Zoho Expands R&D With New Campus, Acquisition, and KSUM Partnership
Zoho Corporation the parent company of Zoho and ManageEngine, has announced the acquisition of Asimov Robotics, a strategic partnership with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) for its Deep Tech Product Studio initiative, and new collaborations with various startups and organizations to advance research and development. These moves reflect Zoho’s dedication to strengthening its R&D initiatives and fostering deep-tech growth in India. The announcements were made during the launch of Zoho’s new campus in Kottarakkara, Kerala.
The new facility was inaugurated by Kerala’s Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan and Finance Minister Shri K. N. Balagopal. Representing Zoho were Shailesh Davey, Co-founder and CEO, Zoho Corp.; Tony Thomas, Co-founder and CEO, Zoho US; and Sridhar Vembu, Co-founder and Chief Scientist, Zoho Corp. Also attending were Member of Parliament Shri Kodikunnil Suresh, KSUM CEO Shri Anoop Ambika, and Dr. S Somanath, former ISRO chairman.
“This partnership with Zoho marks an important step in building Kerala’s innovation ecosystem, supporting IP creation and tech development in rural regions. The Kottarakkara campus, nearing completion, serves as a model for integrated development involving stakeholders in education, employment, infrastructure, and public-private participation, said Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal.
“Our Kottarakkara campus will focus on expanding R&D efforts in emerging technologies, starting with AI and Robotics. Alongside our own work, we’ll collaborate with deep-tech companies to accelerate progress. We aim to build technological self-reliance within India. We sincerely thank the state and local communities for their support in this journey,” said Zoho Co-founder and CEO Shailesh Davey.
“Zoho’s presence further proves that Kerala’s startup environment can attract large firms through acquisitions, investments, and innovation programs. We’re thrilled that Zoho is working with local startups to strengthen the R&D ecosystem in Kottarakkara and has partnered with KSUM to set up a Deep Tech Product Studio in the state,” said Anoop P. Ambika, CEO, Kerala Startup Mission.
Rural Development through R&D
The Kottarakkara campus, with a seating capacity of 250, will focus on AI and robotics research in its initial phase. Zoho Corp. opened its office in the town in 2024, hiring both locally and from nearby towns and villages. To bridge the skill gap, the company launched an internship program to foster local talent.
Interns undergo a three-month skill development course, choosing specializations, with mandatory coding skills in C, C++, and Python. Afterward, they spend six months working on various projects, evaluating problem-solving skills and initiative. Successful trainees are offered full-time positions at Zoho. Throughout the program, interns receive a stipend, and 40 employees have been hired so far.
Asimov Robotics Acquisition
Zoho Corp. has acquired Asimov Robotics, a Kerala-based startup founded in 2012 that focuses on delivering robotic solutions for hazardous, inefficient, and repetitive industrial tasks. Following the acquisition, Asimov Robotics and its team will continue their R&D activities from Zoho’s Kottarakkara office, working under the mentorship and guidance of Zoho’s experts. This move aims to strengthen Zoho’s R&D capabilities in the field of robotics.
Partnership with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM)
KSUM is launching a Deep Tech Product Studio to unite startups and organizations focused on deep-tech research and product innovation. Zoho Corp. has become the first industry partner for this initiative. As part of the collaboration, Zoho will offer mentorship, explore joint opportunities, and work closely with participating organizations to strengthen the deep-tech ecosystem.
R&D Associations
Zoho Corp. has established R&D partnerships with Boson Motors, Vipus Advanced Materials, vTitan, Zentron Labs, Verdant Telemetry & Antenna Systems, Netra semi, Genrobotics, Energy 24by7, and IIT Bombay. Through these collaborations, Zoho aims to address specific R&D challenges, encourage knowledge exchange, and support research efforts across diverse domains.
About Zoho Corporation
Zoho Corporation is a privately owned, profitable technology company founded in 1996 and headquartered in Chennai, India. With a global workforce of over 18,000 employees, it serves as the parent company of leading tech brands such as ManageEngine, Zoho, TrainerCentral, Qntrl, and Zakya.
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