Zoho Corporation, the company behind ManageEngine and Zoho software, has announced a series of strategic moves to strengthen its research and development efforts in India. These include the acquisition of Kerala-based Asimov Robotics, a partnership with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) to launch a Deep Tech Product Studio, and new collaborations with several startups and institutions. These developments were unveiled during the inauguration of Zoho’s new R&D campus in Kottarakkara.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Finance Minister KN Balagopal, alongside top Zoho executives Shailesh Davey, Tony Thomas, and Sridhar Vembu. Other dignitaries included Kodikunnil Suresh (MP), Anoop Ambika (CEO, KSUM), and Dr S Somanath, former ISRO Chairman.
“The Kottarakkara campus is a pilot model for driving innovation and technology-led development in rural regions,” said Finance Minister KN Balagopal. “By integrating education, employment, and entrepreneurship in one ecosystem, it sets a precedent for similar initiatives across the state.”
With a seating capacity of 250, the facility will focus initially on research in artificial intelligence and robotics. Zoho began operations in Kottarakkara in 2024 and has since been recruiting local talent through a structured internship and training program. Over nine months, trainees go through a combination of foundational coursework and project work, receiving stipends throughout. To date, 40 interns have transitioned into full-time roles.
“Our vision is to drive deep-tech innovation in India, and our Kottarakkara office will be at the heart of our AI and robotics initiatives,” said Zoho Co-founder and CEO Shailesh Davey. “This campus will not only host our internal R&D teams but also provide a collaborative platform for partnerships in advanced technology.”
As part of its commitment to building in-house robotics expertise, Zoho has acquired Asimov Robotics, a startup founded in 2012 that creates robotic systems for industrial use. Post-acquisition, Asimov’s team will operate from the new campus and continue its work under Zoho’s mentorship and strategic direction.
Zoho has become the first industry partner for KSUM’s Deep Tech Product Studio, a new initiative aimed at fostering innovation in emerging technologies. Through this collaboration, Zoho will support product development by mentoring startups, sharing resources, and contributing to ecosystem-building efforts.
To foster innovation across various sectors, Zoho has formed strategic research partnerships with a diverse group of startups and institutions. These collaborations include Boson Motors, Vipus Advanced Materials, vTitan, Zentron Labs, Verdant Telemetry & Antenna Systems, Netrasemi, Genrobotics, Energy 24by7, and IIT Bombay. Through these alliances, Zoho aims to drive technological advancements and promote knowledge-sharing across a wide array of industries.These alliances will focus on co-developing solutions, exploring new technologies, and enabling knowledge exchange across sectors.
Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Chennai, Zoho Corporation is a privately-owned tech company employing over 18,000 people worldwide. Its product portfolio includes well-known brands such as Zoho, ManageEngine, Qntrl, Zakya, and TrainerCentral.
