SUMAN K SHRIVASTAVA
Ranchi/Davos, January 20: On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, the Government of Jharkhand held high-level meetings with global technology leaders Tech Mahindra and Hitachi to explore investment and partnership opportunities in the areas of information technology, artificial intelligence, power systems, advanced infrastructure, and skill development.
Tech Mahindra Proposes Investment in AI, Data Centres, and Emerging Technologies
Chief Minister Hemant Soren, along with Kalpana Murmu Soren and the official state delegation, met Sahil Dhawan, Head and President of Tech Mahindra’s IMEA Division, at the company’s lounge during WEF. The discussions focused on strengthening Jharkhand’s IT and digital ecosystem.
Tech Mahindra proposed investments in artificial intelligence, data centres, and emerging technologies in the state. Company representatives noted that Jharkhand is moving towards becoming an energy-surplus state, making it suitable for energy-intensive infrastructure such as AI and data centres. The company also expressed interest in collaborating on advanced energy solutions, including underground energy storage.
Interest in IT Park and Global Capability Centre
Tech Mahindra showed willingness to partner with the Jharkhand government to strengthen the proposed IT park framework. The company also expressed a positive outlook towards setting up a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in the state. Such a centre could manage global operations, including IT services, research and development, mining research, finance, customer support, and digital innovation, utilising local talent, thereby positioning Jharkhand on the global technology map.
Focus on Skill Development and Employment
In the area of education and human resource development, Tech Mahindra shared its experience in running higher education, scholarship, and skill development programs. The company proposed collaboration with the state government for employment-oriented skill training for Jharkhand’s youth, both within and outside the state.
Hemant Soren requested the company’s cooperation in making ITI institutions in Jharkhand more market- and employment-oriented, stressing the importance of strong industry-academia partnerships to prepare youth for future workforce needs.
Hitachi Discusses Power Systems, Transmission, and Advanced Infrastructure
In a separate meeting, the Jharkhand delegation, led by Hemant Soren, met Bharat Kaushal, Regional Head of Hitachi, and senior company officials. Discussions focused on cooperation in power systems, power transmission technologies, advanced infrastructure, and skill development.
Hitachi highlighted its role in managing power systems for nine metro rail networks in India and shared information about its digital dashboard for power electronics. The company also noted its existing presence in Dhanbad, reflecting ongoing engagement with Jharkhand.
Joint Meetings Proposed for Short- and Long-Term Projects
Bharat Kaushal invited the Chief Minister to visit Hitachi’s manufacturing unit. He proposed joint meetings during February–March with Hitachi’s units in India and Jharkhand, along with other Japanese companies, to identify short- and long-term collaboration opportunities.
Hitachi also addressed land-related challenges in power transmission projects and presented advanced technologies that require significantly less land. The company expressed readiness to deploy these solutions to strengthen Jharkhand’s power and transmission infrastructure.
Heavy Vehicle Training and High-Skill Development
Discussions also included proposals for establishing a high-skilled heavy vehicle training institute in Jharkhand to enhance technical capabilities and employability among the youth.
Welcoming the proposals, Hemant Soren reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building global technology partnerships in energy, infrastructure, IT, and skill development to support sustainable and future-ready growth in Jharkhand.
