Bengaluru: HCLTech plans to invest Rs 14,257 crore to set up its first AI data center in the upcoming Odisha Sovereign AI Park, one of the country’s largest investments in sovereign AI infrastructure.The IT firm will set up the AI data center in partnership with domestic AI startup Sarvam and the Odisha government. The project cost includes financial assistance from the state government.The announcement comes a month after Sarvam raised $234 million in a funding round led by HCLTech and Bessemer Venture Partners, taking its valuation to $1.5 billion. HCLTech invested $150 million as a lead strategic investor, acquiring a 10.4% stake in the company. The proposed data center aims to strengthen India’s sovereign AI ecosystem by combining HCLTech’s AI infrastructure and service capabilities with Sarvam’s indigenous foundation model to develop sector-specific AI applications for enterprises, government departments and public sector organizations.Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson, HCLTech, said, “We strive to be an enabler of India’s sovereign AI ecosystem with differentiated offerings across the value chain through focused investments and partnerships.”Separately, HCLTech announced plans to set up a global technology center in Bhubaneswar to deliver AI-based digital solutions to global enterprises, which will employ around 5,000 people and may start operations by 2028.