Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurates facility, predicts ₹1 lakh crore in IT exports

On July 3, 2025, Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched a state-of-the-art Research and Development (R&D) centre by Zoho Corporation in Neduvathoor, Kottarakara, marking a milestone in the state’s tech journey. Speaking at the inauguration, Vijayan announced that Kerala’s IT sector is on track to hit ₹1 lakh crore in exports, fueled by robust infrastructure, top-tier connectivity, and a rich talent pool. The nearby Vizhinjam port further strengthens Kerala’s appeal for tech investments.

The new 3.5-acre R&D campus, part of Zoho’s IT park, will initially train 250 young professionals in cutting-edge technologies, driving innovation in Software as a Service (SaaS). Vijayan highlighted Kerala’s vibrant startup ecosystem, with 6,400 startups attracting ₹6,000 crore in investments. The event presided over by Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal and attended by MP Kodikunnil Suresh, featured key figures like Zoho founders Sridhar Vembu and Tony Thomas, CEO Shailesh Kumar Davey, Principal Researcher Jayaraj Poroor, and former ISRO Chairperson S. Somanath.

This facility underscores Kerala’s rise as a global tech hub, blending world-class facilities with local talent. As Zoho expands its footprint, the state’s IT sector is poised for exponential growth, promising jobs, innovation, and economic prosperity for the region.