Kerala to launch first robotics park in Thrissur, says Minister P Rajeev

Kochi: Kerala is set to establish its first robotics park in Thrissur, marking a prominent step forward in artificial intelligence and innovation, according to Minister for Industries P Rajeev on Friday.

Speaking at a Robotics Roundtable held at the Grand Hyatt hotel on Bolgatty Island, the Minister revealed that the robotics park will be developed on a 10-acre site in Thrissur with support from the district panchayat. The park will feature four main sections: RoboLand for public education, a robotics institute, a production centre by Kochi-based startup Inker Robotics, and an incubator for 10 emerging firms.

The event was organised by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) in collaboration with the Department of Industry and Commerce. Rajeeve also announced that Kerala will host a Global Investors Meet on February 21 and 22 next year in the city. This meet will cap off a series of events designed to transform the state into a hub for high-tech manufacturing and robotics industries.

"KSIDC is ready to give equity investments in five robotic startups this financial year. After scrutinising applications, KSIDC will give equity investments as a fund of funds. Besides, KSIDC will increase scale-up loans for robotic startups from Rs one crore to Rs two crore," P. Rajeev said.

At the roundtable, awards were presented to leading exhibitors, including Fuselage Innovations, Genrobotics, Benditta Bionics, Xalten Systems, Estro Tech, and Asimov Robotics. Principal Secretary APM Mohammed Hanish was present at the event.

Inker Robotics CEO Rahul Balachandran highlighted that RoboLand, the park’s first section, will offer the public an immersive experience in robotics. "It will hold programmes related to AI and audio-video reality," he said at the panel discussion on ‘Propel Your Business — Fostering Dynamic Partnerships between Government and Industry for Future Innovations'. The other sections will focus on education, development, and support for new startups.

The roundtable was attended by 195 startups and over 400 delegates, with 35 stalls showcasing various technologies. This event is part of a broader mission by the state government to strengthen ties with the technology sector and create a supportive ecosystem for innovation.

Previous events include an International Conclave on Gen AI with IBM in Kochi and a series of meetings and roadshows in cities like Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Dubai, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

Agencies