HCL Technologies Limited launched an AI Innovation Zone in collaboration with Google Cloud on June 08, 2026. Located in Santa Clara, California, the facility is designed to enable global enterprises to scale AI applications across agentic, kinetic, and physical AI. The initiative provides a dedicated environment for HCLTech and its clients to design, build, and deploy AI-driven workflows and advance robotics-led innovation.

The AI Innovation Zone is enabled by Gemini Enterprise, bringing together Google Cloud's advanced AI capabilities with HCLTech's portfolio of AI-led and Industry AI solutions. The facility is intended to support clients in progressing toward the agentic enterprise by translating AI capabilities into real-world, industry-specific solutions. The launch builds on an expanded collaboration between HCLTech and Google Cloud announced in March, positioning the facility to leverage the combined strengths of both entities.

Key Collaboration Details

The following table outlines the core features of the AI Innovation Zone:

Leadership Perspectives

Kevin Ichhpurani, President, Global Partner Ecosystem at Google Cloud, stated that the collaboration combines Google Cloud's AI infrastructure with HCLTech's industry expertise. He noted that mutual customers gain a dedicated environment to build, test, and deploy advanced workflows, bridging the gap between innovation and enterprise-wide adoption.

Vijay Guntur, CTO and Head of Ecosystems at HCLTech, emphasized that the collaboration enables organizations to transition to agentic enterprises. He highlighted that AI systems can execute autonomous, multi-step workflows at scale, focusing on operationalizing AI across various domains to drive measurable business outcomes.

HCLTech awarded $1 million to three nonprofit organizations in the Americas to scale innovative climate initiatives as part of the third edition of its Climate Action Grant. The grant aims to support water security, biodiversity conservation, and access to clean water in climate-vulnerable regions, reinforcing the company's commitment to long-term climate resilience.

Guatemala-based CISP - Comitato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo dei Popoli was named the winner, receiving $500,000. Argentina-based Aves Argentinas and Mexico-based Isla Urbana – Lluvia para Todos A.C. were selected as runners-up, each receiving $250,000. The funding will enable these organizations to expand their work across the region.

Grant Allocation and Impact

The selected nonprofits will utilize the funds to drive specific environmental outcomes in their respective regions. The initiatives focus on scalable and locally relevant solutions to address climate challenges.

Program Expansion and Selection

The 2026 edition of the grant attracted applications from nonprofit organizations across 10 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and the United States. This participation reflects a 41% increase in applications since the program's launch. A seven-member jury comprising HCLTech leaders and external experts selected the finalists through a multi-stage evaluation process.

Launched in 2023, the HCLTech Climate Action Grant in the Americas is part of the company's broader sustainability and CSR strategy. hcl technologies committed $5 million over five years for this initiative. To date, the program has supported the planting of over 360,000 native trees and mangroves and empowered more than 1,400 young people through climate leadership programs.

“We are inspired by the ingenuity and commitment demonstrated by this year's recipients, who are driving meaningful climate action in the communities that need it most,” said Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Senior Vice President, Global CSR, HCLTech.