Technopark Thiruvananthapuram: From Foundation to the Future

 

Established in July 1990 as an autonomous organisation, Technopark Thiruvananthpuram, promoted and fully owned by the Government of Kerala, is today one among Asia’s largest and greenest Technology Park in terms of developed area. From just two companies, 155 employees and a built-up space of 1.07 lakh square feet in 1994,  Technopark, as of 2024, is spread out in 768.63 acres with IT built-up space of 12.72 million square feet hosting 490 companies with more than 75,000 employees. Like a growing mountain range reaching for the sky, Technopark continues to expand and ascend in size and influence. 

This monumental growth of Technopark began as a bold and foresighted concept that sprouted in the mind of the Kerala Chief Minister, the Late E.K. Nayanar, during his 1989 visit to the Apple facility at Silicon Valley in the United States. The delegation he led to that awesome Tech Valley comprised the then Industries Minster, the Late K.R. Gowriamma and technocrat, the Late K.P.P. Nambiar.  The dynamic ecosystem of Silicon Valley made a profound impact on Mr. Nayanar. There he witnessed firsthand, the transformative force of technology, innovation-driven economic growth and much more. But besides all that, what caught his attention was the sheer number of women actively engaged in every aspect of the tech industry at Silicon Valley. It was a sight that left him deeply motivated. He was confident that if women in Kerala were provided with a similar ecosystem they could also thrive and contribute equally like the women he saw at Silicon Valley. Those were moments when he also realized that Kerala, with its high literacy rate, educated workforce, and strategic location, could become a significant player in the global IT industry if equipped with the right infrastructure and support.

Taking cues from Silicon Valley, Mr. Nayanar championed the idea of a similar Technology Park in Kerala. His vision was not just an IT hub, but a world class Technology Park in Kerala that would attract national and international IT companies, foster innovation and provide jobs for young talent to thrive. Thus, the foundation stone for Technopark Trivandrum was laid on March 31, 1990. It was a brave and progressive initiative at a time when the concept of digital revolution was at an embryonic stage in India.

Technopark is headed by a Chief Executive Officer. It also has a Governing Body and an Executive Council, both of which include top officials of the government. Today, Technopark’s impact on the Kerala economy is immense. 

As a forward-thinking IT Park, Technopark sees itself as more than just an IT innovation hub. It also acknowledges it responsibility to foster a green and sustainable campus that honours both the environment and the local community.  In this context, the Trivandrum Technopark has been awarded ISO 9001:2015, ISO14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 certifications for its quality management. 

Noticeably, all campuses of Technopark, including its satellite centre in Kollam on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake, are actively engaged in continuous developmental initiatives, offering readily available IT built-up spaces and encumbrance-free land on lease, making it a captivating destination for businesses seeking to thrive in the core of Kerala's technological ecosystem.

In 2006, Technopark launched the Technology Business Incubation Cell, which was later renamed the Kerala StartUp Mission (KSUM), a nodal agency formed by the Government of Kerala to promote entrepreneurship in the state. KSUM acts as a launchpad for entrepreneurs to set up their IT business ventures and provides them comprehensive support all through the startup cycle with government schemes for funding, mentoring, and networking opportunities. 

It has to be mentioned that in the face of the Great Recession from 2007 to 2009 and afterwards the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020-2021, Technopark had demonstrated remarkable endurance and growth. During the fiscal 2023-2024 the organisation had achieved IT exports amounting to Rs. 13,255crore. 

Technopark also has various initiatives to demonstrate and promote its commitment to social responsibility. Such initiatives include Prathidhwani – a socio-cultural and welfare organisation;  Natana – an innovative Fine Arts Club for Technopark employees; an e-Waste Management Programme; an in-house solid waste management plant, and the Technopark Employees Co-operative Hospital Society Limited (TECHSL), among others.