Autodesk, the San Francisco-based design software company, has formally recognized India as a strategic growth market and announced plans to significantly expand its hiring and research footprint in the country.
Once among its smallest markets, India has now emerged as a “fast-growing, thriving business,” according to Haresh Khoobchandani, Vice President of Sales for Asia Pacific at Autodesk.
The company’s decision is driven by India’s robust infrastructure investments, government-led innovation programs, and a rapidly evolving talent ecosystem.
Autodesk’s Bengaluru-based Global Capability Centre (GCC) is already its largest outside the United States and plays a critical role in product development, especially for its Fusion platform.
Autodesk Expanding Headcount and Deepening R&D Capabilities
Autodesk plans to increase its hiring in India over the next few years, even as global teams undergo restructuring due to the impact of artificial intelligence.
The company’s India headcount already supports core functions across architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), and media and entertainment sectors.
The Bengaluru GCC has been instrumental in building capabilities for Autodesk Fusion, a platform that simplifies AEC workflows through real-time data integration.
CEO Andrew Anagnost emphasized that the centre has helped shape Autodesk’s global product portfolio, reinforcing India’s importance in the company’s innovation pipeline.
Kamolika Gupta Peres, recently appointed Vice President for India and SAARC operations, noted that Indian startups are also leveraging Autodesk’s tools.
Companies like Wave Mobility (developer of India’s first solar car), Atomberg Technologies (energy-efficient appliances), and Tinkerbell Labs (automated roti maker) are designing on Fusion, showcasing the platform’s relevance across sectors.
AI and Sustainability Drive Local Innovation
According to a recent Autodesk report, Indian businesses are leading the Asia-Pacific region in using AI for sustainability.
Over 52% of Indian business leaders reported using AI to support environmentally responsible outcomes—well above the global average of 39%.
Autodesk is actively partnering with startups and government initiatives to foster innovation and economic growth.
The company is also collaborating with Japanese firms investing in India to build platforms that enhance global competitiveness.
Haresh highlighted that India’s infrastructure investment of ₹1.3 trillion is a key driver of growth.
He added that supportive government policies make the country a strategic location for Autodesk’s long-term plans.
“We’re investing heavily in talent and R&D, and India will continue to play a key role in APAC’s growth,” he said.
Education and Affordability as Enablers
Autodesk’s strategy in India includes a strong focus on education and accessibility.
The company has partnered with institutions like IITs to offer free access to Fusion for students and educators.
Jeff Kinder, EVP of Product Development and Manufacturing Solutions, stated, “We want to train the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs on the tools they’ll use in the real world”.
For startups and SMEs, Autodesk has introduced flexible subscription models that allow usage-based pricing.
Srinath Jonalagadda, VP of Data Management, explained that this model helps early-stage companies avoid large upfront costs.
It also allows them to scale usage based on their evolving needs.
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