As a key technology arm of Siemens AG, this Indian GCC collaborates across Siemens’ worldwide R&D network with a clear focus on digitalised infrastructure, sustainable mobility, and future-ready manufacturing. Pankaj Vyas, MD & CEO, Siemens Technology and Services, informs Rajneesh De, Group Editor, CXO Media & APAC Media, how they have tripled the number of inventions feeding into Siemens’ global product pipeline in the last few years.
What are the current key focus areas for Siemens India GCC?
At Siemens, we strongly believe in leveraging the latest technology to design solutions that can positively impact human lives while also causing the least harm to the planet. With this view in mind, we have a major focus on driving sustainability, cybersecurity and industrial digitalisation, leveraging technologies like cloud and edge computing and AI (including generative AI).
Through this, we are building digital-twin platforms, cloud-enabled automation, and edge analytics to accelerate the decision-making process on the factory floor. We are also rolling out cloud-based energy-management systems, emission-monitoring tools, and predictive analytics that help customers cut their carbon footprint, thus furthering sustainability. As more solutions move to open, cloud‑native architectures, we are simultaneously focusing on cybersecurity as a strategic area of importance to safeguard every layer of innovation.
To deliver on these priorities, we are upskilling talent, shortening software release cycles, and boosting collaboration between domain and technology experts. Together, these efforts deepen our R&D capability and position us to lead in digital industries, smart infrastructure, and sustainable mobility.
How is Siemens Technologies and Services looking to strengthen the CoEs in cloud, edge computing, Cybersecurity and GenAI?
The Community of Experts (CoEs) are being strategically integrated deeper into product development cycles. In AI and GenAI, we are moving beyond proof of concept to real-world deployments, exemplified by our industrial copilots that enhance shopfloor decision-making. In cloud and edge, the CoEs are focused on integrating information technology and operational technology, enabling real-time automation that bridges the real and digital worlds.
For cybersecurity, we have adopted a ‘security-by-design’ approach, embedding protection mechanisms from the conceptual phase that are supported by dedicated governance, testing, and compliance protocols.
Additionally, by partnering with startups and universities, we are strengthening our CoEs, fast‑tracking the development of advanced solutions and broadening Siemens’ global product portfolio.
Where does Siemens India GCC fit in the overall strategy of Siemens AG in terms of innovation?
Siemens Technology and Services is a key technology development arm of Siemens AG globally, with extensive capabilities spanning all Siemens business domains and a substantial workforce delivering innovations across the company’s portfolio.
Functioning as a full-spectrum innovation partner, we now play a critical role in global product development, collaborating across Siemens’ worldwide R&D network with a clear focus on digitalised infrastructure, sustainable mobility, and future-ready manufacturing.
Over the past few years, we have tripled the number of inventions feeding into Siemens’ global product pipeline, and our contribution is only expected to grow further as the team expands. Our innovation roadmap, aligned with Siemens Xcelerator, includes the development of software-defined automation, digital twin platforms for energy optimisation, cloud-enabled industrial automation solutions, and domain-specific AI models for predictive analytics in industrial applications. These efforts are closely aligned with Siemens’ broader goals around sustainability and the industrial metaverse.
What are the innovations in smart manufacturing that are coming out of Siemens GCC in India?
As a global technology powerhouse, Siemens is at the forefront of driving digital transformation in manufacturing, with its Global Capacity Centre in India playing a key role in developing cutting-edge smart manufacturing solutions.
Our teams in India have developed groundbreaking solutions focusing on sustainability in manufacturing. One of our key innovations helps organisations track and reduce their carbon footprint across supply chains through advanced cloud computing. This solution has earned recognition through the prestigious Werner von Siemens Award for innovation.
In the area of circular economy, our experts have created technologies that empower manufacturers to design more sustainable products from the earliest stages of development. These innovations guide companies in making informed decisions about materials and components, promoting reusability and remanufacturing while ensuring cost efficiency.
Additionally, we have also made significant strides in applying artificial intelligence to shop floor operations. Our recent innovation includes advanced voice-enabled AI technology that lets shopfloor operators give voice commands and receive intelligent responses in real time, greatly reducing training time.
How is Siemens looking at the evolution of AI into manufacturing, mobility, smart grids and urban infrastructure?
AI is no longer on the sidelines; it is becoming core to how industry operates. Over the past few years, we have seen a clear evolution: from isolated pilots and analytics to deeply embedded intelligence across systems.
At our organisational level, this shift is visible in how we are moving from rule-based automation to AI-powered autonomy. In manufacturing, for example, we are transforming human-machine interaction through advanced AI assistants that enable natural, conversational interfaces instead of traditional button-based controls. In energy and infrastructure, we have gone from static monitoring to predictive systems that leverage digital twins and AI to optimise energy distribution, prevent outages, and anticipate maintenance needs.
Looking at the evolution of AI, we are seeing intelligent algorithms becoming the central intelligence for forecasting resource demand and driving proactive adjustments to cut waste and reduce costs in urban infrastructure. In automotive and industrial sectors, we are witnessing a fundamental transformation toward software-defined enterprises. The role of software has evolved from supporting operations to becoming a key differentiator, particularly in vehicles where it now powers everything from advanced driver assistance features to safety-critical systems.
The impact of this evolution is prompting organisations to fundamentally rethink their development approaches and innovation cycles.
How has the Siemens GCC evolved beyond support centres to being Central to enterprise-wide AI innovation?
Siemens Technology and Services has shifted from executing global tasks to owning global outcomes. It now leads innovation programs, contributes to global strategy, and develops intellectual property across core technologies like AI and digital twins.
We have evolved into a centre that drives technological innovation, taking ownership of global products and developing enterprise-wide AI solutions for real-world deployment. Our teams contribute significantly to next-generation industrial AI platforms that enhance manufacturing productivity and automation, signalling our central role in Siemens’ digital transformation vision.
How is Siemens GCC looking at strategic hiring and upskilling?
At Siemens Technology and Services, we combine strategic hiring with continuous upskilling to build a future-ready workforce. We recruit talent with deep domain expertise and technical skills, while also running a dedicated ‘Focus’ upskilling program for fresh graduates and customised reskilling for experienced employees working on legacy systems.
We believe learning should not stop at joining, so we have set up a community of experts in cloud, edge computing, AI/ML, UX, and cybersecurity, where employees can learn from mentors and external specialists. Our partnerships with institutions like BITS Pilani and the IITs help bridge the gap between industry and academia. By hiring hybrid professionals and supporting ongoing learning, we are ensuring we stay agile and innovative as technology evolves.
Over 95% of our employees participate in learning programs, dedicating substantial time each year to stay ahead in areas like AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and digital engineering.
