IBM returns to Vizag, opens FutureNow Centre for AI

Visakhapatnam: Global technology giant IBM on Wednesday returned to Visakhapatnam with the launch of its new IBM Consulting FutureNow Centre, strengthening the city’s emergence as a technology and artificial intelligence (AI) hub.

The Centre will support global clients with consulting and technology services across AI, hybrid cloud, software engineering, data and analytics, cybersecurity and enterprise transformation. Operations will begin with more than 500 professionals, adding to Visakhapatnam’s growing IT and technology ecosystem.

The facility will also serve as a hub for AI-first cloud transformation and services, platform engineering, service integration, quality engineering and user experience services.

IBM Consulting now operates FutureNow Centres across 15 locations in India, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Coimbatore, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Mysore, Noida, Pune and Visakhapatnam. The Centre was inaugurated by IT, Electronics and Education Minister Nara Lokesh in the presence of Sandip Patel, Managing Director, IBM India & South Asia, and other Andhra Pradesh Government officials.

In his address, Lokesh said, “IBM’s FutureNow Centre is a strong endorsement of Visakhapatnam’s emergence as a global hub for artificial intelligence, digital services and technology-led innovation. Our vision is not merely to attract technology investments, but to build a complete ecosystem that creates high-quality employment, develops future-ready talent and enables young people from Andhra Pradesh to participate in the global digital economy. We welcome IBM’s continued commitment to Andhra Pradesh and look forward to working together to make Vizag one of India’s leading destinations for AI and digital transformation.”

Sandip Patel said, “India has a unique opportunity to lead in the digital era by combining its talent, innovation and technology capabilities to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. At IBM, we are committed to helping build the capabilities that enable our clients to accelerate AI adoption and other emerging technologies that create lasting value.”

“IBM Consulting FutureNow Centre in Visakhapatnam reflects this commitment, while reinforcing India’s role as a global destination for innovation and technology delivery,” he added. Usha Srikanth, Managing Partner, IBM Consulting FutureNow Centre, India, said, “Vizag offers a compelling combination of emerging digital talent, strong academic institutions and a growing technology ecosystem, making it an important location for supporting client transformation journeys. Through the IBM Future Now Centre, we are bringing together technology expertise and local talent to help clients accelerate AI and digital transformation while creating meaningful opportunities for the region’s next generation of technology professionals.”