IBM is intensifying its software development footprint across India by launching new labs in Tier-II cities such as Lucknow, Pune, and Kochi, with a strong focus on generative AI (GenAI), automation, cybersecurity, and sustainability.
The move is part of the tech giant’s strategy to decentralise innovation while harnessing the untapped potential of local talent and academic partnerships. The upcoming Lucknow facility, which will be the seventh IBM India Software Lab (ISL), will specialise in GenAI and agentic AI technologies using both large and small language models (LLMs and SLMs). According to IBM, the lab will drive product design, engineering, and deployment aimed at solving real-world business challenges in India and globally. Currently, IBM Software Labs operate in Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai. These centres collectively contribute to IBM’s global product portfolio across automation, data integration, security and sustainable tech solutions. The new labs mark IBM’s push into non-metro areas where it aims to scale open and secure software architecture for enterprise clients.
Vishal Chahal, Vice President of IBM India Software Labs, said the expansion was driven by “the availability of skilled talent, strong infrastructure, and active academic communities.” He added that roles at the Lucknow lab will include software engineers, developers, testers, and UX designers. “India Software Labs is the only IBM lab globally that develops solutions across platforms in an integrated manner,” he said. IBM’s Kochi centre has already established itself as a GenAI hub, with a state-of-the-art Innovation Centre that facilitates collaboration between clients, partners, and academic stakeholders. The Kochi lab also showcases live demos of AI tools, serving as a destination for industry analysts and innovation tours. To maintain its edge in emerging technologies, IBM promotes a strong learning culture among employees. Chahal noted that staff are encouraged to join hackathons, contribute to open-source communities, and mentor new talent. The company is also working closely with educational institutions, government bodies, and tech ecosystems to strengthen skilling pipelines and ensure workforce readiness.
With India offering one of the largest pools of AI talent globally, IBM believes continuous reskilling is essential. “Organisations must prioritise upskilling to fully unlock the power of emerging tools,” Chahal stressed. The strategic expansion into Tier-II cities reinforces IBM’s long-term commitment to decentralised software development and inclusive technology growth across India.
