IBM to open advanced AI software lab in Lucknow, boosting India's tech ecosystem

Tech giant IBM will establish a state-of-the-art Software Lab in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The multinational conglomerate announced today that the lab will focus on advancing Generative AI and Agentic AI technologies.

“The Lucknow Software Lab will leverage the region’s skilled workforce to develop next-generation AI solutions, strengthen digital capabilities, and contribute to India’s digital transformation,” said Sandip Patel, Managing Director, IBM India and South Asia, in a statement.

This facility will be dedicated to developing AI-powered solutions leveraging both Large Language Models (LLMs) and Small Language Models (SLMs) to meet the evolving needs of businesses in India and across the globe. It will incorporate global best practices in software engineering, design, and development to build transformative, next-generation solutions.

The Lucknow Lab will offer a variety of roles, including software engineers, application developers, technical testers, UX designers. As of 2022, IBM had over 1.3 lakh employees in India, according to Investing.com

“We plan to develop Lucknow as an AI city and position it as a hub for nurturing talent, fostering ideas and an AI ecosystem. IBM’s proposed expansion in Lucknow aligns with our mission to further grow the technology sector, improve workforce skills training and create job opportunities for the state's youth,” said Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in a statement.

The lab will be located at Platinum Mall, Sushant Golf City, a Hi-tech Township in the outskirts of the city. Currently, IBM has 6 Software Labs across India including Bengaluru, Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar, Kochi, Pune, Hyderabad and Chennai.

IBM India Software Labs (ISL), one of IBM’s largest software development centres, plays a pivotal role in advancing generative AI, data and AI, automation, cybersecurity, and sustainability solutions. ISL makes significant contributions to IBM’s Software business by designing, developing, and delivering next-generation software that empowers clients to become AI-first enterprises—driving productivity at scale, with responsibility at the core.

“Our government will extend full support to IBM to establish its software development centre, and I am confident that our talent and IBM’s leading technologies will further strengthen the IT/ITeS sector in the state,” added Adityanath.