Kerala, known for high literacy and strong education, is slowly becoming a hotspot for technology investments. One of the latest developments is Zoho Corporation setting up a new R&D campus in Kottarakkara, Kerala, focusing on AI, robotics, and deep tech. But is this move good — for the company, for local talent, and for Kerala’s long-term tech ecosystem?
In this post, we’ll examine what Zoho’s presence in Kerala brings — the opportunities, challenges, and what it might mean for you if you’re considering career or business prospects here.
What’s Happening with Zoho in Kerala
Zoho has inaugurated an R&D centre at Neduvathoor, Kottarakkara, Kerala.
The centre has capacity for about 250 employees initially, with plans to grow.
Zoho has acquired a Kerala-based startup, Asimov Robotics, to bolster its robotics and AI capabilities.
Government support is strong: Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) is partnering with Zoho for a Deep Tech Product Studio.
To close skill gaps, Zoho is running internship/training programs, bringing in local graduates and offering stipend, teaching core skills like C, C++, Python, etc.
Advantages / Positives
- Local job creation & talent retention : Many students from Kottarakkara and nearby rural areas get opportunities without having to relocate to big cities. This helps retain talent in Kerala.
- Upskilling & training : The training programs, internships, and robust onboarding for technical skills provide pathways for skill development that weren’t always easily accessible in non-metro areas.
- Boost to deep tech ecosystem : Partnerships with startups (Asimov Robotics), government initiatives (KSUM), and R&D work in AI & robotics will likely lead to more innovation, IP generation, and possibly spin-offs or new companies.
- Decentralisation & rural development : Zoho’s model supports work-from-nearby (“work near home”) culture, which is especially meaningful for rural Kerala. It reduces migration pressures, improves quality of life, and may lead to more balanced regional growth.
- Government & infrastructure support : The facility is backed by government support; Kerala Startup Mission and local institutions are involved. Infrastructure for campus industrial park and R&D centre is being developed.
Impact on Kerala’s Future Tech Ecosystem
- Startup Growth – Collaboration with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) will inspire more entrepreneurs to build deep tech products in AI, robotics, and automation.
- Educational Partnerships – Local colleges and universities may tie up with Zoho for training programs, internships, and research opportunities, bridging the skill gap.
- Rural Tech Hubs – If this model succeeds, more companies may follow suit, setting up offices in tier-2 and rural Kerala, decentralizing opportunities.
- Global Recognition – With Zoho investing in advanced technologies, Kerala could become a recognized hub for deep tech innovation, attracting investments and partnerships globally.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Zoho’s move into Kerala looks very promising. It has the ingredients of improving employment, fostering skill growth, decentralising tech, and boosting innovation in non-metro / rural India.
For Kerala, this could be a milestone: enhancing deep tech capacity, retaining talent, and reducing disparity between urban and rural opportunities.
