Kerala’s First Campus Industrial Park Inaugurated in Kollam
In an effort to prepare the young generation for the technological advancements of the fourth Industrial Revolution, Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, inaugurated the state’s inaugural campus industrial park and Research & Development center. This significant step was taken at the College of Engineering, Kottarakara, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s commitment to fostering technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) in partnership with the Institute of Human Resources Development (IHRD) and the global Software as a Service (SaaS) giant Zoho Corporation, has taken the initiative to establish this campus industrial park. The park spreads across 3,500 square feet and aspires to train approximately 5,000 young individuals over the next five years in various cutting-edge technologies. This initiative is particularly focused on harnessing local talent and guiding them towards successful careers in the industry entrepreneurship sector.
During the inauguration, Chief Minister Vijayan highlighted several initiatives by the government to support not only the young aspirants but also the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector, which is brimming with opportunities for start-ups. He revealed that 16 private industrial parks have already been established within the state, with eight more awaiting approval. “Another 25 private parks are expected to be allotted next year,” he added, demonstrating the government’s robust plan for industrial expansion and innovation.
The event was presided over by the Minister for Finance, K. N. Balagopal. The Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice, R. Bindu, provided a keynote address, illuminating the significance of such initiatives in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications. This synergy is essential for the holistic development of students, equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in innovative sectors.
Distinguished attendees included Rathan U. Kelkar, Secretary of Electronics & IT; IHRD Director V. A. Arun Kumar; Sridhar Vembu, the founder of Zoho; Tony G Thomas, co-founder of Zoho, and Anoop Ambika, CEO of KSUM. Their presence underscores the collaborative efforts between educational institutions, the government, and the private sector to promote technological innovation and entrepreneurship in Kerala.
This initiative represents a significant stride towards integrating educational institutions with the industrial sector, ensuring that the upcoming workforce is well-prepared to embrace and contribute to the rapidly evolving technological landscape. By fostering an ecosystem of innovation, skill development, and entrepreneurship, Kerala sets a commendable example for other states to follow.
