Hexagon AB, a global leader in digital reality solutions like digital twins, GNSS, and LiDAR, continues to make strides in advancing R&D and agentic AI. Interestingly, the Stockholm-based company attributes a lot of this R&D to its Hyderabad Global Capability Centre (GCC).
Reflecting on the significance of the centre, Burkhard Boeckem, CTO, Hexagon AB, was quoted as saying that Hyderabad is one of Hexagon’s three main R&D hubs globally, alongside Switzerland and the US. “The focus here is primarily on R&D, with some service functions closely aligned to our innovation initiatives,” Boeckem said.
Hexagon’s R&D efforts span 28 industries, from geosystems to autonomous solutions. And at the heart of this innovation lies its people. In Hyderabad alone, a 400-member team drives the company’s global innovation agenda.
“The talent pool here is phenomenal,” Boeckem noted. “We are excited about the future of agentic AI and its potential to transform industries.” 15% of the company’s revenue is reinvested into R&D, and Hyderabad is one of the biggest contributors to that engine.
So what’s the secret behind nurturing such high-impact talent from the ground up?
Narane Gundabathula, Executive Manager–Talent Acquisition at Hexagon R&D India, offers an inside look into how the Hyderabad centre grooms fresh graduates into innovation-ready professionals, ready to take on complex, industry-defining challenges.
Freshers Are Future-Ready from Day One
“At Hexagon, we foster a culture of continuous learning and development,” Narane begins.
For freshers, that journey starts with structured diagnostics to assess technical and soft skills. Based on these insights, new hires undergo immersive training focused on core technologies, Hexagon’s proprietary solutions, and industry best practices.
But what sets Hexagon apart is its seamless transition from theory to real-world impact. Within months, freshers are deployed onto live projects – guided closely by team leads, peers, and mentors. “Handholding isn’t an afterthought; it’s a deliberate part of onboarding,” Narane emphasises.
Each fresher is also paired with an experienced mentor, who acts as a sounding board and support system. This mentoring, combined with progressive responsibilities and exposure to complex tasks, enables a rapid yet thoughtful ramp-up.
Data-Led Personalisation: Training with Precision
Hexagon doesn't rely on generic training paths. While core modules align with business needs, learning journeys are fine-tuned to individual capabilities.
“We use diagnostic tools and individual development plans to tailor the experience,” Narane explains. This results in fresher-specific project assignments, targeted learning interventions, and mentorship pairings that play to their strengths while addressing growth areas.
It’s a balance between organisational strategy and personal potential, and one that ensures freshers feel both guided and empowered.
Tapping Hidden Talent, Beyond Tier-1 Campuses
In keeping with Hexagon AB’s global emphasis on inclusivity and innovation, the Hyderabad team has actively widened its talent lens.
“We have moved beyond Tier-1 institutes and are now engaging talent from Tier 2/3 colleges and non-traditional education pathways,” says Narane.
Internships, campus partnerships, and adapted assessments help Hexagon identify raw potential over polished resumes. “We’re not just hiring credentials – we’re hiring curiosity, drive, and learnability,” he adds.
This shift has not only diversified the talent pipeline but also enriched team dynamics and long-term capability building.
Accelerating Growth for High Potentials
While the average ramp-up time for freshers is between 3 to 9 months, those who demonstrate exceptional aptitude can fast-track their development.
“We have paths for early movers,” Narane shares. High-potential hires get access to accelerated training, high-impact projects, cross-functional exposure, and direct mentorship from senior leaders.
The goal? Cultivate tomorrow’s experts and leaders – the kind that fuel Hexagon’s R&D powerhouse across geographies.
From Hyderabad to the World
From Burkhard Boeckem’s global perspective to Narane Gundabathula’s on-ground view, one thing is clear: Hexagon’s Hyderabad centre is more than just a GCC. It’s a launchpad for talent, a training ground for innovation, and a strategic pillar in Hexagon AB’s global R&D blueprint.
At Hexagon, freshers do more than onboard – they innovate, contribute, and lead from day one.
