IT Leaders Must Be Ambassadors of Kerala’s Growth Story: Chief Minister

Technoparktoday( Jan, 2025) : Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized the need for IT leaders to champion Kerala’s industrial transformation by sharing their success stories and promoting the state as an investment-friendly destination. Speaking at a ‘Meeting with IT Companies’ organized by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) in collaboration with the Department of Industries & Commerce (DI&C), Shri Vijayan highlighted the state’s top ranking in Ease of Doing Business as a key factor in building investor confidence.

The event, attended by representatives from around 60 IT companies, served as a precursor to the upcoming Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025 (IKGS 2025), scheduled in Kochi on February 21-22. Shri Vijayan called on IT leaders to counter misconceptions about Kerala by showcasing the state’s evolving industrial ecosystem and leveraging its highly skilled workforce.

Addressing infrastructure challenges, the Chief Minister assured the gathering of ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity, including airport upgrades and new airstrips. He noted the progress in developing Kozhikode airport and the government’s aim to ensure daily European flight connectivity. He also highlighted major projects like the Sabarimala airport and Kochi Water Metro, along with plans to complete the Kovalam-Chettuva stretch of the proposed waterway from Kovalam to Bekal.

The Chief Minister underlined Kerala’s commitment to retaining its talent pool while attracting professionals from other states. Steps to establish IT parks in Kannur and Kollam are underway, complementing the success of Technopark. In response to queries, he mentioned the state’s proactive approach to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into education and industry.

Key Developments and Announcements:

• Minister P. Rajeeve highlighted the state’s efforts to prepare for IKGS 2025, including 49 run-up events and plans to establish a Pink Park for women entrepreneurs.
• A draft policy on Global Capability Centres (GCCs) is being prepared, aiming to position Kerala as a hub for Global Technology Centres (GTCs).
• Principal Secretary A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish emphasized Kerala’s future-ready talent pool and its network of 1,000+ software companies spread across state IT parks.
• Dr. Rathan U Kelkar, Secretary, Electronics & IT, shared plans for a new IT Policy, promising incentives for women entrepreneurs and acting on industry feedback.
• KSIDC Board Member V.K. Mathews highlighted Kerala’s infrastructure and talent pool as critical assets in the global digital economy, which is projected to reach $5.8 trillion by 2025.

The meeting served as a platform for IT leaders to share insights on key challenges, including connectivity, industry-academia collaboration, and AI adoption. It also reinforced the government’s commitment to strengthening ties with the IT industry and supporting its growth through targeted initiatives.

This conclave is part of a series of events aimed at showcasing Kerala’s New Industrial Policy and focusing on 22 priority areas identified for sustainable development.