A New Hub to Accelerate AI Innovation in India
Global technology giant IBM has launched the Sangam Infrastructure Innovation Centre in Bengaluru, marking a significant step toward strengthening India’s role in the global artificial intelligence ecosystem. Announced on March 5, 2026, the centre is located within the company’s new India Systems Development Lab (ISDL) campus and is the first facility of its kind established by IBM in the country.
The centre is designed to bring together engineers, enterprises, startups and global technology partners to co-develop next-generation AI infrastructure solutions. By combining hybrid cloud technologies, advanced computing hardware and AI development tools, IBM aims to enable scalable and secure AI deployment for enterprises operating in India and global markets.
Building the Backbone of Enterprise AI
The Sangam Infrastructure Innovation Centre seeks to address one of the most critical aspects of artificial intelligence adoption—robust infrastructure. AI systems require immense computing power, reliable data architectures and strong governance frameworks to operate effectively.
At the new facility, IBM’s systems architects and infrastructure experts will collaborate with Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), Global System Integrators (GSIs), Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and industry partners. The objective is to build enterprise-grade AI platforms that can handle large datasets, complex algorithms and real-time decision-making.
According to IBM India and South Asia Managing Director Sandip Patel, India is at a crucial turning point in its AI journey. He emphasised that the scale and success of AI innovation will depend heavily on the strength of the underlying infrastructure that supports it.
Leadership Perspectives on AI Infrastructure
Industry leaders within IBM have stressed that AI is only as powerful as the infrastructure that powers it. Subhathra Srinivasa Raghavan, Vice President of the India Systems Development Lab, highlighted that reliable infrastructure enables mission-critical performance, strong cybersecurity and effective governance for AI-driven systems.
The Sangam centre will focus on enabling enterprises to modernize their IT environments and accelerate responsible AI adoption. It will also support organizations experimenting with generative AI technologies across sectors such as banking, healthcare, manufacturing and telecommunications.
Rising AI Investment in India
A recent report by the IBM Institute for Business Value underscores the rapid growth of AI investments among Indian companies.
Key findings from the study include:
· 58% of Indian organizations have increased infrastructure spending to support AI initiatives.
· AI-related budgets are projected to grow by 19%.
· 43% of companies have established or are planning to build AI Centres of Excellence.
The report also highlights that companies adopting hybrid infrastructure models are achieving 2.5 times faster AI adoption, reflecting the importance of flexible and scalable technology environments.
Strategic Importance for India’s Tech Ecosystem
India’s expanding digital economy makes it a natural destination for AI infrastructure investments. The country hosts more than 1,000 Global Capability Centres and a thriving IT industry valued at over $250 billion.
The new centre is expected to strengthen Bengaluru’s reputation as India’s technology capital while generating more than 500 high-skill jobs in AI engineering and cloud computing. It also complements government initiatives such as the national AI Mission and production-linked incentives aimed at boosting semiconductor and advanced technology manufacturing.
Beyond domestic impact, IBM intends to use the centre as a base to develop AI solutions for global enterprises, further integrating India into international technology supply chains.
A Step Toward India’s AI Leadership
The launch of the Sangam Infrastructure Innovation Centre signals growing confidence in India’s potential to become a global hub for AI engineering and digital innovation. By focusing on the foundational layer of AI—its infrastructure—IBM aims to help enterprises scale AI responsibly and efficiently.
If successful, the initiative could accelerate India’s transformation into a leading exporter of AI-driven solutions while strengthening the country’s position in the rapidly evolving global technology landscape.
(With agency inputs)
