As global enterprises double down on agility, intelligence, and innovation, Global Capability Centers (GCCs) have evolved into strategic engines of transformation. The dentsu presents ET Edge GCC Summit 2025 – Pune, now in its 8th edition, convened a high-impact dialogue on how India’s GCCs are redefining global business operations – with more than 3,200 delegates, 300+ speakers, 70+ partners, 10+ focused roundtables, and 300+ one-on-one meetings shaping a full-day exchange of ideas and action.
Held at Novotel Pune, the summit united industry leaders, policymakers, and changemakers to examine the growing influence of India-based capability centers. Key sessions explored how GCCs are no longer just back-end hubs but have become drivers of R&D, digital transformation, AI adoption, and sustainable growth. From talent transformation to cyber resilience, the agenda reflected the full spectrum of GCC impact.
One of the day’s most compelling voices, Belliappa Mathanda, Chief Business Operations Officer, dentsu APAC and Head of Dentsu Global Services, reframed how GCCs should be viewed in today’s ecosystem.
“At Dentsu, we drive value by combining purposeful capability-building with a distributed, metanational model that brings us closer to context and nuance. Our edge lies in learning faster, dispersing knowledge effectively, and embedding innovation across teams. By starting with the client, breaking down problems, and moving upstream into strategic conversations, we co-create meaningful solutions. From rapid global team mobilization to delivering in 30 days, we turn strategy into impact. In the GCC, it’s not about scale-it’s about how we deliver value through a tactical, responsive, and outcome-driven approach.”
Sessions like “Accelerating AI Advantage”, “From Bots to Brilliance”, and “Compliance by Design, Security by Default” reflected how GCCs are becoming key vehicles for enterprise-wide innovation and resilience. There was also a strong spotlight on talent-hybrid workforces, gig models, and upskilling-to support the agility modern enterprises demand.
The summit also welcomed an important policy voice-Shri K. Bhaskar, Secretary, Information Technology, Electronics & Communications Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh-who outlined the state’s roadmap for enabling GCC growth.
“Andhra Pradesh is committed to building a thriving ecosystem for Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in Vizag, aiming to replicate Hyderabad’s success as a tech-driven hub. With a strong foundation in infrastructure, talent, and policy support, the state is well-positioned to attract and scale global operations. Over the next three years, the goal is to create 3 lakh jobs in Vizag by nurturing an industry-ready talent pool. By leveraging our natural advantages and strategic vision, we aim to establish AP as a preferred destination for innovation, investment, and inclusive growth in the GCC landscape.”
Later in the day, during the Guest of Honor Address, Dr. Abhay Jere, Vice Chairman, AICTE and Chief Innovation Officer at the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell, brought the academic and innovation lens to the fore:
“At AICTE, we’re driving transformative change to make India a global innovation hub. From Smart India Hackathons to AI-integrated curricula, we’re fostering creativity, technology, and industry-ready talent. Initiatives like design thinking from Grade 6, Industrial Fellowships, and One Nation, One Subscription are bridging academia and industry. With startups from Tier-2/3 cities valued at ₹1.5 lakh crore, the surge in grassroots innovation is real. To realize Bharat@2047, we must deepen collaboration, modernize education, and nurture future-ready talent-because the global potential of India’s technical ecosystem begins with purposeful policy.”
Beyond the stage, ET Edge Insights captured exclusive interviews from the summit, amplifying key ideas across digital platforms. These editorial touchpoints added depth and extended the summit’s influence to the wider business community.
The day concluded with Celebrating Impactful GCCs of India, a felicitation that honored organizations leading with intent, inclusion, and innovation. From boardroom conversations to focused networking, the summit served as a launchpad for the next phase of GCC evolution.
As capability centers move from the periphery to the core of business strategy, the ET Edge GCC Summit 2025 offered a glimpse into a future where India isn’t just participating in global enterprise-it’s driving it forward.
Building on the success of this edition, the next chapter of the ET Edge GCC Summit-coming up in September 2025 in Hyderabad-will continue to explore bold ideas, deeper collaborations, and emerging frontiers. We look forward to convening once again to shape what’s next for India’s thriving GCC ecosystem.
