Announcement
On August 27, 2026, the Government of Punjab, represented by Cabinet Minister Shri Aman Arora, announced a strategic partnership with global consulting firm Zinnov at the 19th edition of Zinnov Confluence 2026. The partnership aims to showcase Mohali’s emerging Global Capability Center (GCC) proposition to global enterprise and technology leaders, positioning the city as a next‑generation GCC hub in North India.
Mohali’s GCC Proposition
The press release notes that nearly a quarter of India’s new GCC units established in the past year were set up in emerging cities beyond traditional metros, indicating a structural shift toward multi‑city portfolios. Mohali, located in the foothills of the Shivaliks and part of the Chandigarh‑Mohali region, offers a blend of Tier‑1 talent capabilities with Tier‑2 operating costs. The region produces over 40,000 fresh technology graduates annually, providing a strong talent pipeline. Operating costs in Mohali are estimated to be roughly one‑third lower than in Tier‑1 hubs such as Bengaluru and Chennai, delivering a significant OPEX advantage. The city also offers ready plug‑and‑play commercial spaces, proximity to the Chandigarh‑Mohali International Airport, and a livable urban environment that supports talent attraction and retention.
Government Incentives
Punjab’s new industrial policy introduces a suite of fiscal incentives to attract GCCs, including an employment subsidy of ₹7,500 per employee per month, rental subsidies, capital subsidies, and stamp‑duty exemptions. These incentives are designed to lower the cost of establishing and scaling GCC operations in Mohali.
Industry Context and Zinnov Perspective
Zinnov Managing Partner Nitika Goel emphasized that the GCC landscape in India is becoming more distributed, with enterprises seeking locations that combine talent, infrastructure, operating economics, and ecosystem support. She noted that GCCs are increasingly adopting lower‑risk entry models such as build‑operate‑transfer and GCC‑as‑a‑Service, which do not require full ownership from day one. This trend amplifies the relevance of Mohali’s cost advantage and flexible entry options.
Leadership and Strategic Outlook
The outreach, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is part of Punjab’s broader strategy to raise the state’s visibility in major business and technology hubs and to engage directly with corporate decision‑makers, GCC leaders, and ecosystem enablers. Shri Aman Arora highlighted that Mohali’s combination of technology talent, modern infrastructure, connectivity, and quality of life makes it well‑positioned to capture a share of the next wave of GCC growth.
About Zinnov
Zinnov is a global management and strategy consulting firm with over two decades of experience advising Fortune 500 enterprises, technology platforms, hyperscalers, GCCs, and private equity firms. The firm has helped establish and transform more than 220 Global Capability Centers and supports clients across four strategic areas: GCC advisory, enterprise AI and technology transformation, growth strategy for technology companies, and private equity & M&A advisory.