Around 300 employees lost their jobs after Kochi-based tech firm Talrop shut down operations, triggering protests over unpaid salaries and pending benefits.
Kochi: Around 300 employees have lost their jobs after Kochi-based tech ecosystem company Talrop shut down its operations, triggering protests by employees over unpaid salaries and pending statutory benefits.
The closure comes shortly after the mass layoffs at CorroHealth. Employees staged a protest march to the company's office near Pipeline Junction in Thrikkakara, while trade union leaders also stepped in to support their demands.
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Company cites AI-driven shift
In a social media post on Friday, Talrop announced that it was shutting down its ₹250-crore technology ecosystem, citing the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and a strategic decision to move on to new business ventures.
The company is also reported to have closed its head office in Ernakulam and more than 30 branches across Kerala.
Employees said many of them have salary arrears ranging from six to 11 months. They also alleged that they were not provided with the statutory benefits due at the time of termination.
According to the employees, the company had earlier promised to clear all pending salaries by October, but instead announced an abrupt shutdown.
Most of the affected employees are MBA, degree and B.Tech graduates.
Talrop began operations by setting up ‘Campus Innovation Hubs’ in colleges across Kerala. According to its website, Talrop is a ‘Build, Operate and Transfer (B.O.T) company’ that develops infrastructure and technology ecosystems for startups and innovation projects. Founded by entrepreneurs from Thiruvananthapuram, Talrop claims to have developed tech parks and innovation centres across the state over the past decade.
The company had announced plans to enter its next phase of growth in October last year, following which several employees resigned. However, former employees allege that even those who left the company have not received their pending salaries.
Management blames financial crisis
A representative of the management told the media that the company was hit by a financial crisis triggered by the conflict in West Asia, making it difficult to pay salaries.
The management said employees had been served notice two months ago and assured that all pending dues and benefits would be settled.
However, employees alleged that while citing financial difficulties, the company's founders are simultaneously moving ahead with new investment projects in other states.
Published: 12 Jul 2026, 12:31 pm IST
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