The CII Telangana IT Conclave 2024 convened industry leaders, government representatives, and technology pioneers for a day of transformative discussions and impactful sessions in Hyderabad. The event highlighted the city’s growing prominence as a hub for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and the critical role of skilling initiatives in sustaining this momentum.

With the theme “Unleashing the Potential for GCCs,” the conclave underscored Hyderabad’s success in attracting nearly 10% of India’s over 2,000 GCCs. In the past three years alone, the city has emerged as the country’s top destination for these centres, drawing major global firms thanks to its abundant talent pool and business-friendly ecosystem.

One of the key highlights was a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Srikanth Talluri, focusing on "Building the Right Talent Pipeline: Skilling Initiatives & Job Readiness for the Future." Panelists included eminent leaders like Ms. Mamata Vegunta, Lt Col Pragathi Kumar Achanta, and Mr. Sujit Jagirdar who collectively offered valuable insights into the critical need for skilling initiatives in the domains of AI, data science, automation, and cybersecurity.

Talluri emphasized the widening gap between the growing demand for skilled professionals and the limited availability of ready-to-deploy talent. Panelists discussed how businesses and governments must work together to create innovative skilling programs that prepare the workforce for a tech-driven future.

The conclave not only shed light on industry challenges but also celebrated the transformative power of knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Attendees departed with actionable insights and a renewed commitment to building a robust talent pipeline for a rapidly advancing technological world.

Speakers

• Dr. Jayesh Ranjan , IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Industries & Commerce, ITE&C and Sports Department, Government of Telangana

• Mr. J A Chowdary (JA) Chairman of the International Startup Foundation

• Mr. Ramesh Kaza Senior MD and Country Head IT India at State Street Bank & Trust

• Mr. Sai Prasad Chairman of CII Telangana and Executive Director of Bharat Biotech International Ltd.

Panel Discussion I: Building the Right Talent Pipeline

Moderator:

• Mr. Srikanth Talluri Talluri, CEO, 6D Works

Panelists:

• Mr. Sujit Jagirdar Chief Executive Officer, T-Hub

• Lt Col Pragathi Kumar Achanta Kumar Achanta, Director – HR HRBP – India Development Center, AT&T

• Ms. Mamata Vegunta Vegunta, Executive Director & Head – HR, DBS Tech India

Panel Discussion II: AI & ML Applications in Manufacturing and Pharma

Moderator:

• Mr. RamKrishna (Ramki) V, CEO, Zoreum Technologies

Panelists:

• Mr. Swarna Vaitla Digital & Business Transformation Leader, AWS

• Mr. Sunder Kumar Muthevi CTO - PredictML

• Mr. Kishore Ayyadevara Chief AI Officer - Penguin AI

Panel Discussion III: The Future of GCCs in Hyderabad – Beyond IT & Tech

Moderator:

• Mr. Sunil Venkatesh Technology Consulting Partner, EY

Panelists:

• Mr. Flt Lt Bipin Chandra Dutt Pendyala Director, Appen AI India

• Mr. Ravindra Varma Varma, Head of Shoring, NTT Data Business Solutions

• Mr. Ashok Venkatachalam MD, Evernorth Health Services India

Speakers emphasized the symbiotic relationship between Hyderabad’s GCC ecosystem and its skilled workforce. They stressed that sustained investments in skilling programs would ensure a steady supply of job-ready professionals, solidifying the city’s position as a global technology leader.

The conclave concluded on an optimistic note, with participants reaffirming their commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and talent development in Hyderabad. As anticipation builds for the 2025 edition, the 2024 conclave leaves behind a legacy of insights and strategies to fuel India’s GCC growth story.