Bengaluru Among Top 12 Global Tech Hubs as Tech Talent Crosses 1 mn Mark: CBRE

New Delhi, May 27, 2025: CBRE, a leading real estate consulting firm, released its latest report, ‘Global Tech Talent Guidebook 2025’, highlighting global tech talent dynamics across 115 markets.

Through a comprehensive analysis, the report evaluates these markets based on the availability, quality and cost of tech talent and classifies them into three categories: Powerhouse (12 markets with large, deep and highly competitive talent pools), Established (63 mature markets with consistent talent pipelines) and Emerging (40 growth-focused markets with improving capabilities).

The report identifies Bengaluru as among the top 12 global tech powerhouses alongside leading markets, including Beijing, Boston, London, New York Metro, Paris, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo and Toronto.

The analysis points out that Bengaluru is the largest tech talent market in the Asia-Pacific region along with Beijing and Shanghai with its tech workforce exceeding 1 million. This makes the city a critical node in the global technology and innovation landscape.

The report underscores Bengaluru’s leadership in AI development talent stating that it has the most AI-related professionals in India, placing it on par with established US clusters like San Francisco and New York.

In terms of demographics, Bengaluru ranks fourth among the 12 tech powerhouse markets in share of working-age population with 75.5 per cent of its population falling in the working-age bracket. Moreover, the city recorded a 2.4 per cent growth in working-age population between 2019 and 2024, making it one of the fastest-growing globally in this segment.
 
The city’s start-up ecosystem, supported by 28 unicorns, benefits from favourable business regulations and strong institutional support.

A key driver of its growth is the presence of leading educational institutions and Global Capability Centres (GCCs), which contribute to a steady pipeline of skilled talent and anchor high-value functions in AI, data science, engineering and product development.

These factors have powered a 12 per cent increase in tech employment between 2018 and 2023, aligning with global growth trends. This robust foundation, backed by the growth of the tech industry, higher tech proliferation, long-term growth prospects and tech talent demand, translated into significant VC funding inflows.
 
In 2024, Bengaluru attracted 140 VC deals worth $3.3 billion, including 34 deals in AI, solidifying its status as a top global destination for AI innovation and investment. The city’s blend of cost competitiveness, deep talent pool and long-term growth potential continues to attract both global investors and tech majors.

Beyond Bengaluru, the report highlights the rising momentum in other Indian cities, including Ahmedabad and Jaipur. According to the report findings, Delhi-NCR closed 183 VC deals totalling $1.9 billion, including 42 in AI, and continues to foster innovation through its 15 unicorns and 16 IPOs.

Mumbai followed with 167 deals worth $4.9 billion, including 26 in AI, backed by 7 unicorns and 47 IPOs, making it one of India’s most capital-rich tech corridors.

Ahmedabad and Jaipur have emerged as high-potential, cost-effective tech markets. Ahmedabad’s growth in software, IT services, and fintech is further bolstered by infrastructure projects like the 22 mn sq ft. Gujarat International Finance Tec-City is set to house 550 companies and employ over 20,000 people.

Jaipur, with its strong education base and favourable cost structure, is attracting a mix of start-ups and domestic IT services firms, especially those seeking an edge over pricier hubs like Delhi-NCR.

“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,” said Anshuman Magazine, Chairman and CEO, India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE. 

“These factors include labour market conditions, quality of life, demographics, educational attainment, capital funding and the availability and cost of real estate. Bengaluru’s emergence as a global tech powerhouse reflects India’s strategic depth in digital innovation, AI and talent readiness.”

He added, “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. This signals a maturing market that is not only creating value in established hubs but also unlocking potential across emerging corridors.”

Ada Choi, Head of research (APAC), CBRE, said, “The tech sector has traditionally been an accelerator of economic transformation as businesses and consumers increasingly rely on new and improved tech products and services. It has become a larger part of the global economy and has driven innovation and collaboration across geographic boundaries.”

He added, “Companies worldwide are looking farther afield for more tech talent to deploy new, transformative technologies like artificial intelligence for operational efficiencies. Our analysis also provides insight into how the size and depth of each market’s tech talent pool contribute to real estate demand.”