More than 25 years ago, global technology company HCLTech opened its first Australian office in Sydney to deliver technical services to Australian customers. From this initial investment, HCLTech has grown to become a leading player in Australia’s technology sector.
Today, with over 2,400 employees across 6 cities, HCLTech is a trusted partner for a wide range of Australian customers, delivering industry-leading capabilities centred around AI, digital, IT engineering, cloud services and software.
HCLTech’s investment and growth in Australia has been an important step and contributor to its broader success in Asia-Pacific markets.
Early solutions to scaled success
HCLTech has grown from one of India’s pioneering technology firms into a global powerhouse, employing more than 227,000 people across 60 countries.
The company expanded to Australia in 1999 when the country’s technology sector was starting to evolve and grow. HCLTech’s timely market entry meant it could capitalise on Australia’s tech transformation to establish a leading position in the country’s A$167 billion tech sector.
Early market success allowed HCLTech to expand its presence, attract talent, build partnerships and deepen its engagement with industries across Australia. Today, its client portfolio includes leading banks, retailers, utilities, government at all levels and sporting bodies.
Sonia Eland, HCLTech Executive Vice President and Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, reflects on Australia’s digitisation and the company’s growth.
‘We are a proud part of Australia’s transformation across industries and the public sector,’ she says. ‘Australia is a highly mature market, it’s competitive and it’s got strong regulations. Now with AI in focus, it is a crucial market.’
Uplifting Australia’s AI capability
As Australia steps into an era defined by AI, HCLTech’s integrated strengths in digital, engineering and cloud position it as a strategic partner.
Through its global network of AI & Cloud Native Labs, HCLTech provides clients with safe, secure and collaborative environments to explore where AI can make a real business impact, catalyse transformative ideas and accelerate the journey from innovation to production. The labs are designed to foster innovation, deliver tangible business value and enable enterprise-wide transformation through AI, GenAI and cloud native technologies.
HCLTech’s AI & Cloud Native Labs span six global locations and have engaged more than 400 clients across over 500 AI engagements. This global capability supports organisations in markets including Australia as they move from experimentation to scalable, responsible AI adoption.
HCLTech is embedding GenAI capabilities across its services, supported by its global network of AI & Cloud Native Labs.
Investing in people and partnerships
HCLTech works closely with Australian universities, supporting early career programs at Macquarie University and transiting student management systems at RMIT University. HCLTech’s collaborations with universities allow it to respond to skill gaps while helping create a sustainable, future-ready workforce.
In December 2025, HCLTech announced a partnership with the University of Western Australia to co-develop globally accessible micro-credential programs in AI and cyber security.
‘The education sector is such a large industry for Australia,’ says Eland. ‘Our partnerships are important for a very simple reason — we have a passion for edtech and we are a net job creator.’
Furthering Australia-India connections
HCLTech’s success reflects Australia’s deepening trade and investment relationship with India. The Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) came into force in 2022 and has been a major enabler of growth in the tech sector. This has allowed HCLTech to grow its Australian investments with greater certainty and market access.
HCLTech established a strong relationship with Austrade before it entered the Australian market. Austrade has provided extensive support to help the company invest, innovate and scale up. Introductions provided by Austrade also helped the company develop its profile and strategy in Australia.
HCLTech has also supported Australian tech businesses looking to grow in India through the Australia-India Business Exchange (AIBX), a program that fosters innovative tech partnerships between Australia and India.
With more than 25 years of success in Australia, HCLTech remains committed to its purpose: to supercharge local capability and advance Australia’s digital and technology ecosystem.
How Austrade can help
The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) supports foreign investors to establish and expand operations in Australia. Our experts in Australia and around the world can help you through every stage of your investment journey.
We offer the latest industry insights, connections with key stakeholders and decision-makers, and virtual or physical site visits to Australia. Thousands of foreign businesses have worked with us to tap into the Australian market.
For information on investment opportunities in Australia, contact an Austrade investment specialist.
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