Bengaluru has solidified its position as a global leader in technology talent, earning a place among the top 12 global tech powerhouse cities in the prestigious CBRE Global Tech Talent Guidebook 2025. This recognition places the Indian city in the same league as major global players like San Francisco, London, Beijing, and Tokyo, underscoring India’s growing influence in the global technology landscape.

Bengaluru’s Rise to Global Prominence

With a tech workforce exceeding one million, Bengaluru’s ranking is a reflection of its dynamic ecosystem, robust startup infrastructure, and consistent investment in artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and product engineering. From 2018 to 2023, the city experienced a 12% growth in tech employment, thanks to the thriving presence of 28 unicorn startups, leading educational institutions, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) that drive strategic business operations from the region.

According to CBRE, the categorisation of markets into Powerhouse, Established, or Emerging is based on factors such as talent size, cost competitiveness, and overall vibrancy of the tech ecosystem. Bengaluru's classification as a “Powerhouse” city is a testament to its ability to compete with and complement top-tier US cities in innovation and tech development.

AI at the Core of Bengaluru’s Transformation

The CBRE report highlights Bengaluru’s leadership in AI talent across India, making it a strategic destination for AI-driven enterprises and next-generation technologies. With 34 AI-focused venture capital (VC) deals in 2024 alone, Bengaluru attracted Rs. 28,188.6 crore (US$ 3.3 billion) in funding, a large share of which is directed toward cutting-edge AI research and applications.

This success has been supported by several key demographic advantages. 75.5% of Bengaluru’s population falls within the working-age bracket, the fourth-highest among the top 12 cities, indicating a sustainable talent pipeline. Moreover, the city benefits from a favourable cost structure, highly skilled professionals, and an entrepreneurial culture fostered by institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and premier engineering colleges.

India’s Other Tech Titans: Delhi-NCR and Mumbai

While Bengaluru has emerged as the crown jewel of India’s tech revolution, Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) and Mumbai are not far behind. These metros continue to play a pivotal role in India’s innovation narrative. In 2024:

• Delhi-NCR recorded 183 VC deals worth Rs. 16,229.8 crore (US$ 1.9 billion), with 42 of them focused on AI, indicating a robust environment for next-generation technologies.

• Mumbai, often regarded as the financial heartbeat of India, secured Rs. 41,855.8 crore (US$ 4.9 billion) across 167 VC deals, making it one of the most capital-rich innovation corridors in the country.

These numbers underline the regional diversification of India’s tech strength, with multiple hubs contributing to the national and global technology narrative.

Emerging Players: Ahmedabad and Jaipur

Beyond the metros, cities like Ahmedabad and Jaipur are quickly gaining traction as emerging tech hubs. Ahmedabad’s GIFT City project is expected to host over 550 firms employing 20,000+ people, turning it into a futuristic hub for financial and tech services.

Jaipur, with its solid educational foundation and cost-effective operations, is becoming a magnet for startups and IT firms looking to scale efficiently. The presence of engineering and management colleges, combined with infrastructure improvements, has made Jaipur a preferred alternative to costlier metros.

India’s Role in the Global AI Boom

Globally, AI-related tech investment hit Rs. 11,01,918 crore (US$ 129 billion) in 2024, showing the surging demand for AI capabilities across industries. The Asia-Pacific region now houses three of the world’s largest tech talent pools: Beijing, Bengaluru, and Shanghai—each boasting more than one million skilled professionals.

India, alongside the United States, remains at the forefront of AI development talent, moving from traditional IT outsourcing to becoming strategic partners in technology-led transformation. Bengaluru is now viewed not merely as a back-office centre but a hub for AI research, product development, and innovation leadership.

Educational Institutions and Talent Supply Chain

A crucial pillar of Bengaluru’s success is its educational backbone. The city hosts a cluster of prestigious institutions such as:

• Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

• International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-B)

• Numerous NITs and private engineering colleges

These institutes supply a steady stream of highly trained professionals, many of whom go on to launch startups or join multinational technology firms with a presence in the city.

Furthermore, the presence of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) for companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Accenture has enabled deep industry-academia collaboration, leading to higher employability, tailored curriculums, and real-time problem-solving innovations.

Policy Support and Infrastructure

Government policies supporting foreign direct investment (FDI) in technology, startup incentives, and the establishment of AI Centres of Excellence have further accelerated Bengaluru’s momentum. Initiatives like Digital India, Startup India, and Make in India have had a transformative impact on venture activity, infrastructure, and digital literacy.

Additionally, state-level policy frameworks in Karnataka—such as the Karnataka Startup Policy and IT Policy—have helped create a supportive regulatory environment that aligns with investor and entrepreneur needs.

Conclusion

Bengaluru’s recognition in the CBRE Global Tech Talent Guidebook 2025 as a top 12 global tech hub signals a paradigm shift in how Indian cities are viewed on the global technology map. With over one million AI professionals, a sustainable talent pipeline, and record-breaking venture funding, Bengaluru is no longer just India’s Silicon Valley—it is a global centre of innovation and AI leadership.

As Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur also rise on the tech horizon, India is positioned to become a technology superpower, driving innovation not only for itself but for the entire world.

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