Zoho Launches R&D Centre in Kerala to Boost Local Talent and Innovation

Kollam (Kerala), July 2, 2025 – International IT company Zoho Corporation has opened its new Research and Development (R&D) centre in Kollarakkara, a district in south Kerala. The centre, located at Neduvathoor, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who praised the company’s decision to establish a major campus outside urban hubs.

Zoho's new facility will start with 250 employees, with plans to expand further by hiring more people from the region. The company will offer training in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics, and core engineering disciplines, creating long-term career opportunities. State Finance Minister K N Balagopal, who presided over the function, highlighted the residential IT campus's potential to boost both economic activity and skill development in Kottarakkara and surrounding rural areas.

On the occasion, Zoho Corporation also announced its strategic acquisition of Asimov Robotics, a startup under the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) based in Kochi. Asimov Robotics is a pioneer in humanoid and service robotics, known for developing indigenous robotic solutions for healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors. This acquisition is expected to significantly enhance Zoho's robotics and automation capabilities.

KSUM signed an MoU with Zoho Corporation to establish a deep-tech studio at the R&D centre. Zoho has recruited around 40 fresh graduates from rural areas for R&D training in fields such as AI, machine learning, robotics, and core engineering disciplines. These training programmes are being conducted at the park, which also houses the KSUM LEAP (Launch, Empower, Accelerate, and Prosper) Centre.

Chief Minister Vijayan emphasized the state's IT sector growth, noting that IT exports are set to cross the one lakh crore rupees mark soon. He attributed this success to the supportive ecosystem and infrastructure created by the government. More investments are coming into the IT sector as the state offers strong connectivity, a talented workforce, and modern facilities. The presence of Vizhinjam Port adds to this advantage.

Vijayan also confirmed that around 66,000 new jobs have been created in the IT sector, and the government has made Kerala a startup-friendly state. Through KSUM, they have provided funding and guidance to help startups turn innovative ideas into successful products. Currently, around 6,400 startups are operating in Kerala, attracting approximately 6,000 crore rupees in investments.

Vijayan stated that Zoho will initially recruit 250 young professionals who will be trained in emerging technology domains. Minister Balagopal highlighted Kerala's potential in the knowledge-based economy, stating that this initiative is just the beginning. A model like this in Kottarakkara can be replicated across the state, aiming to train talented rural youth in high-end technologies and generate more employment.

The event was attended by Zoho Corporation founders Sridhar Vembu, Tony Thomas, and Shailesh Kumar Davey, along with Dr S Somanath, former ISRO Chairman, and Dr Jayaraj Poroor, Principal Researcher at Zoho Corporation. The new R&D campus is situated within the 3.5-acre IT Park developed by Zoho Corporation.