Chennai: Tamil Nadu has secured another global technology investment, with Starbucks Coffee Company announcing plans to establish its first corporate technology hub
outside the United States. The company signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu government on September 21. The proposed Chennai centre is expected to create around 800 technology jobs, with a median annual salary of ₹35 lakh, according to the state government.
The announcement comes just three days after US pharmacy chain Walgreens signed an agreement to establish its first India Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Chennai. The Walgreens facility, planned at DLF Downtown in Taramani, is expected to create more than 250 jobs in its first year. Both announcements form part of Tamil Nadu’s efforts to attract multinational companies seeking technology and business operations in India.
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Starbucks Chennai tech hub: 800 jobs planned
Starbucks will recruit employees in phases according to its business requirements. The company has indicated a median annual salary of ₹35 lakh for the proposed roles.
The Chennai office will work with Starbucks’ existing technology teams in Seattle and Nashville, supporting the company’s global operations.
Starbucks said it selected Chennai for its engineering talent, academic institutions, infrastructure and employee retention rates.
The technology hub will operate independently of Tata Starbucks, the company’s retail joint venture with Tata Consumer Products in India.
Why are global companies choosing Tamil Nadu?
Tamil Nadu has introduced a dedicated GCC corridor programme covering major technology areas in Chennai, including Old Mahabalipuram Road, Mount-Poonamallee High Road and Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam Radial Road.
Under the state’s Special Scheme to Promote GCCs (2024-2027), eligible companies can receive payroll subsidies for qualifying high-paying jobs.
The incentives cover 30 per cent of eligible payroll costs in the first year, 20 per cent in the second and 10 per cent in the third.
Starbucks joins other companies, including Walgreens, Sigma Technology Group and EY, that have recently announced technology-related projects in Tamil Nadu.
The Starbucks announcement follows an earlier Bloomberg report in May that the coffee chain was planning its first corporate technology office in India.
The company has not disclosed an opening date or the exact location of its Chennai facility.
