HCLTech and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly convert cutting-edge research into real-world pilots and scalable solutions for Global Capability Centers (GCCs).
The partnership focuses on enabling research-led innovation for GCCs, particularly in advanced engineering and deep tech areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics and next-generation technologies.
Converting Research into Enterprise Solutions
The collaboration combines HCLTech’s comprehensive GCC solutions with IIT Kanpur’s research strength and startup ecosystem. The objective is to help GCCs accelerate complex research initiatives, access niche skills without building internal laboratories and reduce time-to-market.
The initiative is designed to go beyond traditional talent and services models by embedding research-driven innovation into GCC operations.
Leadership Perspectives
Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, stated that the institute has strong expertise and ongoing translational R&D in AI and intelligent systems, robotics, cybersecurity and other next-generation technologies. He noted that the partnership provides researchers direct access to real-world challenges faced by global GCCs, along with research funding and industry mentorship. He added that the MoU serves as a bridge between academic research and enterprises to co-develop innovative technologies with measurable impact.
Kiran Cherukuri, EVP and Global GCC Practice Head at HCLTech, said that the next era of GCC growth will be shaped by how effectively they leverage world-class research and deep tech ecosystems. He emphasized that the MoU positions HCLTech as a catalyst bringing together GCCs, academia, research and the startup ecosystem to help enterprises move from frontier research to pilots and enterprise-ready solutions at speed and scale.
Launch at GCC 4.0 Summit
The collaboration was launched at the “GCC 4.0: Co-Creating India’s Innovation Powerhouse” summit in Hyderabad. The event brought together more than 250 leaders from India-based and global GCCs, IIT Kanpur, startups and the broader technology ecosystem.
About HCLTech
HCLTech is a global technology company with more than 226,300 employees across 60 countries. The company delivers capabilities centered around AI, digital, engineering, cloud and software services, serving clients across major industry verticals. Consolidated revenues for the 12 months ending December 2025 totaled $14.5 billion.
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