Unisys, a global leader in technology solutions, has recognized India’s pivotal role in the tech industry’s supply chain, particularly for its steady pipeline of skilled talent. As the demand for innovative solutions grows, the country continues to provide an unmatched combination of scale, expertise, and consistency that enables multinational companies to thrive. With over two decades of operations in India, Unisys remains committed to expanding its presence and investing heavily in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.
Unisys and India’s Tech Talent: A Symbiotic Relationship
Peter Altabef, CEO of Unisys, emphasized the importance of India during his recent visit to the country in September. “India is a crucial part of our supply chain,” he remarked, highlighting the role of local talent in driving the company’s global operations. “If you’re like us, a technology company, our inventory is really the talent of our people.”
India now accounts for about 40% of Unisys’ global workforce, with a quarter of its total employees based in the country. This significant concentration of talent in India underscores the country’s importance in Unisys’ long-term strategy, which is further supported by a robust local presence, including five operational offices across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Gurugram. The company is set to open another office in Gurugram next year as part of its continued expansion efforts.
Unisys’ Investment in AI and Quantum Computing
Unisys has long been a pioneer in cutting-edge technologies, and India has become central to its research and development efforts. The company logged a revenue of approximately $2 billion for the financial year 2023, a 1.8% year-on-year growth, demonstrating its resilience amid a challenging global economic landscape. Central to this success is Unisys’ strategic investment in AI, with 125 active AI projects aimed at revolutionizing the digital workplace, cloud computing, and logistics.
One of the most notable outcomes of these investments is a 50% productivity boost in application development, a testament to the transformative potential of AI. However, Altabef emphasized that the key to truly unlocking the future lies in combining AI with quantum computing. Unisys has made substantial progress in this area, focusing on quantum annealing to enhance post-quantum cryptography and protect critical assets.
The company’s quantum computing solutions have also extended to optimizing air traffic logistics, an area where traditional computing has struggled to deliver maximum efficiency. Unisys plans to expand this technology to train and truck logistics by early next year, setting the stage for more efficient and secure transportation networks.
Leveraging India’s Expertise for Innovation
Unisys continues to tap into India’s growing expertise in AI and quantum computing to develop cutting-edge solutions. The company has made significant strides in upskilling its workforce, with a higher percentage of Indian employees completing advanced AI courses compared to other regions. This dedication to employee development has helped Unisys remain competitive in an industry where top talent is in high demand.
Altabef acknowledged the challenges that come with attracting and retaining the best talent, noting that the competition for skilled professionals in AI is fierce, both in India and globally. However, Unisys has established relationships with over 200 universities in India to create a strong recruitment pipeline. These partnerships have proven invaluable in sourcing fresh talent for the company’s various initiatives.
One of the standout programmes fostering this relationship is the Unisys Innovation Programme, an annual industry-academia contest that lasts for ten months. This initiative has not only contributed to the company’s talent pool but also generated internship and employment opportunities for students. Last year, around 50% of the submissions from participating universities were related to AI, indicating the strong interest and capability of Indian students in this emerging field.
Challenges and Opportunities in India’s Tech Ecosystem
While India continues to be a critical hub for Unisys, the company has faced certain challenges related to infrastructure and the growing energy demands of AI programmes. Altabef pointed out that issues such as long commute times and internet bandwidth constraints for employees working in hybrid modes have been notable hurdles. Nevertheless, Unisys remains committed to overcoming these obstacles by investing in better infrastructure and expanding its operations across the country.
In addition to its focus on AI, Unisys is also exploring new applications of quantum computing to solve complex logistical problems and enhance cybersecurity. The integration of these technologies will likely create new opportunities for growth, not only for Unisys but also for India’s broader tech ecosystem.
India’s Role in Unisys’ Future Growth
As Unisys continues to expand its footprint in India, the country remains central to its global strategy. With a growing workforce, substantial investments in AI and quantum computing, and strong partnerships with academic institutions, India’s contribution to Unisys’ success is undeniable. Looking ahead, Altabef expects the company’s presence in India to grow even faster than it has in the past, driven by the country’s unmatched talent pool and its rapidly evolving tech landscape.
With plans for further expansion and continued innovation, Unisys is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in the global technology market, while India continues to cement its role as a key player in the future of tech.
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