Bengaluru has surpassed the milestone of having one million IT workers, making it one of the world’s leading technology hubs, according to a recent study by real estate firm CBRE. The ‘Global Tech Talent Guidebook 2025’ divides 115 economies into Powerhouse, Established, and Emerging markets based on the cost, quality, and availability of tech talent.
In addition to global behemoths like Beijing, Boston, London, New York Metro, Paris, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, and Toronto, the report names Bengaluru as one of the 12 “Powerhouse” IT hubs worldwide.
“Bengaluru is the largest tech talent market in the Asia-Pacific region, along with Beijing and Shanghai, with its tech workforce exceeding 1 million (10 lakh),” the report stated, highlighting the city’s vital role in the global innovation landscape, quoted media.
Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO – India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE, commented, “Bengaluru’s emergence as a global tech powerhouse reflects India’s strategic depth in digital innovation, AI, and talent readiness.”
He further noted the growing prominence of other Indian cities, saying, “What’s even more promising is the parallel growth story unfolding in cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur, each contributing uniquely to India’s diversified and resilient tech ecosystem.”
Bengaluru has the highest concentration of AI specialists in India, ranking on par with major U.S. tech hubs like San Francisco and New York, according to the research, highlighting the city’s leadership in AI talent development. With 75.5% of its population in the working age group, Bengaluru ranks fourth among the 12 powerhouses in terms of demographics. The city’s working-age population increased by 2.4% between 2019 and 2024.
Bengaluru’s startup scene, which boasts 28 unicorns, is bolstered by supportive institutional support and favorable rules. Top universities and Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are largely responsible for the city’s success, according to CBRE, since they provide a consistent supply of highly qualified individuals in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), data science, engineering, and product development.
These factors have driven a 12% rise in tech employment between 2018 and 2023, aligning with global trends, the report said. This solid foundation has also attracted significant venture capital funding, with Bengaluru securing 140 VC deals worth $3.3 billion in 2024 alone, including 34 focused on AI.
Comparatively, Delhi-NCR closed 183 deals worth $1.9 billion, with 42 in AI, bolstered by 15 unicorns and 16 IPOs. Mumbai followed closely with 167 deals totaling $4.9 billion, including 26 in AI, supported by 7 unicorns and 47 IPOs.
According to the research, these factors contributed to a 12% increase in tech employment between 2018 and 2023, which is consistent with worldwide trends. This strong base has also drawn a lot of venture capital financing; in 2024 alone, Bengaluru closed 140 VC transactions totaling $3.3 billion, 34 of which were AI-related.
In contrast, Delhi-NCR signed 183 acquisitions totaling $1.9 billion, including 42 in AI, supported by 16 initial public offerings and 15 unicorns. Mumbai came in second place with 167 deals worth $4.9 billion, including 26 in AI, backed by 47 IPOs and 7 unicorns.
“The distribution of tech talent around the world is the result of many factors that have increased demand for tech workers beyond large tech clusters and into smaller and specialised markets. These factors include labour market conditions, quality of life, demographics, educational attainment, capital funding and the availability and cost of real estate,” said Magazine.
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