In a strategic shift, IBM is actively expanding into Tier-II cities like Pune, Lucknow and Kochi, hiring local talent and working closely with academic institutions and the broader tech ecosystem to scale its software development initiatives in new frontiers of technology. These include GenAI, which can produce new content, data & AI integration for enhanced analytics, automation for increased efficiency, cybersecurity for protecting against threats, and sustainability for environmental responsibility.
Big Blue is opening a software lab in Lucknow soon that will focus on advancing GenAI and agentic AI technologies. This will be the seventh facility for IBM India Software Labs (ISL), one of the largest software development centres for IBM. The facility in Lucknow will focus on developing AI-powered solutions using large language models (LLMs) and small language models (SLMs) to address the evolving needs of businesses in India and globally. It will integrate global best practices in software engineering, design, and development to create transformative solutions.
The expansion into non-metro cities is the latest in IBM’s efforts to drive software development with an open, secure, and decentralised architecture that helps its clients automate, secure, modernise, and forecast. At present, IBM Software Labs operate from Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Pune, Hyderabad and Chennai. These locations play a key role in the development of GenAI, data & AI, automation, cybersecurity and sustainability solutions.
“This expansion is driven by key factors such as the availability of highly skilled talent, robust infrastructure, and vibrant tech communities—particularly academia. Our goal is to harness local expertise and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the IT/ITeS sector in these states while creating a sustainable pipeline of future-ready talent,” Vishal Chahal, VP, IBM India Software Labs told FE. The Lucknow Lab will offer roles including software engineers, application developers, technical testers, UX designers and more, among others.
According to Chahal, IBM India Software Labs serves as a strategic extension of the IBM Software group. Every major product line within the group benefits from ISL’s contributions—spanning design, engineering, development, service and support. The IBM Technology Expert Labs within ISL guides clients in architecting, deploying, and optimising IBM Software solutions.
“India Software Labs is the only IBM lab globally that works across multiple platforms in a integrated manner—developing solutions that address client needs in automation, data & AI, security and sustainability,” said Chahal. “Our strength is our highly skilled talent pool, amongst the youngest of all IBM labs, who have been building products with speed and efficiency using cutting-edge AI tools,” he added.
Similarly, IBM’s Kochi lab is at the forefront of developing GenAI software products and houses IBM’s GenAI Innovation Centre—a state-of-the-art experience centre. “Since its launch, it has welcomed numerous clients, partners, academic institutions, and industry analysts, becoming a hub for collaboration and innovation,” said Chahal.
To strengthen capabilities in next-generation technologies, IBM promotes a culture of continuous learning, encouraging its teams to upskill, participate in hackathons, contribute to open-source projects, and mentor emerging talent both within the organisation and among students. The company has strong collaborations with the academia, government, and industry bodies to scale its skilling efforts.
India has a strong pool of AI talent available at scale, but to fully realise its potential, continuous training and development are essential, Chahal feels. “Organisations must prioritise reskilling and upskilling their workforce to ensure employees can effectively leverage emerging tools and technologies,” he added.