AI-powered search startup Perplexity is scouting for its first engineering hub in India, with Hyderabad and Bengaluru emerging as the top contenders.
The move comes on the back of rapid growth in the country, where Perplexity has seen its largest user adoption globally.
India officially became Perplexity’s biggest market after the company partnered with telecom giant Airtel in May 2025.
The partnership extended free access to Perplexity Pro for Airtel’s 360 million subscribers, giving the U.S.-based startup unprecedented reach.
While the company has yet to make a final announcement, both Hyderabad and Bengaluru are considered strong candidates.
Hyderabad has recently positioned itself as a hub for emerging technologies and global AI firms, while Bengaluru continues to maintain its dominance as India’s established tech capital.
Alongside the engineering hub, Perplexity is also exploring additional investments in India.
Reports suggest the company is considering setting up a policy office in Delhi and even launching a dedicated investment fund to support AI-focused startups in the country.
With India already driving the largest share of its user base, Perplexity’s expansion plans underscore the strategic importance of the country in shaping the company’s next phase of growth.