Google signed an agreement with the Telangana government on Wednesday to establish its Safety Engineering Centre (GSEC) in Hyderabad. This initiative marks a significant step in advancing cybersecurity and digital safety.
Hyderabad will host Google’s second GSEC in the Asia-Pacific region after Tokyo and its fifth worldwide, following Dublin, Munich, and Malaga. This specialized hub will be key in developing advanced security and online safety tools tailored to India’s needs.
The GSEC will prioritize research, AI-powered security solutions, and collaboration with top cybersecurity experts and researchers. According to an official statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the centre aims to drive innovation in digital safety while fostering partnerships.
Google’s new centre in Hyderabad will focus on developing skills, creating jobs, and strengthening India’s cybersecurity infrastructure. The company already has its largest employee base in Hyderabad and is also constructing its biggest global office outside of its headquarters in the city.
The announcement of GSEC on October 3, during the Google for India 2024 Conclave, sparked intense competition among states. Telangana stood out due to its proactive efforts, led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who discussed the project during his visit to Google’s headquarters in the USA.
“We are very proud that Google has chosen Hyderabad for setting up the GSEC. This partnership is a testament to Hyderabad’s standing as a leading IT and innovation hub in the country, and world,” Revanth said.
Welcoming Royal Hansen, CIO, Google, the chief minister, said: “Telangana has always been at the forefront of digital skill development. Hyderabad has been the epicenter of IT / ITES development globally. Our city is already home to five of the most valuable tech companies in the world Alphabet (Google), Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and Meta (Facebook). Now, with this partnership, I hope we can rapidly solve the global problems of cybersecurity from Hyderabad”.
This facility will address cybersecurity challenges by bringing together safety engineers. It will also improve digital safety for businesses, governments, and citizens while creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
The Chief Minister emphasized that Hyderabad is already leading in cybersecurity initiatives across India. He also highlighted how the Telangana Fiber (T-Fiber) project transforms rural connectivity by linking over 47 lakh homes. The partnership with Google will enhance digital safety for these homes, integrating secure Android TV and smart TV systems. The GSEC will strengthen these efforts, ensuring a safer, connected future for the citizens of Telangana.
Speaking on the occasion, Royal Hansen said: “Google’s GSEC in Hyderabad will become a hub for safety engineering, including cyber and digital security. Hyderabad, with this partnership, can become a global centre and cater to needs of the world in security.” Revanth extended special thanks to Royal Hansen for his support and for joining hands with the government.
