Kerala is intensifying efforts to attract Global Capability Centers (GCCs) to Kochi, aiming to increase the current count of 45 centers to 150 by 2031. The state is offering six-month free workspace trials at the 'i by Infopark' facility to encourage multinational corporations to set up operations. This initiative faces stiff competition from established Tier-1 cities and requires significant infrastructure scaling to succeed.
Kerala is aggressively working to position itself as a top alternative for multinational corporations looking to set up Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India. The state government has set a target to expand its GCC count from 45 to 150 by 2031, with a goal of generating 2 lakh jobs in the sector. This strategy is part of the 'Kerala GCC Outlook 2026' roadmap, which was officially introduced in July 2026 to provide a structured path for growth.
To bridge the gap between planning and execution, the state is leveraging the 'i by Infopark' facility in Kochi, located at the Ernakulam South Metro Station. This facility, which has been operational since October 2025, serves as a plug-and-play workspace. As an incentive for new firms, the state is offering a six-month free workspace trial. This allows companies to register their business and establish a presence without immediate long-term real estate commitments. By removing this barrier, officials hope to reduce the administrative friction that multinational firms often encounter in more saturated markets.
Targeting Niche Verticals
Instead of competing broadly, the state is focusing on specific sectors where it sees an existing talent and operational advantage. These include aviation, travel, maritime logistics, and the energy sector. The strategy relies on building clusters around established players like IBS Software and the Air India tech center. By creating a environment tailored to these industries, the state aims to convince global companies that Kochi can offer the same specialized support found in larger cities but with better connectivity and lower operational costs.
The Competitive Reality
While the roadmap is clear, the state faces significant challenges in attracting global investment. Kerala is competing directly with established Tier-1 Indian cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune, which have deep-rooted ecosystems, mature office infrastructure, and a massive supply of experienced tech talent. For investors, the success of this initiative will depend heavily on whether the government can rapidly scale infrastructure. There is a risk that if the demand for high-end office space grows faster than the local supply, companies may face space shortages or slower implementation times.
Furthermore, the state's success hinges on the actual execution of its policy recommendations. The ongoing collaboration with firms like ANSR and Inductus Group suggests a strong intent to align with industry standards, but sustained interest from global corporations will also depend on external factors like global market conditions and the appetite of multinational companies for setting up new captive units in India. Moving forward, the key monitorable for observers will be the uptake of the 'i by Infopark' trial program and whether these early-stage tenants commit to long-term expansion in the state.