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.