Uttar Pradesh strengthened its pitch as one of India’s fastest-growing investment destinations after leading industry executives at the Uttar Pradesh Global Growth Dialogue 2026 roadshow in Bengaluru praised the state’s policy reforms, infrastructure development and improving business environment under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Senior representatives from Embassy Group, IBM and Cognizant said Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a preferred destination for domestic and global investors, citing improved law and order, world-class expressway connectivity, digital infrastructure and industry-friendly governance as the key factors driving investor confidence.
The event had major announcements from the technology sector, with IBM unveiling plans to establish a new software laboratory in Lucknow, while Cognizant shared its expansion roadmap for Noida, reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s growing position as a technology and innovation hub.
Addressing the gathering, Embassy Group CEO Amit Shetty described Uttar Pradesh as one of India’s most significant economic success stories, saying that UP’s transformation is redefining India’s investment landscape. According to Shetty, Uttar Pradesh today represents far more than its geographical size or population. It represents a new India with a young workforce, growing businesses and rapidly developing cities.
He said Uttar Pradesh is set to play a key role in India’s next phase of economic growth by attracting investments, generating employment and developing new business hubs. According to him, India’s growth is now being driven not only by major metros but also by emerging cities and economic corridors. Noida, Greater Noida and Lucknow have become major centres for business and technology. He said better road and metro connectivity, easy access to Delhi and the upcoming Jewar International Airport have further boosted the region’s appeal among investors.
Speaking about Lucknow, Shetty said the city has rapidly evolved beyond its traditional administrative and cultural identity into a modern urban economy. Investments in infrastructure, organised retail, services and a skilled talent pool are helping position the state capital as a major commercial centre.
IBM Announces New Software Lab in Lucknow
IBM India and South Asia CFO Tejaswini Rajwade said Uttar Pradesh has seen significant improvements in its business environment over the past few years. The state’s investor-friendly policies, sector-specific initiatives, and focus on ease of doing business have made it a reliable destination for investment. Initiatives such as Nivesh Mitra, policy reforms and transparent governance show the Yogi government’s commitment to building a globally competitive investment ecosystem. She also highlighted investments in digital infrastructure, data centres, logistics corridors, industrial parks and connectivity, saying these are creating a strong foundation for future industries.
Rajwade said Uttar Pradesh’s biggest strength is its large pool of young professionals, engineers and graduates. She said this skilled workforce gives the state the potential to become a leading hub for technology, innovation and artificial intelligence. She also announced that IBM will set up a new software lab in Lucknow focused on Generative AI and Responsible AI. The facility will be part of IBM’s global software development network and will help develop next-generation AI solutions.
Rajwade added that earlier this year, IBM partnered with the Uttar Pradesh government to launch the AI Government Technology Innovation Centre in Lucknow, aimed at promoting AI-based governance and digital transformation.
Cognizant Highlights Policy Stability and Talent Advantage
Cognizant Vice President Gaurav Hazra said Uttar Pradesh, particularly the National Capital Region, has rapidly emerged as a competitive destination for talent, technology services and business operations. He noted that Cognizant began operations in Uttar Pradesh in 2015 and today employs more than 10,000 professionals in Noida, while another 10,000 employees work across other NCR locations.
Hazra said UP’s industry-friendly policies, sustained infrastructure investments and digital governance initiatives have significantly simplified the investment process. Platforms such as Nivesh Mitra and the single-window clearance system have enhanced ease of doing business and strengthened investor confidence.
He also praised Uttar Pradesh’s recently introduced Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy, saying incentives such as 25 per cent capital subsidy, operational expenditure support and flexible provisions for large investors make the state highly competitive for multinational companies. Initiatives like AI City and AI Pragya, Hazra said, have the potential to make Uttar Pradesh one of India’s leading AI-driven economies.
Industry leaders noted that the expansion of expressways, logistics infrastructure, industrial corridors, digital services and investor-friendly policies, along with improved law and order, has encouraged more companies to invest and expand their operations in Uttar Pradesh.
