Coimbatore is rapidly gaining recognition as a prominent hub for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in South India, as both domestic and international enterprises increasingly explore the city for establishing or expanding their strategic operations.
A recent joint report by CBRE South Asia Private Limited and a leading Indian industry association titled “Coimbatore: The Next Frontier for GCCs” underscores the city’s accelerating momentum in the knowledge and technology services sector. The report cites Coimbatore’s robust industrial foundation, abundant skilled workforce, innovation-led infrastructure, and business-friendly environment as the primary factors contributing to this growth trajectory.
According to the findings, Coimbatore is already home to over 60 Global Capability Centres employing more than 75,000 professionals. The city also fosters a thriving startup ecosystem, comprising over 250 technology-driven startups and 23 incubators and accelerators, further reinforcing its reputation as a regional innovation hotspot.
The report was officially launched at an event graced by Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services, Government of Tamil Nadu, alongside several senior government officials and industry leaders. The study highlights the evolving landscape of GCCs in India, projecting that Tier II and Tier III cities are likely to contribute 15% to 20% of India’s total GCC footprint by the year 2025. This trend reflects the growing decentralisation of technology and service operations beyond metro cities, fostering inclusive and sustainable regional development.
Looking ahead, the report forecasts a substantial expansion in the market size, workforce capacity, and service sophistication of GCCs across Tamil Nadu by 2030, with Coimbatore poised to be a central node in this transformation.
Anshuman Magazine, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer – India, South-East Asia, Middle East and Africa, CBRE, remarked:
“Tamil Nadu continues to solidify its leadership role in India’s GCC expansion, supported by a strategic mix of infrastructure readiness, deep talent availability, and progressive policy frameworks. Coimbatore is emerging as a critical enabler in this journey, leveraging its long-standing industrial heritage and a rapidly maturing digital economy.”
With sustained government support, competitive real estate, high literacy and engineering capabilities, and a proactive approach to digitalisation, Coimbatore is well-positioned to drive the next wave of Global Capability Centre growth across Southern India.