Mohali: Punjab is stepping up its efforts to attract technology investments, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann positioning Mohali as a potential major hub for artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation and Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
Table Of Content
- Punjab Seeks Greater Technology Investment
- New IT and GCC Policy 2026
- Mohali at the Centre of Punjab’s AI Ambitions
- NASSCOM Partnership for Startup Growth
- AI Applications in Agriculture
- Opportunities Across Emerging Technologies
- Mohali Eyes Global Capability Centres
- Existing Infrastructure Gives Mohali an Advantage
- Ease of Doing Business Also in Focus
- Skilled Workforce Will Remain Critical
- Potential Opportunities for Punjab’s Youth
- Competition Among Indian Technology Hubs
- Industry-Government Cooperation Could Strengthen Growth
- Mohali’s Technology Future
- Conclusion
Mann made the remarks on August 24, 2026, after meeting a delegation from the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) in Chandigarh. The discussions focused on strengthening Punjab’s technology ecosystem, attracting fresh investments and creating more employment opportunities for the state’s young population.
Punjab Seeks Greater Technology Investment
The Chief Minister highlighted Punjab’s existing advantages for technology companies, including its skilled workforce, educational institutions, infrastructure and comparatively competitive operating costs.
The state government is also promoting Invest Punjab as a single-window platform to assist businesses in establishing and expanding their operations.
Mann said these factors can help Punjab strengthen its position as an emerging technology destination and compete for new investments in the rapidly developing IT and digital economy.
New IT and GCC Policy 2026
A major component of Punjab’s investment strategy is the state’s IT/ITeS, Data Centre and GCC Policy 2026.
The policy is aimed at providing a framework of incentives and support for eligible IT, IT-enabled services, data-centre and Global Capability Centre projects.
The government hopes the policy will encourage technology companies to establish new facilities in Punjab as well as motivate existing companies to expand their operations.
For Mohali, the policy could create new opportunities to attract technology companies, startups and multinational firms looking for locations outside traditional technology centres.
Mohali at the Centre of Punjab’s AI Ambitions
Mohali is being positioned at the heart of Punjab’s technology expansion.
The city already has an established IT and commercial ecosystem and benefits from its location within the Chandigarh Tricity region. Its connectivity, educational institutions and growing business infrastructure provide a base for further technology-sector expansion.
The presence of a large pool of professionals in the region is another factor that could make Mohali attractive to technology companies.
Mann has highlighted the availability of engineering, technology and management talent as one of the region’s key strengths.
NASSCOM Partnership for Startup Growth
During the meeting with the NASSCOM delegation, Mann also invited the organisation to work with Punjab’s startup incubator in Mohali.
Greater collaboration with the technology industry could help strengthen the city’s startup and innovation ecosystem.
Such partnerships could provide startups with better access to industry expertise, networking opportunities and potential investors while helping entrepreneurs develop technology-based businesses.
AI Applications in Agriculture
Punjab’s AI ambitions are not limited to software and conventional technology services.
The state is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture, an area of particular importance for Punjab’s economy.
Punjab Agricultural University, IIT Ropar and the Union Ministry of Agriculture are working together on AI-based applications related to agriculture.
The initiatives include areas such as smart farming, precision agriculture and predictive analytics, which could help improve farm productivity and support more efficient use of agricultural resources.
The development of such applications could also create opportunities for technology companies and startups working at the intersection of agriculture and artificial intelligence.
Opportunities Across Emerging Technologies
A stronger AI ecosystem in Mohali could generate opportunities across several technology fields.
These may include:
- Artificial intelligence
- Data science and analytics
- Software development
- Cloud computing
- Cybersecurity
- Machine learning
- Digital services
- Research and development
- Agri-tech
- Emerging technologies
The growth of these sectors could create demand for specialised professionals and encourage the development of supporting businesses and training institutions.
Mohali Eyes Global Capability Centres
Another major focus of Punjab’s technology strategy is attracting Global Capability Centres.
GCCs are specialised operations established by multinational companies to handle functions such as technology development, analytics, research, finance, engineering and other professional services.
The expansion of GCCs in Mohali could significantly increase demand for highly skilled professionals.
It could also create a wider technology ecosystem involving startups, consulting companies, training providers, office-space operators and other supporting businesses.
Existing Infrastructure Gives Mohali an Advantage
Mohali already has several elements that could support the development of a larger technology ecosystem.
The city has IT City, commercial developments, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and access to Chandigarh International Airport.
Its location within the Tricity also provides connectivity to Chandigarh and Panchkula while giving businesses access to a wider regional talent pool.
These advantages could help Mohali attract companies that want access to skilled professionals without necessarily operating from India’s more established technology centres.
Ease of Doing Business Also in Focus
The Punjab Government is also emphasising ease of doing business as part of its investment strategy.
Through Invest Punjab and the state’s single-window system, the government aims to make it easier for companies to obtain assistance and complete necessary procedures when setting up or expanding operations.
For technology companies, faster approvals and predictable business processes can be important considerations when choosing a location for new investments.
Skilled Workforce Will Remain Critical
While policy incentives and infrastructure can help attract companies, developing Mohali into a major AI and GCC destination will require sustained investment in skills and talent.
Technology companies will assess factors such as the availability of qualified professionals, quality office infrastructure, connectivity, business services and the overall working environment before making long-term investment decisions.
Building a strong talent pipeline in areas such as AI, software engineering, cybersecurity, cloud computing and data science will therefore be important.
Potential Opportunities for Punjab’s Youth
The state’s technology push could create new employment opportunities for young people across Punjab.
Artificial intelligence, data analytics, software development, cybersecurity and other digital fields are witnessing growing demand globally.
If more technology companies and GCCs establish operations in Mohali, local professionals could gain access to jobs in high-skilled sectors without having to relocate to larger technology centres.
The development of startups could provide another avenue for employment and entrepreneurship.
Competition Among Indian Technology Hubs
Mohali’s ambitions come at a time when several Indian cities are competing to attract IT companies, startups and GCCs.
To emerge as a major technology destination, Mohali will need to build an ecosystem that goes beyond incentives.
Reliable infrastructure, skilled manpower, strong industry-academia partnerships, modern office spaces, research capabilities and a supportive startup environment will all play an important role.
Industry-Government Cooperation Could Strengthen Growth
The Punjab Government’s engagement with NASSCOM could help strengthen communication between policymakers and the technology industry.
Industry participation can provide the government with a better understanding of the requirements of technology companies and identify areas where improvements may be needed.
Closer cooperation could also help Punjab develop policies and programmes that are aligned with changing industry requirements.
Mohali’s Technology Future
Mohali already has a foundation on which a larger technology ecosystem can be developed. The city’s existing IT presence, educational institutions, connectivity and location within the Tricity provide several advantages.
The next challenge will be to attract sufficient private investment and develop the ecosystem required to support large technology companies, startups and GCCs.
The government’s latest engagement with NASSCOM indicates that AI, digital innovation and GCCs are becoming important elements of Punjab’s broader technology strategy.
Conclusion
Punjab is increasingly looking to strengthen its position in India’s technology economy, and Mohali is being placed at the centre of that ambition.
With the new IT/ITeS, Data Centre and GCC Policy 2026, efforts to attract technology investment and the proposed focus on artificial intelligence, the state is seeking to create a stronger ecosystem for technology companies and skilled professionals.
For Mohali, the opportunity extends beyond becoming another IT destination. The city’s potential role as an AI, innovation and GCC hub could create new investment, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
However, turning this vision into reality will depend on consistent policy implementation, skilled talent development, infrastructure expansion and strong cooperation between the government, industry, educational institutions and startups.
If these efforts move forward successfully, Mohali could play an increasingly important role in Punjab’s technology-led growth and strengthen the state’s presence on India’s rapidly expanding IT and AI map.
