Zoho Corporation has launched its first AI and robotics research and development centre in Kerala, choosing the village of Neduvathoor in Kollam district as its hub. The new facility began operations on July 2 with 250 employees and aims to expand further, underlining Zoho’s long-term vision of decentralising India’s tech ecosystem.
The new centre is part of a 3.5-acre IT park developed by Zoho, designed to support local talent and create employment opportunities in non-urban regions. This initiative aligns with Zoho’s broader strategy of setting up offices in smaller towns and villages to bridge the gap between innovation and accessibility.
Creating tech jobs where people live
In a departure from conventional corporate models, Zoho has hired 40 fresh graduates from nearby rural regions to be trained in AI, machine learning, robotics, and core engineering. The initiative not only provides career opportunities but also helps prevent migration of talent to cities.
Co-founder Sridhar Vembu said the company’s intent is to “create high-tech jobs where people live,” emphasising the need to distribute economic and technological opportunities more evenly across India.
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Zoho’s choice of Kollam underscores its belief in building technology centres away from saturated metros. The rural centre is expected to attract similar efforts from other companies and serve as a model for inclusive innovation.
Pushing R&D beyond metro cities
Zoho’s principal researcher Jayaraj Poroor said the rural setup demonstrates that meaningful research and development is not limited to major urban centres. With its investment in AI and robotics, Zoho aims to leverage local talent for cutting-edge projects while driving rural economic growth.
The company has been expanding its domestic R&D footprint over the last few years. This new facility enhances Zoho’s capacity in advanced fields while reinforcing its community-first model. The Kerala centre adds to Zoho’s growing number of satellite offices, which are now part of its identity as a distributed tech company.
