HCL Technologies has signed memoranda of understanding with the Government of Odisha to establish a Global Technology Centre in Bhubaneswar and an AI Data Centre at the Odisha Sovereign AI Park, in a move that will involve a major capital investment. The company said the project will be developed in partnership with AI start-up Sarvam and will support development of sector specific foundation models and applications. The proposed AI Data Centre carries a planned capital outlay of Rs 142.57 billion (bn), including financial assistance from the state government. HCL Technologies said the investment marks its entry into full stack AI infrastructure. The Global Technology Centre is expected to begin operations by 2028 and will house 5000 employees focused on developing and delivering AI led digital solutions for global enterprises. The facility is intended to complement the AI Data Centre by enabling research, development and deployment of sector specific services. The company indicated the centre will also create direct and indirect employment opportunities and will work with educational institutions to develop next generation digital skills. HCL Technologies said the AI Data Centre will leverage the company's full stack AI capabilities together with Sarvam's foundation models to develop sector specific AI applications for public and private sector enterprises. The project was described as aligned with national sovereign AI ambitions and with initiatives under the Digital India programme to provide multilingual AI powered services. The firms expect the centre to enable tailored solutions for sectors such as healthcare, finance and manufacturing without disclosing further financial timelines. The company said the investment forms part of its New Vistas initiative to expand technology jobs closer to talent pools across India. It noted the move will help develop Bhubaneswar into a global innovation and delivery hub within its network of technology campuses. HCL Technologies currently employs more than 170,000 people across campuses and delivery centres in Noida, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, Nagpur, Madurai, Vijayawada and GIFT City. The firm indicated this phase will aim to deepen regional ecosystems while supporting national digital objectives.