Zoho Corporation has officially launched its new research and development (R&D) centre in Neduvathoor, a village near Kerala’s Kollam district, on July 2. This is Zoho’s first AI and robotics research institute in Kerala, bringing advanced technology work to rural areas.
The new centre is situated within a 3.5-acre Information Technology park developed by Zoho. It commenced operations with a workforce of 250 employees, and intends to expand further. What makes this centre special is its location in a village, away from major cities, part of Zoho’s model of setting up offices in smaller towns and rural areas.
To begin with, Zoho has hired about 40 fresh graduates from rural parts of the region for training in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics, and other engineering fields.
“We want to create high-tech jobs where people live, not force them to move to cities,” said Sridhar Vembu, co-founder of Zoho Corporation, during the launch event.
The new centre aims to support local talent, create employment, and boost rural development by introducing advanced technology work to areas often left out of India’s IT growth story.
“This initiative shows how research and innovation can thrive outside big cities,” said Jayaraj Poroor, principal researcher at Zoho.
Zoho’s move is expected to encourage other companies to explore similar models, blending innovation with inclusive development.
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