Cognizant Leads Major IT Investment Wave in Andhra Pradesh with 8 Other Tech Companies Creating 40,000 Jobs

Hyderabad:

Andhra Pradesh's IT ecosystem received a significant boost as global technology leader Cognizant conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for its permanent campus in Visakhapatnam (Vizag) today, marking a pivotal moment in the city's development as a major technology hub.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and IT Minister Nara Lokesh attended the event, which coincided with foundation stone laying ceremonies for eight other major IT companies and the inauguration of Cognizant's interim operational facility.

The official launch of the Cognizant project took place at the expansive 22-acre Kapuluppada IT Hills site.

The Andhra Pradesh government had allocated 21.31 acres to Cognizant for its IT campus at a symbolic lease rate of Re 1. Nara Lokesh subsequently extended his 99 paisa offer to other major IT corporations, demonstrating the state's commitment to becoming a premier destination for technological innovation.

In April, the state granted 21.16 acres to TCS at 99 paisa, with TCS pledging an investment of Rs 1,370 crore and the creation of 12,000 jobs.

Cognizant's permanent campus will be developed in three phases with a total investment of Rs 1,583 crore. Upon completion in 2033, the project is expected to generate 8,000 direct employment opportunities. The initial phase, scheduled for completion by early 2029, will accommodate 3,000 associates.

Cognizant also inaugurated an interim 1,000-seat TechFin Centre at the Mahati FinTech building in Rushikonda, which has immediately commenced operations focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Digital Engineering.

Further strengthening the state's strategy to attract diverse technology investments, foundation stones were laid for eight additional IT companies.

Collectively, these nine companies including Cognizant are projected to invest approximately Rs 3,740 crore and create over 40,000 jobs.

The companies conducting groundbreaking ceremonies across Madhurawada and Kapuluppada include Sattva Group (developing Satva Vantage Vizag Campus), Imaginnovate Techsolutions, Fluentgrid Limited, Motherson Technology Services Limited, Quarks Technosoft Pvt. Ltd, ACN HealthCare RCM Services, Sree Tech Tammina (AI Technology Center), and Nonrel Technologies.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu described the multiple groundbreaking ceremonies as a "defining step" in transforming Andhra Pradesh into a world-class destination for global enterprises.

Minister Nara Lokesh stated, "We are proud to welcome Cognizant to Visakhapatnam. This expansion, along with commitments from eight other technology leaders, will create new opportunities for our youth and further establish the city as the financial and tech capital of the state."

Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S emphasized that the project demonstrates the company's confidence in the region's talent and future potential, particularly as Vizag emerges as a strategic location for their advanced technology delivery focus.

These investments are viewed as a major catalyst for infrastructure development and job growth, signaling an accelerated new phase for Visakhapatnam's IT sector.