HCL Technologies has announced a strategic partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Media Lab, a move that sent its shares higher on Monday as investors cheered the company’s deepening focus on artificial intelligence. The stock rose 1.68% to ₹1,416.90 on the National Stock Exchange and gained 1.49% to ₹1,414 on the Bombay Stock Exchange.
The collaboration will give HCLTech access to MIT Media Lab’s global research ecosystem, enabling its teams to work closely with faculty and researchers on advanced technologies, including quantum computing. Together, they aim to co-develop projects that can transform AI research into scalable, real-world applications.
The announcement follows similar moves by other Indian IT majors, signalling an intensifying race to forge high-profile academic alliances. In September 2025, L&T Technology Services (LTTS) entered a multi-year partnership with the Media Lab to advance AI-led innovations in mobility, sustainability, and technology. The trend highlights a broader shift among Indian IT firms towards leveraging global research networks to stay ahead in the evolving AI landscape.
MIT Media Lab’s interdisciplinary model- blending science, engineering, art, and design- offers companies like HCLTech a unique opportunity to tap into research that extends beyond traditional IT boundaries.
HCLTech’s shares have climbed 1.9% over the past week, though the stock remains down nearly 26% year-to-date after peaking at ₹2,012.20 in January 2025. The company’s market capitalisation currently stands at around ₹3.84 trillion.
“We’re pleased to welcome HCLTech to the MIT Media Lab at a pivotal time for AI,” said Jessica Rosenworcel, Executive Director at MIT Media Lab. Vijay Guntur, HCLTech’s Chief Technology Officer, added that the collaboration will “translate advanced AI research into real-world innovation.”
The move builds on HCLTech’s growing AI ecosystem, following partnerships with OpenAI, AMD, and Salesforce, and reinforces its $14 billion technology portfolio spanning AI Force, AI Foundry, and AI Engineering solutions.
