The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, FEB 11, 2024
Cognizant, a global leader in professional services, has inaugurated its latest facility in Bhubaneswar, reaffirming its commitment to fostering innovation and nurturing talent in India’s emerging technology hubs.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of dignitaries including Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S, alongside various government officials including State IT Minister Tusharkanti Behera, 5-T Chairman VK Pandian, E&IT Department Principal Secretary Manoj Kumar Mishra and senior executives from the company including Cognizant India CMD Rajesh Nambiar.
Situated within the Odisha Technology Center, the state-of-the-art facility spans 51,000 square feet, designed to facilitate collaboration and creativity among its workforce. In its initial phase, the facility will accommodate up to 800 associates, with plans for further expansion to integrate an additional 29,000 square feet to meet the growing demands of clients and employees.
Inaugurating the facility, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his enthusiasm for Cognizant’s decision to expand its operations in Bhubaneswar, citing the swift collaboration between the company and the Electronics & Information Technology department, which led to the establishment of the center within seven months. “I’m delighted that Cognizant has chosen Bhubaneswar, Odisha as the launchpad for its expansion across emerging technology hubs in India,” said Patnaik.
He highlighted the State government’s proactive policies and commitment to supporting the center’s operations, emphasizing the potential for job creation and economic growth in Odisha.
“We are confident that Cognizant’s presence will help create new high-value jobs for the youth of Odisha and contribute to its growth story,” said the Chief Minister.
As a global leader in digital transformation, Cognizant aims to leverage its new facility in Bhubaneswar to drive innovation in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, internet of things, digital engineering, and robotic automation. The company remains dedicated to providing its associates with cutting-edge learning and development programs to enhance their digital capabilities and better serve clients worldwide.
CEO Ravi Kumar S expressed excitement about the center’s launch in Bhubaneswar, noting the city’s reputation as an education hub with a skilled workforce and robust infrastructure. He emphasized Cognizant’s commitment to becoming an employer of choice, offering new career opportunities for local talent while promoting flexibility by establishing offices closer to their residences.
With its expansion into Bhubaneswar, Cognizant aims to further strengthen its presence in India’s dynamic technology landscape while contributing to the socio-economic development of the region.
In addition to its business initiatives, Cognizant will continue its tradition of community service in Bhubaneswar through programs such as Cognizant Outreach, an associate volunteering program, and the work of the Cognizant Foundation.
The foundation’s flagship program, Sight4All, in collaboration with the LV Prasad Eye Institute, has already provided zero-cost screening and treatment services in 15 districts of Odisha to combat childhood blindness.
