Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh on Wednesday inaugurated global technology company IBM's Client Innovation Centre in Visakhapatnam, marking the company's return to the city after a gap of six years. Earlier on Tuesday, the minister also laid the foundation stone for the P V Sindhu Centre for Sports Excellence at Thotagaruvu in Visakhapatnam.
IBM has resumed operations from leased office space at Lansum Square in the Isukathota area and has been functioning from the facility for the past two months. The company's return is being viewed as a significant boost to the state's information technology sector. The technology giant is also playing a key role in the development of the Quantum Valley project being established in Amaravati.
During the previous YSRCP government's tenure, IBM had acquired a 25-acre plot on Rushikonda Hill-3 that had originally been allotted to Kenexa. Subsequently, 3.20 acres were retained while the remaining land was returned to the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC), citing the need to generate employment on a larger scale.
According to officials, IBM exited Visakhapatnam during the previous regime due to multiple issues, including pending incentives and concessions. The company later handed over its land to Infinity. The 21.80-acre parcel surrendered by IBM has since been allotted to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) by the current alliance government.
In March 2025, IBM registered with the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), signalling its plans to export products worth Rs 321 crore from its Visakhapatnam operations over the next three years. The company is expected to generate more than 500 local employment opportunities.
IBM is also exploring options for setting up a permanent campus in Visakhapatnam. According to reports, it has submitted a proposal to the state government seeking the allotment of 20 acres of land for the project.
Lokesh began his visit by departing from his residence in Undavalli by helicopter at 7:45 a.m. and arrived at the Andhra University helipad at 9:15 a.m. He then travelled by road to Thotagaruvu to attend the foundation stone laying ceremony for the P V Sindhu Centre for Sports Excellence before inaugurating IBM's Client Innovation Centre at Lansum Square. The minister later departed from the AU helipad at around 1 pm.
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