As AI and machine learning continue to revolutionize industries, data annotation has emerged as a critical component in the development of intelligent systems. India, with its skilled workforce and tech-driven ecosystem, has become a global hub for data annotation services. These services are crucial for training models in computer vision, natural language processing, autonomous vehicles, healthcare, and more.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the top 10 data annotation service providers in India based on expertise, scalability, technology, and client feedback.
1. iMerit Technology Services
Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal
Founded: 2012
Overview:
iMerit is a global leader in data annotation services, specializing in image, video, text, and sensor data annotation. They support sectors like autonomous vehicles, medical AI, agriculture, and geospatial technologies.
Why iMerit?
- ISO and GDPR-compliant processes
- Tech-enabled human-in-the-loop workflows
- Over 5,500 employees across India
- Clients include Microsoft, eBay, and Samsung
2. Zilo Services Pvt Ltd
Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka
Founded: 2019
Overview:
Zilo provides scalable annotation solutions with an emphasis on affordability. They offer Text annotation, Image Annotation, and Voice Annotation services which includes Automated Speech Recognition (ASR).
Why Zilo Services?
- Text annotation – Text annotations in all major global languages including languages like German, Spanish, Arabic, Cantonese/Mandarin, Turkish, Polish, Dutch, Portuguese, French & more
- Over 5000+ fully managed & trained linguistic labelling experts who’ve annotated more than 15 million data points in industries ranging from Retail to BFSI to Healthcare
- Be it sophisticated labelling for customer centre automation, basic transcription, Automated Speech Recognition, Zilo’s teams have done it all
- Multilingual translator & interpreter workforce well versed in an array of accents and dialects helping AI teams understand cultural nuances in languages across geographies
3. Shaip
Headquarters: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Founded: 2019
Overview:
Shaip (Secure Healthcare AI Platform) provides domain-specific annotated datasets, particularly in healthcare and pharma. They offer medical transcription, de-identification, and audio/text annotations.
Why Shaip?
- HIPAA and ISO 27001 certified
- Strong healthcare compliance and expertise
- Multilingual audio annotation and transcription
4. SmartOne (Formerly Flatworld Solutions AI)
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Founded: 2002
Overview:
SmartOne, a spinoff from Flatworld, provides AI training data solutions for autonomous driving, agriculture, security, and retail.
Why SmartOne?
- Offers 2D/3D bounding box and polygon annotation
- Global client base with advanced AI integration
- Multilingual capabilities with secure infrastructure
5. DesiCrew Solutions
Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Founded: 2007
Overview:
DesiCrew provides impact sourcing by hiring talent from rural areas. Their services include text, video, and image annotation, especially in agriculture and financial services.
Why DesiCrew?
- Rural-focused BPO model
- Cost-effective and high-quality annotation
- Social enterprise with sustainability goals
6. Infolks Group
Headquarters: Malappuram, Kerala
Founded: 2016
Overview:
Infolks is known for computer vision and image annotation services, particularly for autonomous systems and smart surveillance.
Why Infolks?
- Experts in polygon, landmark, and semantic segmentation
- ISO 9001:2015 certified
- Focus on precision-driven annotation projects
7. Cogito Tech LLC
Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Founded: 2011
Overview:
Cogito is one of India’s most established data labeling companies, offering end-to-end annotation services including image segmentation, NLP annotation, and sentiment analysis.
Why Cogito?
- Offers human and ML-assisted hybrid annotation
- Scalable teams for large-volume projects
- Clients from healthcare, retail, and automotive sectors
8. Qualitas Global
Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra
Founded: 2014
Overview:
Initially focused on quality assurance for games and software, Qualitas Global now provides annotation services for autonomous vehicles and drones.
Why Qualitas?
- Strong in LiDAR, radar, and sensor fusion data labeling
- Uses proprietary tools for accuracy
- Focused on automotive and industrial robotics
9. SunTec India
Headquarters: New Delhi
Founded: 1999
Overview:
SunTec offers a wide range of data support services, including text classification, semantic annotation, audio transcription, and content moderation.
Why SunTec?
- Over 1,500 professionals
- Strong back-office and data management history
- Works across e-commerce, legal, and real estate sectors
10. Playment (Acquired by TELUS International)
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Founded: 2015
Overview:
Playment built a strong platform for 3D annotation and sensor fusion labeling. Now part of TELUS International, they support enterprise-grade ML pipelines globally.
Why Playment?
- Focus on autonomous driving and robotics
- Platform-based annotation with QA workflows
- Scales easily to millions of labeled items
Conclusion
India continues to be a powerhouse for AI data services, and these companies are leading the charge in providing high-quality, scalable, and secure annotation solutions. Whether you’re a startup looking to build your AI MVP or an enterprise scaling complex models, these providers offer the tech, talent, and experience to meet diverse needs.
When selecting a provider, consider your domain requirements, security compliance, and project scalability to make the right fit for your AI initiatives.