Kerala is stepping up its ambitions to become one of India’s leading destinations for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), with an ambitious roadmap aimed at attracting multinational companies, creating high-value employment, and strengthening the state’s technology ecosystem.
At the Kerala GCC Outlook 2026 conclave held at Technopark, the state government unveiled its GCC Vision 2030 strategy, outlining plans to significantly expand the presence of Global Capability Centres across Kerala. The initiative is designed to position the state as a preferred location for global enterprises looking to establish technology, engineering, finance, and innovation hubs.
According to the roadmap, Kerala aims to increase the number of GCCs operating in the state from over 40 today to around 120 by 2030. Alongside this expansion, employment in the sector is expected to grow from approximately 40,000 professionals to nearly 2 lakh high-skilled jobs.
One of Kerala’s biggest competitive advantages is its skilled workforce. The state produces more than 75,000 STEM graduates every year and has a strong talent base in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and engineering services. High literacy levels and a steady pipeline of qualified professionals continue to strengthen Kerala’s appeal for global companies.
The report also highlights Kerala’s cost advantage compared to major technology hubs such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Companies setting up operations in Kerala could potentially reduce office and employee-related costs by 25–30%. Another significant advantage is the state’s relatively low employee attrition rate, making it an attractive destination for long-term business operations.
As part of the long-term strategy, Kerala plans to develop specialised regional clusters. Thiruvananthapuram will focus on deep technology and engineering, Kochi will strengthen its position in fintech and global business operations, while Kozhikode is expected to emerge as a hub for product development and Centres of Excellence (CoEs).
The government is also introducing several investor-friendly measures to accelerate GCC investments. These include a single-window approval system targeted to clear proposals within 30 days, SGST reimbursement of up to ₹10 crore, 100% stamp duty exemption, and six months of rent-free space in IT parks for eligible companies.
Another notable initiative is the proposed “Return-to-Kerala” programme, which aims to encourage experienced Malayali professionals working in other Indian cities and abroad to return and build their careers within the state’s growing technology sector.
With a combination of skilled talent, competitive operating costs, supportive government policies, and expanding digital infrastructure, Kerala is positioning itself as a strong alternative for multinational corporations looking to establish their next Global Capability Centre in India.
