Zoho Invests in Two Indian Manufacturing Startups to Foster Job Creation in Rural Areas
In a significant move aimed at fostering development and job creation in India’s rural sectors, cloud software giant Zoho has announced its financial investment in two innovative manufacturing startups, Karuvi and Yali Aerospace. This initiative marks a strategic step by Zoho to bolster deep-tech expertise and manufacturing prowess within the country.
A statement from the company highlighted the importance of manufacturing and technological advancements as essential drivers of national economic growth. “Manufacturing and technology capabilities are critical to a nation’s economic prosperity. For our country to gain in this area, conscious attention to building expertise that is currently scarce becomes necessary,” expressed Sridhar Vembu, CEO and Co-founder of Zoho.
The two startups, Karuvi and Yali Aerospace, are at the forefront of innovation in their respective sectors, aligning perfectly with Zoho’s ethos of generating employment and enhancing technical skillsets in smaller towns and villages.
About Karuvi
Founded in 2022, Karuvi is a mechatronics startup based in Chennai, making waves with its launch of a range of tools, including drills, power saws, and angle grinders. With a strong commitment to local manufacturing, approximately 95 percent of Karuvi’s components are sourced locally, supporting the community and economy. The company has ambitious plans to expand its product lineup to at least 30 by the end of 2025 and aims to fortify its network of local suppliers.
“We will be adding more tools to our portfolio and plan to have at least 30 products by the end of 2025. We are also working to create a network of suppliers so that we can source all components locally,” stated MSD Prasad, CEO of Karuvi. The startup is on the verge of opening a new manufacturing unit in Tenkasi, further emphasizing its commitment to rural development and employment.
About Yali Aerospace
Yali Aerospace, based in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, is pioneering in the Indian aerospace industry. The startup is working on delivering emergency medical supplies via drones, with the capability to cover over 300 kilometers in less than 120 minutes. This innovation is particularly geared towards enhancing medical supply chains in challenging terrains, such as hilly areas where conventional transportation struggles.
“We are in talks with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to get approvals to start a pilot project to create a network between hospitals, especially in the hills where transportation is a challenge,” remarked Dinesh Baluraj, CEO and Founder of Yali Aerospace.
The investments by Zoho into Karuvi and Yali Aerospace not only highlight the company’s dedication to backing deep-tech innovation but also its commitment to contributing to India’s economic prosperity by steering job creation and skill development in lesser-developed areas. Through these strategic investments, Zoho hopes to play a pivotal role in bolstering India’s manufacturing sector and establishing a strong local supplier network that can sustain and enhance the country’s economic fabric.
