In line with its mission to decentralize technological innovation and nurture talent beyond major cities, Zoho Corporation has inaugurated a new Research and Development (R&D) campus in Neduvathoor, near Kottarakkara in Kerala. This facility will focus on artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and deep-tech development while creating meaningful job opportunities in rural India.
Empowering Rural Talent Through High-Tech Opportunities
The new R&D center, which accommodates up to 250 professionals, was inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal. The center is launching with an initial team of interns—40 young talents from nearby villages—who joined through Zoho’s internship-to-hire program, designed to identify and develop rural talent.
According to Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu, the project reflects the company’s commitment to building global technology from India’s heartlands:
“This initiative ensures that the benefits of innovation and economic growth are not limited to metropolitan areas.”
Strategic Growth Through Robotics Acquisition
Alongside the launch, Zoho also announced its acquisition of Asimov Robotics, a Kerala-based startup known for its work in humanoid and service robotics across healthcare, education, and industrial applications. This move will accelerate Zoho’s capabilities in robotics and automation research.
Deep-Tech Collaboration with Kerala Startup Mission
Zoho is collaborating with the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) to establish a Deep-Tech Product Studio at the new campus. Key partners include IIT Bombay, Genrobotics, and Boson Motors, forming a network of innovation aimed at bridging the gap between research, prototyping, and commercialization in India’s deep-tech space.
Scaling the Rural R&D Model
The Kerala center builds on the successful model of Zoho’s rural campus in Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu, which now employs over 900 professionals. The Kottarakkara campus is the first of its kind in Kerala and aligns with the state’s “Work Near Home” policy to distribute tech-led economic development across districts.
Driving Kerala’s Knowledge Economy
Kerala’s Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal highlighted the center’s role in shaping a decentralized knowledge economy:
“Facilities like this encourage local talent, reduce migration, and reinforce Kerala’s position in the global technology ecosystem.”
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan added:
“This is a defining moment for Kerala. It demonstrates how rural innovation can drive future-ready solutions and inclusive growth.”
