsible innovation, sustainability, social impact

🌱 Why it matters: In a volatile job market, adaptability is the ultimate career insurance.

📊 Impact by the Numbers

MetricTrend
University Incubators1,000+ across India (up from ~200 in 2015)
Student Startups Funded₹500+ Cr via government & private schemes (2024–25)
Industry-Linked Courses70% of engineering programs now include mandatory internships
NEP Implementation85% of central universities have begun curriculum restructuring
Placement DiversityRising hires in product, consulting, and founder roles—not just IT services

🎯 Success Stories: Students Who Leaped from Lab to Launch

🔹 Abyom SpaceTech (BITS Pilani Hyderabad): Student team building reusable rocket engines
🔹 Apollyon Dynamics (BITS Hyderabad): 21-year-old founders developing defense UAVs for Indian Army
🔹 Niramai (IIT Madras spin-off): AI-powered breast cancer screening startup founded by researchers
🔹 AgNext (Punjab Agricultural University): Agri-tech startup using spectroscopy for food quality

These aren’t exceptions—they’re emerging patterns.

🚧 Challenges on the Path Forward

Progress isn’t uniform. Key hurdles remain: ⚠️ Faculty readiness: Not all educators are trained in experiential pedagogy
⚠️ Infrastructure gaps: Tier-2/3 colleges lack labs, funding, and industry access
⚠️ Assessment reform: Evaluating creativity and collaboration is harder than grading exams
⚠️ Equity concerns: Ensuring rural and first-generation students benefit equally

Addressing these requires sustained investment, policy support, and cultural change.

💡 What Students & Parents Can Do Today

✅ Choose institutions with active incubation cells and industry partnerships
✅ Seek project-based courses and credit-bearing internships
✅ Build a T-shaped profile: Deep expertise + broad adaptability
✅ Embrace failure as learning: Join hackathons, pitch competitions, prototype challenges
✅ Network intentionally: Connect with alumni, mentors, and industry guests on campus

🌍 The Bigger Vision: Education for an Uncertain Future

The ultimate goal isn’t just employability—it’s empowerment.

By integrating practical skills and adaptability into higher education, Indian universities are preparing a generation that can: 🔹 Navigate ambiguity with confidence
🔹 Create value in any context
🔹 Lead with purpose in a complex world

🚀 “We’re not just teaching students to find jobs. We’re preparing them to shape the future.”

✨ Join the Movement

Whether you’re a student, educator, parent, or industry leader, you have a role to play: 🔹 Students: Seek out experiential opportunities—don’t wait for them to come to you
🔹 Educators: Champion pedagogy that values doing over memorizing
🔹 Employers: Partner with universities to co-create talent pipelines
🔹 Policymakers: Fund infrastructure and incentives for skill-integrated education

The future of work is being built in today’s classrooms. Let’s ensure it’s built on skills, adaptability, and impact.

Human Talent Key Even as AI Advances, Says Google CEO Sundar Pichai

Even as artificial intelligence continues to evolve rapidly, Google CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized that human talent remains central to innovation. Speaking at the Bloomberg Technology Conference in San Francisco, Pichai said Alphabet, Google’s parent company, will continue to expand its engineering workforce at least into 2026.

“We expect to grow from our current engineering base even into next year,” said Pichai. “It allows us to do more with the opportunity space. I just view this as making engineers dramatically more productive—getting a lot of the mundane aspects out of what they do.”

While U.S. tech giants like Microsoft have trimmed staff this year to offset the enormous investments required to lead in AI, Pichai stressed that Google remains committed to hiring. Google itself has undergone rounds of layoffs in recent years to redirect resources toward key growth areas, particularly AI.

Still, Pichai struck a balanced tone—optimistic about AI’s potential, yet realistic about its current limitations.

“While AI excels in areas like coding, the models continue to make basic mistakes,” he noted. “So are we on an absolute path to AGI [artificial general intelligence]? I don’t think anyone can say for sure.”

AGI refers to the long-term goal of building AI systems that match or exceed human performance across a wide range of tasks. Pichai acknowledged the ambition but cautioned against overconfidence.

Meanwhile, as Google incorporates more AI-generated content into its search results, some publishers have raised concerns that AI answers might reduce web traffic to their sites. Pichai responded by reaffirming Google’s commitment to maintaining a healthy ecosystem for content creators.

“Compared to most companies in the world, we take care to design an experience that showcases links,” he said. “We took a long time testing AI overviews and prioritized approaches that drive high-quality traffic out. I’m confident that many years from now, that’s how Google will continue to operate.”

Telangana Aims to Train 2 Lakh AI Engineers, Says Minister Sridhar Babu

Hyderabad: In a bold push toward becoming a tech-forward state, the Telangana government has announced plans to train two lakh Artificial Intelligence (AI) engineers, according to State IT and Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu.

The announcement came during a courtesy visit by a Singaporean delegation led by Consul General Edgar Pang to the Minister at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Secretariat on Monday. Highlighting Telangana’s vision for the future, Sridhar Babu outlined several key initiatives aimed at making the state a hub for cutting-edge technologies.

Central to this vision is the development of a ‘Future City’ designed to meet global standards, which will also house an AI University. The Minister revealed that multiple international organizations have shown keen interest in collaborating on the Future City project.

“Hyderabad is rapidly emerging as a key center for Global Capability Centers (GCCs),” he noted, pointing out that in the past year alone, around 70 GCCs in sectors like IT and hospitality have set up operations in the city.

In addition to boosting the tech ecosystem, the Minister stressed the government’s focus on balanced industrial development. He shared that efforts are underway to promote industrial growth beyond Hyderabad, with cities like Warangal and Karimnagar identified as promising hubs.

Calling for stronger international cooperation, Sridhar Babu encouraged the visiting delegation to help spread awareness among industrialists about the investment potential in Telangana. He reaffirmed the state’s readiness to collaborate with the Singapore government in areas such as technology, skill development, and more.

The Singapore delegation included Consul Vaishnavi Vasudevan, First Secretary (Economic) Vivek Raghu Raman, and Denis Tam, Regional Director (India – South) of Enterprise Singapore.