Saudi Aramco-backed Cognite Launches AI Services Center in Bengaluru

Cognite, a Saudi Aramco-backed industrial software firm, opened an AI services center in Bengaluru, southern India and said it was looking into potential contracts with top conglomerates in the country.

The company stated that it had signed agreements with a large industrial cement company and a major automaker. 

"Cognite is betting on India and is currently investing millions of US dollars, and our investment in India will continue to grow," chief strategy officer Hakon Bjerke stated.

Cognite develops software that helps businesses improve the operations and safety of industrial facilities such as oil and gas platforms. It is owned by Aker ASA, the investment company of Norwegian billionaire Kjell Inge Roekke.

"The decision to come to India was really the big opportunity here as the world was looking for an alternative to China," CEO Girish Rishi told.

Apple, Tesla, and electronic component manufacturer Jabil have announced plans to expand or launch in India in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's push to attract global companies to establish centers.

The recent boom in AI is changing the way many businesses operate, with manufacturers leveraging the technology to streamline operations, improve product quality, and optimize supply chains.

Cognite, which recently relocated its headquarters to the United States, currently counts AkerBP, Japanese refiner Cosmo Energy Holdings, and US-based Koch Chemical as customers.

Saudi Aramco's subsidiary, Aramco Overseas Company B.V., acquired a 7.4 percent stake in Cognite as of February 2022.