KOCHI: Kerala is planning to set up a big technology hub to support companies working with new and advanced technologies. Rathan U. Kelkar, Secretary of the Department of Electronics and IT, Kerala, shared this update.

The Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) will lead this project, which will cost around Rs.300 crore. The hub will be built in the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, at Technopark Phase IV (Technocity). Construction is expected to begin in May, and initial work like land clearing has already started. Technopark authorities are helping with the groundwork.

"We are set to begin construction in May. The design is ready, and we are now finalizing the budget. We plan to invite bids for construction by March," said Ashok Kurian Panjikkaran, KSUM’s business head.

The hub will be a modern five-storey building spread over 5 lakh square feet. It will provide space for around 1,000 startups, creating a major boost for Kerala’s startup ecosystem. The state government has already approved the project's detailed plan.

This hub will focus on five main areas: aerospace, healthcare, agriculture and food, digital media and entertainment, and energy. These sectors were chosen after thorough research by project consultants. The project will be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model at an estimated cost of Rs.145 crore. The state has already allocated Rs.20 crore for the initial development, along with funds for the Technology Innovation Zone in Kochi.

The goal is to create a thriving startup space, similar to the successful Startup Village in Kalamassery. Unlike the current small incubation center at Technopark, which can host only 10-15 startups, the new hub will provide plenty of space for innovation and collaboration.