Infosys opens its sixth technology centre in the US

Bengaluru-based information technology services and consultancy firm, Infosys, has opened its latest technology and innovation centre in Arizona, United States. 

The centre, which is temporarily located at Arizona State University (ASU) in Scottsdale, will focus on autonomous technologies, internet of things (IoT), full-stack engineering, data science and cybersecurity, the company said in a media statement released on Saturday.

India’s second-largest software exporter, Infosys, said it plans to hire 1,000 US workers in Arizona by 2023. Infosys' investment in Arizona is expected to help shrink the IT skills gap in the state.

The centre is currently hiring locals and will move to a 60,000-square-foot facility in the ASU Novus Innovation Corridor by 2020.

“Today’s inauguration marks our sixth centre in the US, allowing us to seamlessly collaborate with our clients across the country in an agile manner. We look forward to leveraging and empowering this specialised workforce to bridge the technology skills gap in the market and accelerate the digital agenda of our clients,” said Salil Parekh, chief executive officer, Infosys, adding the company has surpassed its early 2017 commitment to hire 10,000 US workers as part of its ongoing efforts to accelerate local hiring.

Arizona governor Doug Ducey said the Infosys centre reinforces the state's reputation as a tech industry location.

“Our focus is on harnessing, modelling and scaling a new model for workforce development in the US,” said Ravi Kumar, president, Infosys. 

The centre has a series of living labs, showcasing new prototypes in virtual reality, augmented reality and robotic technologies, Infosys said. It also home to a "Makers Space," which encourages innovation through 3-D printing and other projects.

Through these living labs, Infosys wants the centre to develop cross-functional solutions to pressing business challenges in areas such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, user experience and advanced digital technologies, such as big data and cloud, the company said. 

The IT company has also announced a partnership with ASU's InStride programme, which will allow its employees to complete degree programmes and continuing education courses at the university.