Archive · 30 Sep 2026
Coimbatore’s GCC ecosystem needs connectivity, specialists to scale
Coimbatore already has more than 75 Global Capability Centres, which are offices that do important work for worldwide companies.
The city has built this strength from its industrial history and engineering talent.
A report says the number could rise to 200 by 2032.
To achieve this, Coimbatore needs better international flights and stronger city infrastructure.
It also needs more high-quality office buildings.
The city has many IT workers, but fewer experienced experts in advanced technology and business specialties.
Ford Business Solutions opened a centre there to help keep its work running if its Chennai centre has problems.
The report says Coimbatore should attract companies connected to the GCCs it already has.
Industry representatives are discussing better connectivity and the possibility of a special economic zone nearby.
An EY India-CII report says Coimbatore has attracted more than 75 Global Capability Centres.
The city could grow to as many as 200 GCCs by 2032 by becoming a secondary hub for companies operating in major metros.
Poor international connectivity, limited Grade A office space and urban infrastructure are identified as key obstacles.
Coimbatore has a 300,000-strong IT/ITES workforce, but lacks experienced specialists in areas including advanced AI, cybersecurity, risk, treasury and technology regulation.
The report recommends expanding existing GCCs and targeting their industry peers, suppliers and technology partners.
- Who
- Coimbatore, EY India, the Confederation of Indian Industry, existing Global Capability Centres and prospective multinational companies.
- What
- A report outlines how Coimbatore can expand its Global Capability Centre ecosystem from more than 75 centres to as many as 200.
- When
- The report was published on September 30, 2026, and sets a potential expansion target for 2032.
- Where
- Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, with links to major Indian metro hubs including Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune.
- Why
- Expansion depends on better international connectivity, office and urban infrastructure, and deeper pools of experienced specialist talent.
Targeted expansion and existing strengths
Broad incentives and infrastructure constraints
How to attract companies
Targeted expansion and existing strengths
EY India recommends a targeted strategy focused on companies that already have major operations in Tier 1 metros and on industry peers, suppliers and technology partners linked to existing GCCs.
Broad incentives and infrastructure constraints
The report argues that pursuing companies indiscriminately through incentives would be less effective than targeting relevant corporate ecosystems.
Growth potential versus current limitations
Targeted expansion and existing strengths
Coimbatore’s industrial base, engineering talent and 300,000-strong IT/ITES workforce support the possibility of reaching as many as 200 GCCs by 2032.
Broad incentives and infrastructure constraints
Limited international connectivity, insufficient Grade A office space, urban infrastructure gaps and shortages of experienced specialists could restrict that growth.
- Current GCC presence
- More than 75 Global Capability Centres
- Potential by 2032
- As many as 200 GCCs
- IT/ITES workforce
- 300,000 workers
- Key talent gaps
- Advanced AI, cybersecurity, risk, treasury and technology regulation
- Main infrastructure challenges
- Poor international connectivity and limited Grade A office stock
- Example investment
- Ford Business Solutions launched a business continuity centre in Coimbatore
- Proposed development
- A Sri City-like special economic zone in Coimbatore or nearby southern Tamil Nadu areas