CM lays foundation for Cognizant’s new IT campus in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam is emerging as a key technology and knowledge economy hub with global IT major Cognizant Technology Solutions launching a large-scale campus in the city. The foundation stone for the new campus at Kapuluppada IT Hills was laid on Friday by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in the presence of Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S, marking a major milestone in the region’s IT-led development.

Cognizant has committed an investment of ₹1,583 crore to develop the campus across 21 acres, with construction planned in three phases. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to generate employment for around 8,000 professionals. The campus will house advanced digital and technology operations, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital engineering, and cloud solutions, with the first phase of operations scheduled to begin by 2026.

Until the permanent campus becomes operational, Cognizant has set up a temporary office at the Mahathi Fintech Building in Rushikonda, where about 1,000 employees are currently working. This interim facility allows the company to begin scaling its workforce while campus construction progresses.

Speaking on the occasion, Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S highlighted the company’s long-term commitment to expanding its operations in India and developing strong technology hubs beyond traditional metro cities. He pointed to Visakhapatnam’s growing talent pool, competitive costs, and improving digital infrastructure as key reasons for choosing the city for expansion.

In addition to Cognizant, eight other IT and technology companies have announced plans to establish or expand their presence in Visakhapatnam. These firms, including Tech Tammin, Satva Developers, Imaginovate Tech Solutions India, Fluent Grid Limited, Madarson Technologies, Quarks Technosoft, ACN Healthcare RCM Services, and Nanrel Technologies, are together investing around ₹3,740 crore and are expected to create approximately 41,700 new jobs.

With more than 150 IT companies already operating in the city, Visakhapatnam is increasingly being viewed as a strong alternative to traditional IT metros. Lower operational costs, quality urban infrastructure, and sustained investment interest are strengthening its position as a rising regional technology hub and a key contributor to Andhra Pradesh’s digital economy.

He concluded by expressing confidence in India’s global rise by 2047, stating that the country would become the world’s leading nation under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and set a target of 15% growth rate for Andhra Pradesh in the coming years.