Bengaluru named Global Tech Powerhouse in CBRE’s 2025 talent report

Bengaluru has been ranked among the top 12 global tech powerhouses in real estate consulting firm CBRE’s Global Tech Talent Guidebook 2025, which analysed tech talent across 115 markets worldwide. Among others, the city joins the ranks of San Francisco, New York, London and Tokyo, with its workforce of more than a million, making it the largest tech talent hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

The report evaluates cities on the basis of tech talent availability, quality and cost, categorising them as ‘Powerhouse’ (12 markets with large, deep and highly competitive talent pools), ‘Established’ (63 mature markets with consistent talent pipelines) or ‘Emerging’ (40 growth-focused markets with improving capabilities) markets.

Bengaluru stood out not only for the size of its talent pool but also for its leadership in artificial intelligence (AI), boasting the highest number of AI professionals in India, comparable to major US clusters.


Anshuman Magazine, chairman and chief executive of CBRE for India, South-East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, said, “The distribution of tech talent around the world is the result of many factors that have increased demand for tech workers beyond large tech clusters and into smaller and specialised markets. These factors include labour market conditions, quality of life, demographics, educational attainment, capital funding and the availability and cost of real estate.”

Bengaluru’s tech sector saw a 12% increase in employment between 2018 and 2023. Its 75.5% working-age population—fourth highest among 12 tech powerhouses—and robust startup ecosystem, backed by 28 unicorns and strong institutional support, have attracted significant venture capital (VC) funding. In 2024, the city closed 140 VC deals worth $3.3 billion, including 34 focused on AI.

CBRE’s report also points to Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) and Mumbai as major contributors to India’s tech economy. Delhi-NCR led in the number of deals (183), with $1.9 billion raised, while Mumbai saw fewer deals (167) but topped the funding chart at $4.9 billion. Both cities are home to multiple unicorns and companies that have launched initial public offerings, reflecting growing investor confidence.

Beyond the metros, cities such as Ahmedabad and Jaipur are showing momentum. GIFT City in Ahmedabad is projected to host 550 companies and more than 20,000 jobs, while Jaipur is attracting startups and IT firms with its lower costs and strong educational base.

“What’s even more promising is the parallel growth story unfolding in cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Jaipur—each contributing uniquely to India’s diversified and resilient tech ecosystem,” said Magazine. “This signals a maturing market that is not only creating value in established hubs but also unlocking potential across emerging corridors.”