In a move aimed at deepening India’s technological innovation landscape, Zoho Corporation has launched its first AI and robotics-focused R&D centre in Kottarakkara, Kerala. The software giant has also acquired Kochi-based deep tech startup Asimov Robotics, further cementing its commitment to investing in India's homegrown technology ecosystem and expanding opportunities in Tier-2 and Tier-3 regions.
New R&D Hub in Rural India
Zoho’s newly inaugurated R&D campus in Kottarakkara, a town in Kerala’s Kollam district, will focus on the development of AI-powered robotics systems and support various deep-tech projects. The facility, which is already operational, is part of Zoho’s larger strategy to decentralize technology opportunities and build talent hubs beyond major metropolitan areas.
The campus currently houses a team of over 100 engineers, including fresh graduates and experienced professionals, with plans to significantly scale operations in the coming months. According to Zoho, the decision to establish the R&D centre in a rural setting aligns with its long-term vision of creating sustainable economic ecosystems in underserved regions.
Asimov Robotics Joins the Fold
Complementing this expansion, Zoho has acquired Asimov Robotics, a Kerala-based startup known for its work in humanoid robotics and industrial automation. Founded by Dr. Jayakrishnan T, Asimov Robotics has developed several robotic solutions for healthcare, defense, and industrial applications. The acquisition is expected to boost Zoho’s capability in embedded AI, robotics hardware, and automation systems.
With this acquisition, Asimov’s team will now work under Zoho’s broader R&D wing, collaborating on advanced robotics and AI projects intended for both enterprise and social impact.
Local Development, Global Impact
Zoho’s rural R&D initiative comes at a time when global tech companies are under increasing pressure to balance innovation with inclusion. The company has made headlines in the past for its unique approach to localization, talent development, and grassroots investments.
Speaking about the initiative, Zoho’s leadership emphasized that this model enables tapping into local talent, reducing migration to urban centres, and fostering long-term community growth. The company noted that by providing high-quality jobs in smaller towns, it is not only supporting digital inclusion but also creating a pipeline of future-ready talent.
A Broader Vision for India’s Tech Future
The Kottarakkara centre is not Zoho’s first experiment with rural development. The company has previously established rural offices in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. However, the Kerala R&D facility marks its most ambitious deep-tech move to date. It combines AI, robotics, and IoT under one roof and aims to drive innovations that can support sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Zoho’s rural-first strategy also aligns with India’s broader digital and innovation goals, including efforts to position the country as a global hub for AI and advanced technologies. The Kerala government has welcomed the move, calling it a boost for local employment and a potential catalyst for further tech-driven economic development in the region.
Conclusion
By establishing an advanced R&D facility in rural Kerala and acquiring a homegrown robotics firm, Zoho is not just investing in technology — it’s building a foundation for inclusive innovation. The move underscores the company’s commitment to decentralization, grassroots talent empowerment, and long-term ecosystem growth — setting a model for how Indian tech can scale both responsibly and ambitiously.