EXL Plans Two New India Centres For AI Expansion

Why the buzz around EXL’s India expansion matters

When a global analytics firm announces new AI‑focused centres in India, it sends a signal that the country is becoming a hub for advanced technology talent and innovation. EXL’s move is part of a larger trend where multinational companies are setting up dedicated AI labs in India to tap into the country’s deep talent pool, cost advantages, and supportive ecosystem of universities and research institutions.

Who is EXL and what does it do?

EXL is a technology and analytics services company that helps organisations around the world solve complex problems using data science, automation and artificial intelligence. Its clients span sectors such as insurance, banking, retail and healthcare. The firm operates in more than 30 countries and employs over 20,000 people.

In India, EXL has been running operations for more than a decade. The company has built a strong presence in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai, where it offers services ranging from data processing to predictive analytics.

Why India is a natural fit for AI growth

India’s education system produces a steady stream of engineers and data scientists. The country also hosts a growing number of AI research labs, incubators and tech start‑ups. For companies that need large volumes of data work and advanced modelling, Indian talent offers a blend of technical depth and affordability.

Local universities, such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bangalore and the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, collaborate with industry to provide research grants and internships. These partnerships give firms like EXL access to fresh ideas and skilled graduates right out of campus.

The new centres: locations and focus

EXL has announced plans to open two new AI‑centric centres in India. One will be located in Bengaluru, a city known as the “Silicon Valley of India.” The second will sit in Hyderabad, a city that has grown into a major technology and data hub in the last decade.

Both centres will house teams that specialise in machine learning, natural language processing and computer vision. The Bengaluru hub will focus on developing AI solutions for the insurance and financial services sectors, while the Hyderabad site will target healthcare analytics and retail applications.

The company intends to invest in state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure, including high‑performance computing clusters and secure data storage. In addition, EXL plans to partner with local universities to create joint research projects and internship programmes that will nurture the next generation of AI talent.

What this means for employees and clients

For the workforce, the new centres bring fresh opportunities. Employees will have the chance to work on cutting‑edge projects, access advanced training, and collaborate with colleagues from around the world. EXL has a history of offering professional development programmes, and the new sites will build on that tradition.

Clients of EXL will benefit from quicker turnaround times and higher quality outputs. By situating AI teams closer to the data and the problem space, the company can iterate faster and deliver solutions that are more tuned to local market nuances. For example, an insurance client operating in the Indian market can receive insights that factor in region‑specific regulatory changes and consumer behaviour.

Impact on the broader Indian AI ecosystem

EXL’s expansion is a positive signal for the entire technology ecosystem. It encourages other firms to invest in AI infrastructure, which in turn boosts the demand for data scientists and machine‑learning engineers. This demand feeds back into universities, prompting them to adjust curricula to match industry needs.

In addition, the partnership model that EXL is pursuing—working closely with academic institutions—creates a pipeline of talent that can be tapped by start‑ups and other established players. The resulting collaboration can accelerate the pace at which new AI products and services reach the market.

Looking ahead: what’s next for EXL and India?

With these two new centres, EXL is positioning itself to be a leader in AI‑driven analytics for key sectors in India. The company’s focus on building a strong local presence also means it can adapt quickly to changes in technology and market demand.

For the Indian market, the expansion underscores the country’s growing reputation as a destination for advanced technology work. As more firms follow suit, the ecosystem will become even more vibrant, offering higher wages, more specialised roles and a stronger culture of innovation.

“India’s talent pool and supportive environment make it an ideal place for AI innovation,” said a senior executive at EXL. “Our new centres will help us deliver smarter solutions to clients and nurture the next wave of data professionals.”