Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala GCC Feasibility Report was launched at the ‘Kerala GCC Outlook 2026’ conclave held at Technopark, where industry experts said Kerala has the right mix of talent, education infrastructure and innovation ecosystem to attract more Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
The conclave featured a panel discussion titled “Kerala GCC Opportunity: From Strategic Assessment to Accelerated Growth”, which was hosted as a prelude to the launch of the Kerala GCC Feasibility Report. Industries, Commerce, IT & AI Minister PK Kunhalikutty launched the report following the panel discussion.
Experts participating in the deliberations included Hrishikesh Nair, Chief Operating Officer, Brigade Enterprises Ltd.; Suja Chandy, Chief Sustainability Officer (Global) & Managing Director, India, Zafin; Shri Jipu Jose James, Managing Director, PDS India, JLL; and Shri Karthik Parasuram, General Manager & Centre Head, NOV’s Digital Technology Center.
The session was moderated by Srinivasan Sarvabhouman, CFO, ANSR.
Kerala’s talent pool can support GCC growth
Speaking during the discussion around the Kerala GCC Feasibility Report, Smt Suja Chandy said Kerala can become a niche destination for GCCs because of its quality education institutions that generate a readily available talent pool.
She added that the state has unique strengths such as good weather, excellent air quality and sustainability, which could be marketed to attract more GCC facilities.
According to her, stronger collaboration between academia, industry and government is essential to sustain the talent pipeline.
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Infrastructure and incubation spaces highlighted
The panel discussion linked to the Kerala GCC Feasibility Report also focused on infrastructure requirements.
Hrishikesh Nair said the state needs ready-to-occupy incubation spaces and greater investment in quality infrastructure to attract additional GCC facilities.
He further noted that improved air and rail connectivity, along with well-networked metro systems, are important considerations for GCCs before they establish operations.
Lower attrition rate seen as an advantage
Discussing findings and opportunities related to the Kerala GCC Feasibility Report, Shri Jipu Jose James said companies operating in Kerala experience a lower attrition rate than those in Tier-1 cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi. He said this indicates that employees prefer living in Kerala because of its higher quality of life.
He also stressed the need to prioritize connectivity to support a hub-and-spoke model with Tier-1 cities and enable cross-pollination of talent, which is important for GCC operations.
Ecosystem built over decades
Karthik Parasuram said Kerala is benefiting from an ecosystem built over the last 25–30 years with emphasis on education, innovation and the MSME sector.
Referring to the broader context of the Kerala GCC Feasibility Report, he said the state should leverage its diaspora to market Kerala’s unique attributes and ecosystem to GCCs considering India as a destination for new operations.
Strategic platform for Kerala’s GCC ambitions
The Kerala GCC Feasibility Report was unveiled during Kerala GCC Outlook 2026, a strategic platform created to discuss the state’s growing GCC ecosystem and emerging opportunities.
The conclave aims to help Kerala position itself as a major GCC hub in the country by bringing together government, industry leaders and ecosystem stakeholders.
