‘Globally, businesses are recognising India’s Tier II cities as prime hubs for deploying cutting-edge AI tech’
Anand Sahay highlighted the potential for Tier II cities in India to become key players in the development of AI solutions. He emphasized the growing importance of these cities in the technology sector. Xebia Global is focusing on leveraging the talent and resources available in these regions to drive innovation in AI. Sahay's insights shed light on the evolving landscape of technology development in India. Xebia Global's strategic approach underscores the opportunities for growth and collaboration in Tier II cities.
Global IT consultancy company Xebia, founded in 2001 in The Netherlands, is taking a differentiated approach to nurturing and growing tech talent in India by focusing on Tier II cities. The IT company, which has a presence in Europe, North America, and Asia, believes Tier II cities in India will provide the much-needed artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. According to Xebia, Jaipur and Bhopal have turned into AI-first transformation hubs for the company.
Xebia's Approach to Tier II Cities
In an interview with Enterprise Story, Anand Sahay, CEO, Xebia, said, “More than 45% of GCC employees in India are working from outside Tier I cities, and Xebia is strategically addressing this opportunity by upskilling young engineers and hiring experienced professionals in AI, automation, and cloud technologies.”
Perception of Tier II Locations
ES: How does Xebia perceive Tier II locations in India as viable options for providing technology services?
AS: India’s Tier II cities are stepping up as the new powerhouses for enterprise AI, automation, and cloud transformation. With the Global Capability Center (GCC) sector on track to hit over $110 billion by 2027, these Tier II regions aren’t just along for the ride—they’re driving the push to weave AI into the fabric of business.
Tapping into Talent from Tier II Locations
ES: How can we effectively tap into the talent from these Tier II locations, considering they might lack exposure to the latest technological advancements?
AS: Xebia is strategically addressing this opportunity by upskilling young engineers and hiring experienced professionals in AI, automation, and cloud technologies. Engineering graduates are enabled to spearhead enterprise-scale AI initiatives right from day one through practical training programs.
Expansion in Tier II Locations
ES: Is Xebia considering expanding its presence in these locations?
AS: Xebia’s focus is on expanding AI execution capacity in Jaipur and Bhopal as AI-first transformation hubs, providing enterprise-class AI, automation, and cloud services to customers globally.
Operating Model for Tier II Locations
ES: Is Xebia planning to adopt a hub-and-spoke model for Tier II locations?
AS: Xebia’s operating model involves Advanced Execution Hubs in Jaipur and Bhopal, fully empowered to design, execute, and independently scale self-sustaining transformational programs, rather than following a hub-and-spoke model.
Hiring Plans in India
ES: What are Xebia’s hiring plans in India?
AS: Xebia plans to recruit 1,000 to 1,500 engineers specializing in AI, automation, and cloud transformation for FY’25-26, focusing on quality over quantity and building serious AI execution muscle for enterprise-scale transformation.
Edited by Megha Reddy