From cultural cradle to global innovation hub

HYDERABAD, once known as a cradle of culture and history, is now rapidly transforming into a dynamic nerve centre for Global Capability Centres (GCCs).

- AJAY TOMAR @ Hyderabad

With over 355 GCCs employing more than 3 lakh professionals, the city accounts for nearly 15% of India's 2,000+ GCC ecosystem.

Over the past year, marquee names like Eli Lilly, Marriott International and Evernorth have either established or announced new GCCs, a sign of Hyderabad's rising prominence as a global innovation and technology hub.

GCCs, offshore units set up by MNCs to handle functions ranging from IT and R&D to finance and customer operations, are no longer mere support arms. They have evolved into strategic innovation hubs, driven by Hyderabad's talent pool, technological advancements, and collaborative ecosystems.

GCCs are India-based extensions of global firms, handling technology, business operations and other back-office functions exclusively for their parent company. Unlike BPOs and call centres, which are typically third-party vendors serving multiple clients, GCCs are owned and operated by the parent company and dedicated to its needs.

The GCC boom has spawned a thriving support ecosystem led by three key players: consulting firms, outsourcing partners and new-age enablers offering end-to-end solutions.