Kerala’s Higher Education Minister, Dr R Bindu, has described the state’s Campus Industrial Parks (CIPs) initiative as a transformative step in bridging academia and industry, thereby building a new wave of entrepreneurship among students. Inaugurating the International MSME Day celebrations, Dr Bindu highlighted that the scheme enables colleges, polytechnics, and ITIs to establish industrial parks directly on campus, paving the way for immediate industrial production based on research-driven innovations.
Metro Media, in association with the Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and the Kerala Small Industries Association (KSSIA), with support from the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation, organised the 8th Metro MSME Conclave & Awards, celebrating the essence of entrepreneurship on World MSME Day at The South Park Hotels, Thiruvananthapuram. Speaking while inaugurating the International MSME Day celebrations, Dr R Bindu, Higher Education Minister of Kerala, revealed that Kerala is spearheading innovative projects, such as Campus Industrial Parks. A collaborative effort between the Higher Education and Industries Departments, this initiative is gaining traction as a model for integrating industry within academic ecosystems.
“Indian IT giant ZOHO has already started operations in Kerala’s first Campus Industrial Park and plans to expand its network across other campuses,” Dr Bindu shared. She added that the proactive policies and entrepreneurial initiatives are rapidly changing Kerala’s image as an investment-friendly destination. With financial support from the government for developing essential infrastructure, the programme is boosting economic growth and addressing the skill gap by creating practical pathways for students to engage in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Former Tourism Minister and MLA Kadakampally Surendran, who presided over the event, stated that even the Central Government has lauded Kerala’s progressive industrial policies and significant strides in Ease of Doing Business rankings. “Kerala has secured top positions in various national rankings due to these reforms, but these achievements often fail to receive due attention in the state’s media. Many people remain unaware of what the Leftist government under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has accomplished,” he remarked.
A highlight of the event was the engaging panel discussion led by Hari Shanker of Machine Maker, where prominent industry figures shared candid reflections on their journeys of setting up businesses in Kerala. Several participants acknowledged the considerable challenges faced in earlier years but agreed that the current environment is far more supportive for MSME growth. Entrepreneurs expressed optimism about the government’s increasing understanding of business needs and pointed to new schemes that are helping MSMEs expand and thrive within the state.
Siji Nair, Managing Director of Metro Media, the event’s organiser, shared that this marks the eighth consecutive year of the Metro MSME Conclave and Awards. “This year, around 28 MSME entrepreneurs have been honoured for their contributions,” he said. The evening culminated in a special recognition ceremony where Venpakal Chandramohan, credited with pioneering outdoor advertising in Kerala, was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award, along with a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and a citation for his significant contributions to the state’s business landscape.
Other dignitaries and experts who participated in the discussions included Stephen Devnathan, Secretary General of FIA; P Ganesh, Past Chairman of the CII Kerala State Council and Executive Director of Glass and Glazing Systems Pvt. Ltd.; Yogi Shivan, Managing Director of Indimasi Healing Village; C Suresh Kumar, General Secretary of CISS; B Jayakrishnan, State Treasurer of KSSIA; Sudheer Kumar B, National Working Committee Member and State Patron of LUB; and S Jyothis Chandran, Chairman of Jyothis Group of Schools.
The panel discussion also featured E M Najeeb, President of the Confederation of Kerala Tourism Industry; M. Srivatsan, Senior Manager and Zonal Head of NSIC, Chennai; and Grace Reji, Manager of the NSIC Kerala Branch. More than 200 delegates attended the MSME Day celebrations, which included Kovalam MLA M Vincent, MSME entrepreneurs, state and public sector representatives, students and many others.
