Infosys opens AI and space tech centre in Hubballi

Infosys has opened a new Centre for Advanced AI, Cybersecurity, and Space Technology in Hubballi, Karnataka, as part of its ongoing infrastructure expansion in tier-2 cities. The development comes under the company’s Infosys Living Labs initiative and marks a significant increase in its local operations, with the Hubballi headcount now crossing 1,000 employees, according to official statements.

The new centre is positioned to focus on research and development in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and space technology, while also facilitating industry–academia collaboration. Infosys has signed partnership agreements with regional institutions such as IIIT Dharwad and KLE Technological University, aiming to engage local talent and foster skill development in emerging technologies.

Focus on next-generation technologies

According to Infosys, the centre will function as part of its global network of innovation labs, working on applied AI research and enterprise-grade cybersecurity systems. The inclusion of space tech as a focus area reflects a broader trend among Indian IT companies diversifying into deep-tech sectors aligned with national strategic interests.

The new facility is designed to support client-facing projects as well as internal research. Infosys representatives stated that it would house teams working on AI model training, autonomous systems, quantum-resilient security solutions, and aerospace analytics. However, specific project details have not been disclosed.

Regional talent development

The Hubballi expansion is part of Infosys’ broader strategy to strengthen its footprint in tier-2 cities, with the goal of improving talent access while reducing dependence on metropolitan centres. The company has indicated that the new centre will contribute to regional employment and capacity building in northern Karnataka.

Through its partnerships with IIIT Dharwad and KLE Technological University, Infosys plans to co-develop curricula and offer hands-on training opportunities for students in AI and related domains. These efforts are expected to address both immediate workforce requirements and long-term innovation goals.

The move also aligns with Karnataka’s ongoing efforts to decentralise its technology ecosystem by encouraging IT investments outside Bengaluru. State officials have welcomed the opening of the new centre as a step towards balanced regional development.

Company-wide initiatives and decentralisation

Infosys has been expanding its operations across multiple tier-2 and tier-3 cities in recent years, including centres in Indore, Nagpur, and Mohali. The Hubballi facility is part of this decentralisation effort, aimed at both cost efficiency and resilience.

The company has not provided details regarding total investment in the Hubballi facility but has confirmed that it forms part of its long-term infrastructure roadmap in India. Recruitment at the centre is expected to continue over the coming months, although no hiring targets were shared at the time of announcement.