Chevron Expands Bengaluru Hub to Enhance AI and Digital Strategies

Chevron India has inaugurated a new facility for its Engineering and Innovation Excellence Center, known as ENGINE, in Bengaluru. The expansion, which covers approximately 312,000 square feet, follows the initial launch of the unit aimed at consolidating technical operations and enhancing the company’s digital and artificial intelligence capabilities.

This development reflects India’s emerging significance in the energy sector, particularly as technology becomes essential for cost efficiency and competitiveness. The timing is noteworthy, as the U.S.-based oil giant aims to achieve up to $3 billion in cost reductions by 2026 while streamlining its global operations.

Akshay Sahni, the country head for Chevron in India, emphasized the importance of the new center in driving operational efficiency. In an interview with Reuters, he stated, “We were a very decentralized organization until recently,” highlighting the shift towards a more centralized approach. The center will utilize AI technology to enhance machine performance and improve drilling methods for oil and gas extraction. Sahni clarified that the focus is not on reducing headcount but rather on leveraging technology for better efficiency.

The expansion coincides with Chevron’s announcement of plans to reduce its global workforce by 15% to 20%, underscoring the company’s increasing dependence on India’s skilled engineering and digital talent. Sahni pointed out that India’s robust pool of STEM and IT professionals was a significant factor in this decision. “There are not too many places around the world where you can hire across disciplines… mechanical, civil, petroleum, geology, electrical,” he noted.

Since its establishment in 2024, the ENGINE center has recruited over 1,000 professionals and plans to invest around $1 billion in personnel, technology, and infrastructure over the coming years. The center will feature high-performance computing systems for real-time geological modeling and digital twins of Chevron’s processing plants.

At this stage, Chevron does not have plans for additional ENGINE hubs outside of India. Sahni affirmed, “For now, our focus is primarily to grow our Bengaluru center… upskilling our people as technology evolves and getting more of the workflows that are meaningful.” As the energy industry continues to evolve, Chevron’s investment in India positions it to harness local expertise while adapting to the demands of a rapidly changing market landscape.