Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh’s efforts to position itself as a destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are beginning to show results, with multinational companies expanding their presence in the state and cities beyond Noida emerging on the radar of global firms.Traditionally known for its manufacturing base, Uttar Pradesh is now seeking a share of India’s fast-growing GCC market, which currently hosts more than 1,700 centres and is projected to cross 2,400 by 2030.“For investors, Uttar Pradesh is India’s next GCC bet: a dedicated GCC policy with unmatched incentives, ready-to-use infrastructure, single-window clearances and a skilled talent pool — turning GCC vision into faster establishment, higher scale and long-term enterprise value,” said head, GCC Cell, Invest UP, Arvind Kumar.Industry observers said that Noida and Greater Noida continue to be the state’s GCC anchor, attracting companies such as Microsoft, Adobe, Barclays, Optum, Fiserv, EXL and LG Electronics, among others.“Microsoft’s largest research and development facility outside its headquarters is located in the NCR region, while LG has announced a Rs 1,000-crore investment for a GCC focused on artificial intelligence, software and research and development,” Kumar stated.Adding that Lucknow was emerging as the next growth centre in the state’s GCC ecosystem, he said, “The city already hosts firms such as IBM and InMobi, while proposals from other significant players are being expedited. Plans for an AI City and investments in urban infrastructure are expected to strengthen its appeal for technology firms.”Commentators cite Uttar Pradesh’s cost advantage as a major draw. “Office rentals in Noida are estimated to be 30%-65% lower than those in established GCC hubs such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune. Lucknow offers an even lower operating-cost environment, making it an attractive destination for companies looking to establish mid-sized centres and scale operations over time,” they said.Another key advantage is the state’s talent pool. With more than 8,000 higher education institutions, including IIT Kanpur and IIM Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh produces over two lakh STEM graduates annually.Officials said the availability of skilled manpower, coupled with lower costs, enables companies to expand without facing talent shortages that often constrain growth in traditional technology hubs.The state’s GCC Policy 2024 offers capital subsidies, operational expenditure support, land incentives and payroll-linked benefits to companies setting up centres.Upholding these thoughts, Global senior vice-president, chief corporate affairs and public Policy Officer, InMobi Subi Chaturvedi, said: “Locations alone are no longer the lone deciding factors to build GCCs… ecosystems that sustain innovation have become more important. Thus, cities that will lead the next decade of the digital economy, combine talent, infrastructure, policy certainty and entrepreneurial ambition will grow on this count – something which UP is increasingly demonstrating. Our company’s decision to come to Lucknow reflects confidence in UP’s emergence as a deep-tech destination and focus on innovation to create an environment where technology businesses can invest, build and scale.”
