Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: GIFT City is rapidly emerging as a global fintech hub, backed by a dedicated regulatory framework and active participation from leading tech firms. With innovation centres, sandbox environments, and academic partnerships, it fosters cuttingedge research, incubation, and enterprise growth in financial technologies.
Entities operate through Direct Authorisation or within the FinTech Sandbox, fostering innovation and flexibility. Leading firms like Wipro, Infosys, Cognizant, and Hexaware have commenced operations. International Fintech Innovation & Research Centre: A flagship initiative by the Government of Gujarat and the Asian Development Bank, this centre anchors global excellence in fintech through training, incubation, acceleration, and research.
Key institutions
The city has emerged as a preferred destination for leading global and domestic enterprises establishing their offices and Global Capability Centres (GCCs). Its strategic location, modern infrastructure, and progressive regulatory environment have attracted companies across sectors – from semiconductors and energy to finance and technology.
It has become a modern hub of infrastructure development, reflecting India’s vision for global financial and business growth. The city integrates cutting-edge infrastructure with modern urban planning. Its holistic approach combines advanced utilities, social amenities, and seamless connectivity to create a sustainable, world-class business and living environment.
GIFT City offers world-class ‘plug-andplay’ infrastructure, enabling businesses to start operations quickly without delays. Together, these offerings create a wellplanned environment that truly embodies the concept of a ‘walk-to-work’ city. Its high-end civic infrastructure includes a district cooling system; automated waste collection system; underground utility tunnel; zero-discharge water management; and a reliable power system.
Talent, education
GIFT City offers unmatched access to talent and academic excellence, drawing from premier institutions in its vicinity. It is also emerging as India’s gateway for global education in finance and technology, with top international universities establishing campuses within the city. Supported by leading institutions such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIT Gandhinagar, and Gujarat Maritime University, the state hosts a robust techfin talent pool comprising over 86,000 software engineers, 71,000 finance professionals, and 21,000 management experts.
To support international education in GIFT City IFSC, the IFSCA has issued a circular that introduces Academic Infrastructure Service Providers (AISP). These are authorised entities that offer campus infrastructure, research and development spaces, admissions support, staffing, marketing, and other approved services. The framework enables foreign universities to set up and operate smoothly within a relaxed regulatory environment.
Global academia
GIFT City hosts a growing academic ecosystem that includes both Indian and international universities. Among the domestic institutions, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) and Gujarat Biotechnology University offer specialised programmes aligned with trade, commerce, and life sciences. On the international front, campuses of Deakin University and University of Wollongong from Australia are already operational, while Queen’s University Belfast and Coventry University from the UK are set to join.
GIFT City offers a future-ready environment for enterprises seeking speed, scale, and strategic positioning. With its integrated infrastructure, progressive regulatory framework, and access to skilled talent, it fosters a seamless ecosystem for innovation and global competitiveness.
Businesses benefit from a supportive policy landscape and operational ease, making GIFT a preferred destination for high-value growth.