NTT DATA plans to support more than 50 global companies through its India-focused GCC Innovation Acceleration Program as demand for AI-driven offshore hubs rises.
TOKYO/MUMBAI — NTT DATA has launched a new India-focused programme aimed at helping multinational companies establish and expand Global Capability Centers (GCCs) and innovation hubs, underscoring the growing strategic role of India in global technology and AI operations.
The company said its GCC Innovation Acceleration Program, launched in October 2025, is expected to support more than 50 companies over the next three years. The initiative will focus on helping enterprises build and scale offshore innovation centers in India, covering areas such as governance design, talent development, process optimisation and AI-led transformation.
India’s GCC ecosystem has become a key growth area for multinational corporations seeking engineering talent, digital capabilities and operational scale. According to an NTT DATA report cited by the company, the sector is projected to grow nearly 70% to reach $110 billion by 2030, up from $65 billion currently. The report also estimates India could host more than 2,500 GCCs employing nearly 4.5 million professionals by the end of the decade.
The programme will support companies deploying technologies including agentic AI, generative AI, high performance computing, digital twin systems, robotics and blockchain. NTT DATA said it would also use its global network of innovation centres to help enterprises move projects from proof-of-concept stages to commercial deployment.
“While GCCs in India are becoming global innovation engines, enterprise-scale AI adoption is still in its early days. Fewer than 20% of GCCs use AI as a core capability today,” said Avinash Joshi. “NTT DATA brings the expertise, platforms and global innovation ecosystem needed to help organizations rapidly scale AI and unlock tangible business value.”
The announcement comes as global companies increasingly shift high-value technology, research and product development work to India, moving beyond traditional back-office outsourcing models. AI adoption and digital engineering are becoming central to the next phase of GCC expansion, particularly in sectors such as consumer goods, automotive and industrial manufacturing.
NTT DATA said it has already supported several innovation-led initiatives in India. These include work with Unilever’s GCC hub in Bengaluru, where the company helped develop a global innovation strategy and supported the use of advanced R&D technologies.
“We are pleased to collaborate with the NTT DATA India Innovation Center to deliver transformative solutions that empower our Global R&D teams,” said Amit Tawani. “This partnership allows us to harness advanced technologies, streamline innovation processes and deliver future-fit solutions for Unilever globally.”
The company is also working with DENSO INTERNATIONAL INDIA PVT. LTD. on digital platform development related to mobility circular economy and integrated manufacturing initiatives. It added that it is collaborating with a leading global automotive company on digital twin technologies and manufacturing process improvements.
Hiroshi Furukawa said GCCs are becoming increasingly important to the competitiveness of multinational companies. “Through the GCC Innovation Acceleration Program, NTT DATA will utilize the strength of its global workforce of over 190,000, along with its broad technology portfolio, to advance co-creation R&D with a diverse range of clients and accelerate the creation of new value,” he said.
India has emerged as one of the world’s largest GCC markets, attracting investments from global technology, banking, automotive and manufacturing companies seeking access to engineering talent, AI capabilities and lower-cost innovation infrastructure. Analysts expect AI-led GCC expansion to remain a major driver of technology hiring and digital investment across Indian cities including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Chennai.
Key Takeaways
• NTT DATA launched an India-focused GCC Innovation Acceleration Program in October 2025
• The company plans to support more than 50 multinational firms over the next three years
• India’s GCC market is projected to grow to $110 billion by 2030
• The initiative will focus heavily on AI, digital twin technology, robotics and advanced R&D
• NTT DATA is already working with companies including Unilever and DENSO INTERNATIONAL INDIA PVT. LTD. in India
Source: NTT DATA