Uber Sets Sights on Indian Tech Talent with New Campuses and Data Center

Uber is stepping up its presence in the tech-savvy landscape of India with ambitious plans that include opening two new engineering hubs and establishing a data center. These moves are part of Uber's broader strategy to bolster product development and infrastructure operations while investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI).

New Tech Campuses

Uber unveiled its plans to establish two new campuses in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, which together can accommodate around 9,600 employees by the end of 2027. These campuses will complement Uber's existing operations in both cities, both of which are renowned for their software engineering talent.

As part of this expansion, Uber is also hiring extensively for roles across various AI-related fields, including generative AI, machine learning, autonomous vehicle operations, and back-end infrastructure. The company currently employs around 3,500 people in India and plans to continue its hiring spree as it accelerates its global AI investments.

Data Center Partnership

Uber has partnered with Adani Group to build its first data center in the country, set for completion by the fourth quarter of 2026. This strategic partnership will not only support Uber's growing data needs but also mark a significant step in establishing a robust infrastructure base in India.

India as an Engineering Hub

India has emerged as a vital center for global tech companies due to its vast pool of skilled software developers. For Uber, this expansion comes at a time when the company is exploring new growth avenues beyond ride-hailing and intensifying its focus on AI, automation, and autonomous vehicle technologies.

In early 2023, Uber poured $330 million into its Indian operations to strengthen its local presence. Despite these investments, India remains a challenging market for ride-hailing companies due to fierce competition, supply shortages, high driver incentive costs, and regulatory hurdles that have disrupted services in certain cities.

Uber is also facing increasing competition from local rivals like Rapido, which CEO Dara Khosrowshahi acknowledged as the company's biggest competitor in India last year. However, Uber sees India not just as a market but as a strategic location for its global tech operations, especially with the rising demand for AI talent and computing capacity.