Punjab eyes IT leadership: Mohali to be AI and GCC hub, says CM Mann
Synopsis
Punjab is making a calculated pitch to become India's next IT and AI destination, with Mohali as its anchor city. CM Bhagwant Mann's NASSCOM outreach — backed by a new GCC Policy 2026 and an unusual agri-AI collaboration involving IIT Ropar and PAU — signals a state trying to convert talent and infrastructure advantages into a credible tech investment story.
Key Takeaways
CM Bhagwant Mann met a NASSCOM delegation on 24 August in Chandigarh to pitch Punjab as a major IT destination.
Mohali is positioned as the state's primary hub for AI , digital innovation, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) .
The GCC Policy of 2026 and the Invest Punjab initiative are the key policy instruments driving this push.
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) , IIT Ropar , and the Union Ministry of Agriculture are collaborating to deploy AI in farming.
Six universities in and around Mohali are cited as a direct talent pipeline for incoming tech companies.
Multinational corporations are reportedly showing interest in investing in Mohali, though no specific deals were announced.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann declared on 24 August that Punjab is rapidly positioning itself as a premier IT destination, with Mohali earmarked to become a leading centre for artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs). The announcement came after Mann held a high-level meeting with a delegation from the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) in Chandigarh.
Key Developments
Mann pointed to a convergence of enabling factors — world-class infrastructure, a deep skilled talent pool, comparatively lower business costs, the Invest Punjab initiative, and the newly introduced GCC Policy of 2026 — as the foundation of the state's technology investment push. He said the government's primary focus remains attracting fresh capital and generating employment for Punjab's youth.
During the meeting, Mann directly invited NASSCOM to partner with the state. 'Punjab is focusing on technology-driven transformation and aims to capitalise on emerging technological paradigms to attract next-generation industrial investments into the state,' he said. 'I invite NASSCOM to partner with Punjab in the state-of-the-art Startup Incubator in Mohali and contribute to strengthening the state's startup and innovation ecosystem,' he added.
AI in Agriculture: A Distinctive Bet
Beyond the IT sector, Mann outlined an initiative that sets Punjab apart from other tech-aspiring states: the deployment of AI-driven solutions across the state's agricultural landscape. The government has brought together Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), IIT Ropar, and the Union Ministry of Agriculture to integrate smart farming models, precision agriculture tools, and predictive analytics — with the stated aim of enhancing farmer yields and promoting sustainability.
This convergence of agri-tech and institutional collaboration reflects a broader strategy to leverage Punjab's traditional agricultural identity as a launchpad for technology adoption, rather than treating the two sectors as separate tracks.
Why Mohali Stands Out
Mann made a pointed case for Mohali as the centrepiece of this vision. He cited the city's multimodal connectivity — air, railway, and road — alongside top-tier medical facilities, high-performing educational institutions, and available land as key differentiators. 'Mohali offers an unbeatable infrastructure mix… These strengths make Mohali an attractive destination for global companies and technology-driven investments,' he said.
Crucially, six world-class universities are located in and around Mohali, giving prospective investors direct access to a trained graduate pipeline. Mann argued this combination of human capital, infrastructure, and connectivity creates a ready-made ecosystem for companies looking to establish or scale operations.
Investor Interest and What Comes Next
According to Mann, multinational corporations are already showing significant interest in investing in Punjab, particularly in Mohali. The GCC Policy of 2026 is expected to serve as the primary policy instrument to formalise and accelerate this interest into committed investments.
Whether the momentum translates into signed deals and measurable job creation will be the real test for Punjab's IT ambitions — a benchmark the state government will be held to as the policy rollout progresses.
Point of View
The NASSCOM engagement, and the IIT Ropar agri-AI collaboration are not isolated moves but parts of a deliberate stack. The real question is execution: states like Telangana and Karnataka have years of head-start on GCC attraction, and Mohali's infrastructure advantages, while real, have not historically translated into the deal volumes the government is now projecting. The agri-AI angle is genuinely differentiated and could be Punjab's strongest card — if it produces verifiable yield outcomes rather than staying a policy announcement. Mann's direct NASSCOM invitation for the Mohali Startup Incubator is a concrete ask, but the follow-through on GCC disbursements and job numbers will determine whether this becomes a model or a missed opportunity.
NationPress
24 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Punjab's GCC Policy 2026?
The GCC Policy 2026 is a new state government initiative designed to attract Global Capability Centres — offshore units of multinational companies handling technology, analytics, and back-office functions — to Punjab, particularly Mohali. It forms a central pillar of CM Bhagwant Mann's strategy to position the state as a major IT destination.
Why is Mohali being positioned as Punjab's IT hub?
Mohali is being promoted due to its multimodal connectivity (air, rail, road), proximity to six world-class universities, available land, medical facilities, and lower business costs compared to established IT cities. CM Mann has specifically invited NASSCOM to partner with the state's Startup Incubator located there.
How is Punjab using AI in agriculture?
Punjab has brought together Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), IIT Ropar, and the Union Ministry of Agriculture to deploy AI-driven tools including smart farming models, precision agriculture, and predictive analytics. The goal is to improve farmer yields and promote sustainable farming practices.
What did CM Bhagwant Mann say to NASSCOM?
Mann invited NASSCOM to partner with Punjab's Startup Incubator in Mohali and help strengthen the state's innovation ecosystem. He said Punjab aims to attract next-generation industrial investments through technology-driven transformation.
Which companies are interested in investing in Punjab?
CM Mann stated that multinational corporations are showing significant interest in investing in Punjab, particularly in Mohali. However, no specific company names or confirmed investment figures were disclosed at this stage.
