Tech Mahindra is going to set up a blockchain centre within its R&D unit “Makers Lab” at its Hyderabad facility, The Economic Times reported.

The Indian tech giant is seeking to foster co-innovation in the blockchain space and develop enterprise-grade solutions for customers all across the globe.

Makers Lab is a research & development hub for co-innovation of solutions and services of the future with customers, partner companies, research institutions, universities, and start-ups. In India, Tech Mahindra has set up Makers Lab in Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Last month, the company expanded this R&D centre to the U.S. and Germany.

Makers Lab development work is focused on next gen technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), Augmented Reality/ Virtual Reality, 5G – Network of the future. With the setting up of Blockchain centre, the company will boost its focus on this emerging technology.

Furthermore, Tech Mahindra has also launched BlockGeeks programme in its Hyderabad facility to boost competency in blockchain technology. In the first phase, the company is targeting a batch of 0 eligible candidates to make them blockchain-ready. The programme will be gradually rolled out globally.

"We are targeting around 3000 blockgeeks to be trained by FY19,” Global Practice Leader, Blockchain, Tech Mahindra, Rajesh Dhuddu said. “Our R&D arm, Makers Lab will facilitate this collaboration between academia, research and partners, so that young tech enthusiasts of today can get trained on these disruptive technologies and become future ready."