Cognite Opens AI Services Center in India, Plans Expansion with Major Partnerships

Cognite, an industrial software company backed by Saudi Aramco, has opened an AI services center in Bengaluru, India. The company is exploring potential partnerships with major Indian conglomerates and has already signed deals with a large cement company and an automotive firm, though details are undisclosed. Cognite is investing heavily in India, aiming for continued growth in the country. The company specializes in software that enhances the safety and operations of industrial systems like oil platforms.

India is seen as a key opportunity, especially as companies seek alternatives to China. CEO Girish Rishi highlighted the country’s market potential. As AI continues to revolutionize industries, many businesses are leveraging the technology for improved efficiency and product quality. Cognite serves clients like AkerBP, Cosmo Energy Holdings, and Koch Chemical. Saudi Aramco holds a 7.4% stake in Cognite as of February 2022.

Cognite Opens AI Services Center in India, Plans Expansion with Major Partnerships

Cognite, a software company focused on industrial solutions and supported by Saudi Aramco, has established a new artificial intelligence (AI) hub in Bengaluru, India. This move signals the company’s ambition to deepen its presence in the Indian market, which it sees as a promising region for growth. The firm is actively pursuing collaborations with major Indian corporations and has already secured undisclosed agreements with a leading cement manufacturer and a top automotive player. While the specifics of these partnerships remain confidential, the deals highlight Cognite’s strategic push to integrate its technology into India’s industrial sectors.

The Norway-based company, known for creating software that enhances safety and operational efficiency in high-risk industries like oil and gas, is betting big on India’s potential. Cognite’s CEO, Girish Rishi, emphasized that India’s vast market opportunities and its emergence as an alternative to China for global businesses played a pivotal role in the expansion decision. “India’s dynamic economy and the growing demand for digital solutions in industries make it a critical market for us,” Rishi stated. The Bengaluru center will focus on delivering AI-driven services to help businesses optimize operations, reduce risks, and cut costs.

Cognite’s investment in India aligns with a broader trend of companies adopting AI to revolutionize traditional industries. Manufacturers, energy firms, and logistics providers are increasingly turning to AI tools to boost productivity, improve product quality, and manage complex supply chains. For instance, Cognite’s software can analyze data from machinery in real time, predict equipment failures, and suggest maintenance schedules—capabilities that prevent costly downtime in sectors like oil exploration and manufacturing.

The company’s expansion also reflects India’s rising prominence as a tech and industrial hub. As global businesses diversify their operations away from China due to geopolitical tensions and supply chain challenges, India’s large workforce, tech talent pool, and pro-business reforms have made it an attractive destination. Cognite aims to position itself as a key partner for Indian firms undergoing digital transformation. Its Bengaluru team will work closely with local industries to customize solutions for challenges such as energy efficiency, automation, and predictive maintenance.

While Cognite has not revealed the names of its Indian clients, its global portfolio includes major players like AkerBP, Cosmo Energy Holdings, and Koch Industries. These partnerships showcase its expertise in handling large-scale industrial projects. Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil producer and a strategic investor in Cognite, holds a 7.4% stake in the company, underscoring the energy sector’s interest in digital innovation.

India’s industrial sector, which spans cement, steel, automotive, and renewable energy, offers fertile ground for Cognite’s solutions. For example, in cement manufacturing—a process-heavy industry—AI can monitor emissions, optimize fuel use, and improve equipment longevity. Similarly, in automotive production, predictive analytics can streamline assembly lines and reduce waste. By partnering with local giants, Cognite hopes to replicate its success in other markets while adapting to India’s unique needs.

The Bengaluru center is expected to create jobs in AI development, data science, and engineering, further boosting India’s tech ecosystem. Rishi added that the company plans to scale its India operations gradually, focusing on long-term relationships rather than rapid expansion. This approach reflects an understanding of the complexities of India’s diverse industrial landscape, where trust and localization are key to winning clients.

As industries worldwide face pressure to adopt sustainable practices, Cognite’s tools could also help Indian companies meet environmental goals. For instance, AI-powered energy management systems can reduce carbon footprints by identifying inefficiencies in power usage. This aligns with India’s commitments to climate action and its push for greener manufacturing under initiatives like “Make in India.”

In summary, Cognite’s entry into India marks a strategic step to tap into the country’s booming industrial sector and tech capabilities. With strong financial backing, a proven track record in global markets, and a focus on AI-driven innovation, the company is well-positioned to become a key player in India’s digital transformation journey. As CEO Girish Rishi put it, “India isn’t just a market—it’s a catalyst for the future of industrial technology.”