Adani Unveils ₹600 Crore Smart Logistics Park in Kochi — A Game-Changer for Kerala’s Industrial Future

In a bold move to reshape Kerala’s logistics landscape, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) has launched a cutting-edge logistics park in Kalamassery, Kochi—an investment exceeding ₹600 crore that signals a new era of smart, sustainable supply chain infrastructure.

Unveiled by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan under the “Invest in Kerala” initiative, the park spans 70+ acres and houses 1.3 million sq. ft. of integrated logistics space. But this isn’t just another industrial facility—it’s a strategic leap toward making Kerala a hub for next-gen logistics.

Built for the Future: Smart, Green, and Sector-Ready

From EV charging stations to zero-touch operations and digital integration, the park is engineered for speed, sustainability, and scale. It’s tailored to serve high-growth sectors like:

• E-commerce
• FMCG/FMCD
• Pharmaceuticals
• Automotive
• Retail

This isn’t just infrastructure—it’s an ecosystem designed to empower businesses and energize Kerala’s industrial ambitions, –said an APSEZ spokesperson.

1,500+ Jobs and a Boost for Local SMEs

The facility is expected to create over 1,500 jobs, with a strong emphasis on local employment and SME empowerment. By offering plug-and-play logistics solutions, Adani aims to help small and medium enterprises scale faster and compete smarter.

Adani’s National Logistics Vision

The Kochi park is part of Adani’s aggressive push to expand its logistics footprint across India. From 3.1 million sq. ft. today to 20 million sq. ft., APSEZ plans to build 30 logistics parks nationwide, transforming from a port-centric player into a fully integrated transport and logistics powerhouse.

Why It Matters

• For Kerala: A strategic boost to industrial growth, job creation, and SME competitiveness
• For India: A step toward smarter, greener logistics infrastructure. 
• For Adani: A bold pivot from ports to pan-India supply chain dominance

IBM Ignites Kochi’s Tech Future with Ecosystem Incubation Center

IBM just made a bold move to supercharge Kerala’s tech scene. On July 15, the tech giant launched the Ecosystem Incubation Center (EIC) at Infopark Kochi—a strategic hub designed to fuel innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration across startups, enterprises, and academia.

What’s Inside the EIC?

• Quarterly meetups with IBM Subject Matter Experts
• Hands-on mentorship for proof-of-concept development
• Technical workshops and hackathons
• Academic integration for continuous learning and upskilling
• A dedicated focus on Generative AI and Agentic AI, building on IBM’s existing Software Lab in Kochi

Why Kochi?

IBM sees Kochi as a rising deep tech hotspot, thanks to its blend of talent, infrastructure, and progressive social climate. The Kerala government is also exploring GenAI to streamline state administration, with a strong emphasis on privacy and data security.

Strategic Collaborations

IBM is partnering with:

• Kerala Startup Mission
• Infopark & Technopark
• Universities and colleges (including those ranked in India’s top 100)

They’re even planning a watsonx-Gen AI curriculum to further embed AI into Kerala’s innovation ecosystem.

This feels like more than just a center—it’s a launchpad for the next wave of Indian tech leadership.

TCS is Setting Up A 37-Acre Campus in Kochi

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is setting up a 37-acre campus at the Kinfra electronics manufacturing cluster in Kochi. This new campus is expected to create around 10,000 jobs. TCS will invest Rs 690 crore in this project, which aims to focus on electronics R&D and IT/ITeS.

Additionally, TCS is also looking for office space at InfoPark in Kochi to meet its immediate need for 5,000 seats. The government is facilitating this expansion by helping TCS find suitable space across tech parks in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Koz2whikode.

The Kerala government is in talks with a few large developers in the tech hub to help the company find space early.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has been expanding its presence in Kerala. The state government is actively facilitating TCS's expansion by helping the company find suitable space across tech parks in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode.

The government is expanding the Smart City project in Kakkanad to provide more space for IT companies. There are ongoing discussions to acquire land for the expansion of a cyberpark in Kozhikode to meet the increasing demand from investors.

TCS has a major development center at Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram, which is one of the largest IT parks in India. This center focuses on various IT services, consulting, and business solutions.

In 2014, TCS has set up the world's largest corporate learning and development center in Thiruvananthapuram. This campus has a capacity to train 50,000 IT professionals annually and is spread over 97 acres.

The Kinfra Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) in Kochi is a premier industrial zone aimed at advancing India's electronics manufacturing capabilities.

Situated in Kakkanad, Kochi, the park benefits from proximity to Cochin International Airport, Cochin Port, and NH 544, ensuring excellent connectivity for logistics and supply chain efficiency. The park supports high-quality manufacturing of electronic goods, including smartphones, LED lights, communication devices, and other consumer electronics.

Adani and US-based Panattoni to Setup Logistics Parks in Kochi

Major companies including Adani Group and US-based industrial real estate company, Panattoni, are planning to set up logistics parks in Kochi, Kerala, reported the New India Express, citing Industries Minister P Rajeeve.

California-based Panattoni has chosen a 100-acre plot at Edayar Industrial Estate for its logistics park. The project is in the final stages of discussion, and work is expected to begin soon.

Adani Group plans to invest ₹500 crore to develop a logistics park on a 70-acre space near HMT in Kalamassery. The park will feature state-of-the-art warehouses and is expected to create hundreds of new jobs.

E-commerce giant Flipkart is nearing completion of its facility at Kalamassery Park, which will become operational by the end of the year.

A Bengaluru-based company is setting up a third logistics park at Parakadavu, Angamaly, covering an area of 2.5 lakh sqft. The logistics parks will enhance Kochi's infrastructure and connectivity, making it an attractive location for businesses

Kochi's warehousing market has seen significant growth, with transaction volumes increasing by 239% to 0.9 million sqft in 2022-23 from 0.3 million sqft the previous year.

Industries Minister P Rajeeve highlighted that Kochi's proximity to Cochin Port and Vizhinjam Port makes it an attractive location for logistics parks. He highlighted Kochi's strategic location, proximity to Cochin Port, and easy access to Vizhinjam Port as key attractions for setting up logistics parks. He also mentioned that the projects will help create hundreds of new jobs.
The Flipkart facility at Kalamassery Park is nearing completion and is expected to become operational by the end of the year, generating around 1,000 direct and 3,000 indirect jobs.

This development is a significant step towards boosting Kochi's logistics sector and creating new job opportunities.

Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) has developed multiple logistics parks across the state to support industrial growth and enhance connectivity. Kalamassery Logistics Park is located near Kochi and is a key hub for warehousing and distribution activities. Edayar Industrial Estate is an another important logistics park in the Kochi region, providing essential infrastructure for various businesses.

Situated in Angamaly, Parakadavu Logistics Park is part of the ongoing development projects in the region.

These parks are strategically located near major transportation hubs, including Cochin Port and Vizhinjam Port, enhancing their accessibility and efficiency.

Tata Group Likely to Setup Subsidiary Semiconductor Plant in Malappuram, Kerala

Tata Group is planning to set up a subsidiary semiconductor plant in Malappuram, Kerala, as part of its ambitious ₹91,000 crore project. This project aims to boost India's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities and is expected to create thousands of jobs.

The plant in Malappuram will be a part of a larger initiative that includes a primary facility in Gujarat. Tata Group is collaborating with Taiwan-based Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation for this venture. The Kerala government is currently in discussions with Tata Group to finalize the setup.

This development could significantly enhance Kerala's industrial landscape and contribute to India's push for self-reliance in high-tech manufacturing.

Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran revealed this information during an interview with a leading national media outlet.

Tata Group's ambitious ₹91,000 crore (about $11 billion USD) semiconductor project is a significant step towards bolstering India's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. The project includes setting up multiple semiconductor fabrication plants, with the primary facility in Gujarat and a subsidiary plant in Malappuram, Kerala. This initiative aims to establish a robust semiconductor ecosystem in India.

Tata Group is collaborating with Taiwan's Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation for this venture. This partnership is expected to bring in advanced technology and expertise to the Indian semiconductor landscape.

The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and significantly contribute to the local economies of Gujarat and Kerala. It aligns with the Indian government's vision of self-reliance in high-tech manufacturing.

Tata Group is also establishing a semiconductor assembly and test facility in Jagiroad, Assam. This greenfield project, with an investment of ₹27,000 crore, will focus on key technologies like Wire Bond, Flip Chip, and Integrated Systems Packaging (ISP). The facility aims to serve global markets in automotive, mobile devices, AI, and other segments. The semiconductor plant is slated to become operational in 2025. 

By investing heavily in semiconductor manufacturing, Tata Group is positioning itself as a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain. This move is crucial given the increasing demand for semiconductors in various industries, including electronics, automotive, and telecommunications.

Recently, Tata Group and Analog Devices Inc (ADI), a global semiconductor leader, announced a collaboration involving Tata Electronics, Tata Motors, and Tejas Networks signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore potential cooperative manufacturing opportunities.

Notably, the Modi-led central government of India is providing substantial incentives and support for this project as part of its broader India Semiconductor Mission. This includes financial incentives, infrastructure support, and policy frameworks to facilitate the growth of the semiconductor industry in India.

This project is a major milestone for India's tech industry and could pave the way for more such investments in the future.

Vodafone Idea with Asianet Launch Integrated Fiber, Mobility Service in Kerala

Vodafone Idea (Vi) on Wednesday launched its integrated fiber and mobility service in Kerala in partnership with broadband provider Asianet.

This strategic partnership aims to enhance connectivity for users in the region. Asianet's high-speed fibernet technology combined with Vi's broadband plans ensures seamless internet access, catering to various needs. Whether you're browsing casually or handling high-bandwidth tasks, these services offer reliable and fast connections.

Vi One is a bundled service offered by Vodafone Idea (Vi) that combines fiber broadband and prepaid mobile connectivity. Vi One will be available in Kerala at two data speed categories 40MBPS and 100MBPS.

The three-month plan with 40MBPS broadband speed has been priced at Rs 2,499, while the annual plan is available at Rs 9,555. For customers who want faster speed, the three- month 100MBPS plan is priced at Rs 3,399, while the annual plan will cost Rs 12,955.

Vi One includes access to three OTT subscriptions. Users enjoy internet access from 12 midnight to 6 am without deducting data from their daily quota.

The Vi One plans start at ₹2,192, making it an attractive option for users seeking combined broadband and mobile services.

Adani to Invest $1.2 Billion in Vizhinjam, Kerala Port to Attract Largest Ships

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. is planning to invest Rs 10,000 crore (approximately $1.2 billion) in the Vizhinjam port in Kerala, India. This substantial investment aims to enhance the port's transshipment container facilities, positioning it as a key player in global trade routes.

The project, part of the second phase, is expected to be completed by 2028. Adani is actively wooing major container lines such as MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co, AP Moller - Maersk A/S, and Hapag-Lloyd to call at the port. This move reflects India's ambition to capture a larger share of international maritime trade, currently dominated by countries like China.

The port is set to welcome its first container vessel from Maersk on July 12 for a trial run at the 800-meter container berth.

The current capacity of Vizhinjam Port in its first phase is 1 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), making it India's deepest motherport with a water depth of 20 meters. In subsequent phases, an additional 6.2 million TEUs will be added. This strategic transshipment port is poised to handle larger container ships and play a crucial role in international maritime trade.

Vizhinjam Port, located near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, is India's first deepwater container transshipment port.

Vizhinjam is strategically positioned just 10 nautical miles from the busy international shipping route connecting Europe, the Persian Gulf, and the Far East. Its proximity to this East-West axis allows large vessels to access the port without deviation, making it an ideal global transshipment hub. The port boasts a natural draft of 18-20 meters, which means it can accommodate some of the largest container vessels in the world without capital dredging. Its curvilinear coast mitigates tsunami impact, and minimal erosion keeps maintenance costs low.

As the southern tip of India, Vizhinjam can consolidate and transfer Indian and regional origin cargo to mainline vessels at lower costs than routing them via Colombo. By being right on top of a core international shipping lane, Vizhinjam unlocks lasting maritime and economic advantages for India.

The Adani Group is the private partner responsible for developing Vizhinjam Port, and it aims to enhance India's blue economy and foster inclusive growth.

CSIR-NIIST Transfers Vegan Leather Producing Technology To Kerala-based Startup

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) has partnered with a Kerala-based startup company, Alter Wave Eco Innovations Pvt. Ltd., to transfer the technology it developed for manufacturing vegan leather.

This collaboration aims to create an eco-friendly alternative to animal leather using plant sources like pineapple leaves, banana stems, and rice straws, without relying on plastic as a core material.

The technology developed by CSIR-NIIST allows for the conversion of agricultural waste from Kerala's pineapple farms, which is approximately 720,000 million tonnes, into sustainable biomaterials. This initiative not only provides an environmentally friendly product but also offers farmers an additional income stream by upcycling these resources.

It's a significant step towards sustainable manufacturing and could have a positive impact on both the environment and the local economy. The technology transfer agreement was signed at the NIIST campus in Thiruvananthapuram, marking it as the fifth such technology transfer from CSIR-NIIST and the first of its kind in Kerala.

The Vegan Leather Technology of CSIR-NIIST is easily biodegradable, has good water retention and heat resistant capacities, Good strength, stiffness and microwave friendly.

AWEI is set to utilize the technology developed by CSIR-NIIST to manufacture eco-friendly replacements for animal leather using plant sources like pineapple leaves, banana stems, and rice straws. This innovative approach does not rely on plastic as a core ingredient, making it a sustainable option in the fashion and automotive industries

Incorporated in this year, the young start-up company AWEI is located in Malayattoor, in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, which is known for its extensive pineapple farms. These farms produce a significant amount of agricultural waste, estimated at 720,000 million tonnes, which can now be upcycled into non-toxic, durable, leather-like materials.

AWEI's mission aligns with sustainable manufacturing practices, focusing on plant-based, biodegradable, high-performing materials. By tapping into nature's abundant agricultural biomass, AWEI not only contributes to environmental conservation but also provides local farmers with an additional income stream.

The technology transfer agreement was signed at the NIIST campus in Thiruvananthapuram, with the presence of officials including C Anandharamakrishnan, Director of CSIR-NIIST, and Jeswin George. The initiative by AWEI and CSIR-NIIST is a step towards remaking materials with a focus on sustainability and performance.

Adani Group Gets Govt Nod for India's First TransShipment Port in Kerala

Adani Group's Vizhinjam Port in Kerala has received approval to operate as India's first transshipment port. This port facilitates the transfer of cargo between ships and aims to tap into India's transshipment cargo, which is currently handled by foreign ports like Colombo.

The shipping ministry has given its nod for Vizhinjam Port to function as India's first transshipment port, reported Economic Times. 

The shipping ministry's approval allows customs to establish an office at Vizhinjam Port. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is expected to provide the final nod within the next three months.

A transshipment port acts as a transit hub where cargo from one ship is transferred to another ship on its way to the final destination. Mostly transshipment happens to transfer smaller cargos on to bigger mother ships which saves shipment cost and time. Since all the ports in the world are not directly linked, transshipment ports are needed.

The project started in 2015 with the goal of completing the ₹7,700 crore deepwater seaport by 2019. However, it is now expected to start operations in the current financial year.

Vizhinjam Port boasts advanced infrastructure and can handle large vessels.

In its initial phase, the port's capacity is set at one million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), with plans to expand further in subsequent phases. Large-scale automation ensures quick turnaround of vessels, and the port is equipped to handle Megamax containerships, which are currently the largest in operation globally.

Significances of Vizhinjam Port

Nearly 75% of India's transshipment cargo is currently handled by ports outside the country, including Colombo, Singapore, and Klang. By establishing Vizhinjam as a transshipment hub, India aims to retain a share of the more than a million containers transshipped annually through foreign Ports.

The vision for Vizhinjam Port is to be the preferred international transshipment gateway on the Indian subcontinent, known for operational excellence, industry leadership, and sustainability.

Leveraging cutting-edge infrastructure and technology, the port aims to boost India's blue economy and foster inclusive growth. With this development, Vizhinjam Port is set to become India's first full-fledged deepwater transshipment port.

The Port

Adani Group's Vizhinjam Port represents a significant milestone in India's maritime infrastructure, enhancing its capacity to handle transshipment cargo and reducing reliance on foreign ports.

Vizhinjam International Transhipment Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport, also known as the Adani Vizhinjam Port, is an ambitious project located near Kerala's capital, Thiruvananthapuram.

The Vizhinjam Port is designed primarily to cater to container transshipment along with multi- purpose and break bulk cargo. It operates under a landlord model with a Public Private Partnership (PPP) component, where the private partner is Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited.

Vizhinjam enjoys inherent locational advantages due to its proximity to the busy international shipping route connecting Europe, the Persian Gulf, and the Far East. It is strategically positioned on the East-West axis, which handles a substantial portion of global maritime trade.

The port's natural depth of 18 meters close to the shore requires no capital dredging, making it suitable for hosting ultra-large container ships with drafts of 20 meters or more. Its curvilinear coast helps mitigate tsunami impact, and minimal erosion reduces maintenance costs.

Kerala Engineer Secures Patent for Hand-Portable Kamikaze Drone

Late last month, C.J Varghese, a Kerala based engineer & innovator, received a patent (#515036) from Indian Patent Office for his pioneering invention of hand-portable Kamikaze drone.

Kamikaze drones, also known as loitering munitions or suicide drones, are weapons that can patrol over a battlefield before attacking a target.

The patent granted to Varghese is third patent by Indian Patent Office to him, out of six applications he has filed to date.

The Hand Portable Track and Kill Suicide Drone, designed by Varghese, to be operated by the army or special ops during war or in the chance of a terrorist attack. The main aim of this is to reduce casualties and allow the force to advance quickly in a face to face combat situation where the enemy is just few metres in front of the force. The enemy can be tracked and the user can decide whether to act or not.

Patent Granted
A pioneering hand-portable Kamikaze drone, resembling a capsule, or a smart grenade, featuring distinctive foldable and deployable mechanisms, along with an innovative engagement strategy.
3rd patent pic.twitter.com/Or2i99Rxjq

— C.J.Varghese (@CjVarghese96) February 26, 2024

Unlike other suicide drones and surveillance drones available in the market, its design is made simple and light so as to be operated with comfort and can be held in the palm of a soldier, which allows him to throw it like a grenade. Thus, it can also be called as a Smart Grenade. But this drone comes with less specs, short life time of about 5 to 10 minutes and a maximum range of about 400 to 700 meters within a limited altitude of 30 to 40 metres from the ground.

Varghese's Kamikaze drone resembles a capsule, or a smart grenade, featuring distinctive foldable and deployable mechanisms, along with an innovative engagement strategy.

The drone is operable by using small tablets that can be fixed on the arms and such drone's controls being partially automated and standard controls will only pop up if needed or on request.

The drone invented has throw mode or normal lift mode that can be selected before deployment by flicking a switch on the drone, wherein the control tablet will have the live feed from the drone; the drones can be taken out from its tube casings and hooked to the exterior part of the user"s backpack and a user in a 6-team unit can carry about three of these drones with the user.

The weight of the drone with warhead is about 1200g. The condition for lifting i.e. fly of Quadcopter is that the ratio of total thrust of the body to the total weight of the body should be minimum 1.5.

Total Thrust/ Total weight = X/1200 = 1.5 So total thrust X = 1.8 Kg. Thus, the minimum required thrust per motor is equal to 450g.

The foldable arm holds the motor and the propeller unit. Upon the deployment of the drone, on releasing the pin the arm is unfolded and for doing this it uses elastic cables or similar spring mechanisms.

The drone, claims Varghese in one of the patent documents, can be taken out from its tube casings and hooked to the exterior part of the soldier's backpack by giving such a mechanism on the drone, so that he can use them quickly and easily while advancing towards an enemy territory.

Delhi-based SFLC.in Moves Kerala High Court Against Recent Government Ban on 14 Open Source Apps

Delhi-based legal not-for-profit organization SFLC.in has filed a writ petition before Kerala High Court for producing and quashing the order passed by the Central Government under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 banning the free and open source software.

The Kerala High Court today issued notice through court order to the Deputy Solicitor General of India on a challenge to the blocking of Element and Briar applications. The applications, which are Free and Open Source in nature, were blocked by the Central Government under Section 69A, IT Act, 2000 and Blocking Rules, 2009.

The matter will come up for hearing next on 29th May, 2023. SFLC.in provided legal assistance to the petitioners in the matter.

On 1st May, 2023, several news media outlets reported that the Central Government had blocked 14 mobile apps for messaging (under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000), on the grounds of these apps being allegedly used for communication between bad actors in the region of Jammu and Kashmir. The list of blocked applications include 2 widely- used FOSS applications, namely ‘Element’ and ‘Briar’ that software developers, technologists, innovators and entrepreneurs utilize on a daily basis.

In its petition, SFLC.in noted that the use of such FOSS applications enabled several benefits like enhanced interoperability, reduced costs, vendor independence, greater localization and developing local growth of the IT sector in India.

The petition also notes that the order for blocking the applications places unreasonable restrictions on the exercise of Freedom of Speech and Expression, and Freedom to Carry Out Trade and Business, as guaranteed under the Constitution of India. The order has also not been made public which suffers from the vice of gross violation of the Principles of Natural Justice insofar as no notice has been served to the Petitioners, nor has any opportunity of hearing granted till date, as mandated under the relevant rules, i.e., Blocking Rules, 2009.

The petition has been filed to produce the order banning these applications and staying the operation and implementation of the order. It also challenges Rule 16 of the Blocking Rules.

About SFLC.in:

SFLC.in is a donor-supported legal services organization that has united lawyers, policy analysts, technologists, business professionals, students and citizens to protect freedom in the digital world since 2010. In discussions of technology where Industry and Governments have representations, we endeavor to present the rights of Indian citizens. We fight the good fight in keeping the Internet open, secure and safe for all.

Our objective is to help Indian policymakers make informed and just decisions in the use and adoption of technology for production of pro-humanity IT. We promote innovation and open access to knowledge by helping developers make great Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), and protect privacy and civil liberties of citizens in the digital world. This is achieved through education, original research, policy engagement and provision of free legal services. For press queries, please drop a mail to press@sflc.in.

Healthtech Startup LifeSigns Partners with Amala Hospital, Launches Smart Ward

Hari Subramanium, Founder & CEO, LifeSigns at the inauguration of Smart Ward at Amala Hospital in Kerala

Amala Hospital partners with LifeSigns to provide revolutionary technology for the first time in the State

Amala Hospital, a leading multi-disciplinary chain of hospitals, based in Kerala, launched a new and innovative smart ward with wearable wireless technology. This smart ward, the first in Kerala, is equipped with advanced technology that provides continuous patient monitoring and aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of medical errors. The hospital chain has partnered with Chennai based health-tech startup, LifeSigns to implement their iMS technology across cardiology and medicine departments at its hospital based in Thrissur, Kerala.

Fr. Deljo Puthoor CMI, Associate Director of Amala Hospital, said, "We are thrilled to be introducing this new wearable continuous and innovative technology to our patients. Our commitment to providing top-notch care is unwavering, and this smart ward will help us to achieve that goal. At Amala Hospital, we are always looking for ways to improve patient care and provide a more efficient and effective healthcare experience”.

Hari Subramanium, Founder & CEO, LifeSigns at the inauguration of Smart Ward at Amala Hospital in Kerala

LifeSigns Products

One of the key features of the smart ward is its wireless patient monitoring system, with early warning scores which allows for real-time monitoring of vital signs and other important health indicators. This technology eliminates the need for traditional wired monitoring systems, which can be cumbersome and uncomfortable for patients, and provides a more efficient and effective way to monitor patient health.

In addition to the wireless monitoring system, the smart ward is also equipped with monitors at Nursing station, and patient information systems for the hospital, all of which work together to improve patient care and streamline the healthcare process.

“Patient monitoring at the right time and with accurate results is very important. With the deployment of wireless patient monitoring technology, the doctors and the hospitals can keep a real-time record of the patient’s vital stats which will eventually decrease the risk on the patient’s health because every patient matters. The smart ward at Amala is just one example of our commitment to deliver the best technology in the healthcare field”, says Hari Subramanian, Founder & Director, LifeSigns.

“BioSensor patch can help the patients as well as the doctors to keep a track on the patients’ health, without being attached to the multiple wires making the patient even more uncomfortable during illness. The technology of this patch is incomparable, accurate and a real-time to taken action in time”, says Thomas Varghese, Managing Director, LifeSignals.

LifeSignals is a US based company which instals LifeSigns technology in to patches.

About Amala Hospital

Amala Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) is a multi-disciplinary medical network providing top-quality medical care with a full range of primary and specialty services. With a dedicated team of healthcare professionals and state-of-the-art facilities including 25 modern operating theaters, 210 equipped ICU beds, and a fully digital radiology department, AIMS is committed to delivering exceptional patient outcomes. As a "Home for Total Healing," AIMS strives to provide the best possible medical treatment and support for all.

About LifeSigns

LifeSigns is a leading provider of innovative healthcare solutions, collaborating with LifeSignals USA to bring advanced, multi-patient, multi-parameter real-time monitoring technology to India. With a focus on improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of medical errors, LifeSigns offers a comprehensive, 24/7 monitoring solution that integrates seamlessly with existing healthcare systems. The company's custom alerts help detect and report any deterioration in patient condition, providing healthcare providers with the information they need to make informed decisions and deliver the best possible care. LifeSigns is committed to advancing healthcare technology and improving patient outcomes through innovative solutions.

Three Wheels United Launches Operations in Kerala

Over the next six months, Three Wheels United plans to finance 1000+ electric two and three wheelers in Kerala

Three Wheels United (TWU), a global fintech company for EV financing, has started operations in Kerala. TWU has flagged off its services in Kochi, Calicut, Thrissur, Trivandrum and Malappuram. Over the next six months, the company will finance 1000+ two and three-wheelers in Kerala.

Three Wheels United provides affordable financing solutions for drivers to easily make the switch from conventional vehicles to EV two and three-wheelers. Founded by Cedrick Tandong, Kevin Wervenbos, and Apurv Mehra in 2017, the company has been steadfastly working towards removing financial barriers in the adoption of EVs in India and now globally.

In 2019, Kerala’s Electric vehicle policy set an ambitious target of introducing 1 million EVs by 2022. Since then, several EV initiatives have been implemented in the state to drive the mass adoption of EVs. During the 2022 financial budget, the state government announced an incentive of Rs 25,000/- to Rs 30,000/- for every EV vehicle in the rollout of 10,000 e-autos in select cities. Furthermore, other initiatives to improve charging infrastructure and enable easy access to finance have also been introduced to effectively implement the state’s e-vehicle policy.

Cedrick Tandong, CEO and Co-Founder, Three Wheels United, said, “The adoption of Electric Vehicles has seen a steady increase in Kerala and the demand for EVs has significantly increased over the years. We believe that access to affordable financing can further contribute to the mass adoption of EVs in the state. After an overwhelming response in Karnataka and Delhi NCR, we are excited to launch operations in a key strategic market like Kerala. We look forward to supporting micro entrepreneurs to switch to cleaner and more economically viable last-mile alternatives”

Three Wheels United has developed a disruptive platform to finance light electric vehicles. The company leverages technology to provide the most comprehensive, affordable loans, and rent-to-own options to India’s micro entrepreneurs to help them easily switch to EV two and three-wheelers. TWU employs behaviour-informed proprietary technology to increase the accuracy of credit risk assessment and loan repayment rates, expanding access to financial products to populations that would be otherwise excluded from vehicle financing. Because of its platform, micro entrepreneurs can get a fair interest rate and loans covering up to 100% of the cost of the vehicle without any collateral. Unlike traditional banks that collect EMIs at the end of the month in a big chunk, the platform incentivises money collection on a daily/weekly basis in small amounts. In doing so, TWU is able to tap into the finances of the drivers when the drivers actually make money and in a way that is aligned with the lifestyle of the drivers.

Three Wheels United has over 50,000 drivers on its platform, offering them various products and services. The company has financed over 4000 auto-rickshaws resulting in the reduction of 1,72,000+ tonnes of CO2 emissions, and the generation of an extra $71M in income for the drivers.

Very recently, TWU raised $10 Million as a part of Series A Funding led by Delta Corp Holdings with participation from new and existing investors. With the new investment, Three Wheels United is in the process of scaling up two-wheeler and three-wheeler financing in India by partnering with the Government and other industry players. TWU has also started pilots in the Middle East, Africa, and other emerging markets with a goal to improve driver livelihoods and reduce air pollution globally.

As KSUM Starts 2-Day Conclave, Kerala To Intensify Gender Equal Entrepreneurship Vision

Gender equality key to entrepreneurial advancement: Minister at KSUM summit

Kerala is intensifying its efforts to promote entrepreneurship with parallel focus on gender equality, Health Minister Smt Veena George said today. “The government’s vision and policy make it compulsory to implement steps that encourage women to enter entrepreneurship and innovation in stronger numbers. We have been increasingly organizing programmes to up-skill and re-skill talents to increase their confidence,” she said inaugurating a two-day conclave by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) in its efforts to further promote female participation in the founding companies.

“KSUM has been working for long to remove all obstacles towards gender neutrality in entrepreneurship. This event envisages the creation of a solid ecosystem for females,” the Minister pointed out in a video appearance at the ‘ Women Startup Summit 4.0,2022 ’ that began on Friday with seven key sessions in the run-up to the formal inauguration in Edappally on Saturday.

The two-day summit had sessions that promised to carry forward administrative ideas and make them fruitful, she said at the WSS 4.0, which overall hosted 30 live sessions addressed by 80-plus speakers in the presence of more than 500 delegates. The day’s proceedings featured a string of sessions with speakers who included founders and managing partners, predominantly women, of a range of successful companies.

The summit at Marriott Hotel, a day after its inaugural sessions in KSUM’s Technology Innovation Zone at Kalamassery outside the city, featured an expo of more than 100 products, while simultaneously conducting master-classes, workshops, pitch fest, SheLovesTech and Investor Café.

Actress-danseuse Remya Nambeesan speaks at '2022 Women Startup Summit 4.0’ organised by Kerala Startup Mission at Edappally in Kochi on September 24, Saturday

Actress-dancer Ms Remya Nambeesan, addressing the inaugural ceremony, said conventional gender biases cannot anymore stop women from becoming entrepreneurs in a changed world marked by renewed fighting spirit amid institutional support.

All the same, the state’s film industry “has only 20 per cent female presence” even as the artistes “celebrate womanhood and our abilities”. “Each person has her unique performing capacity. We must not only recognize this fact, but respect it as well,” she said, capping up her talk by delivering with a popular Hindi song.

KSUM CEO Mr Anoop Ambika, addressing the inaugural ceremony, said entrepreneurship in the state merits newer ideas that cater to the needs of its geriatric people when Kerala has aged men and women contributing to 60 per cent of the population.

Kerala Startup Mission CEO Anoop P Ambika at the inaugural ceremony of Women Startup Summit 4.0, 2022, organised by the nodal agency at Hotel Marriott, Edappally in Kochi on Saturday, September 24, 2022

"Also, we are set to set up community innovation centres in the state’s rural parts to scout talents in the villages as well as small towns to groom them. Further, the government is to work with NRIs in a bigger way to create new enterprises in the state,” he revealed, while welcoming the inaugural session at WSS, through which KSUM provided a view of leaders in “real action” from all across the globe.

A session on 'Building Future India through Startups' on at 'Women Startup Summit 4.0 2022' organized by Kerala Startup Mission on at Edappally in Kochi on September 24, Saturday

The forenoon sessions of the day included a panel discussion on ‘Building Future India Through Startups’ after a dialogue on ‘Women Pulling the Indian Startup System.” The afternoon sessions were on ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’, ‘Overview about KSUM’, ‘Sustainable Future in Business’ and ‘Role of Media in Women Empowerment’.

The first day of the summit held a pivotal She Loves Tech India ’22. The day also hosted a pitching session on productization grant for women startups. The money will be for those Indian startups that have women holding more than half the ownership stake. The winners are set to get Rs 12 lakh. They will also be eligible for soft loans of Rs 15 lakh (6 per cent interest) and seed funds.

She Loves Tech India was addressed by the largest accelerator platform’s Co-founder Leanne Robers. The inaugural day of the summit chiefly held four panel discussions and three fireside chats.

The summit on Friday hosted a panel discussion on ‘Exploring the Plethora of Opportunities and Support to Promote and Encourage Women Startups and Entrepreneurship’. The afternoon sessions featured three workshops and a pitching under ‘Investor Café’, before a panel discussion on Smart Steps. This was followed by networking.

Ahmedabad-based Tirex Chargers to Boost EV Charging Station in Kerala

The manufacturer of EV charger equipment has partnered with the Kerala Electricity Board to set up 29 EV charging stations across the state

Tirex Chargers, a leading manufacturer of Electric Vehicle (EV) charger equipment, has tied up with the Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL) to set up a chain of EV charging stations across the state.

In partnership with KSEBL, Tirex will set up 29 EV charging stations in Kerala, each equipped with multiple charging points with the provision of both AC and DC charging.

"The EV charging stations we are establishing in Kerala are comparable to fuel pump stations in terms of size. Average EV charging stations usually provide just one or two charging points for charging four-wheelers only, inconveniencing users and leading to long queues. Our charging stations will be the first in India to offer multiple charging points for four-wheelers as well as two-wheelers and even heavy EVs. There will be a total of 200 EV charging points in the 29 stations,” said Arth Patel, Co-founder and CEO, Tirex Chargers.

Tirex won the contract for establishing the 29 EV charging stations. The startup is also exploring opportunities for setting up charging stations in other states.

Of the 29 EV charging stations to be set up in Kerala, 12 stations have already been established.

"This partnership with Tirex for setting up charging stations in Kerala is part of our plans to make Kerala an EV-friendly state. These stations will not only be of great help to people who have already bought electric vehicles but will also encourage more people to do so. As more and more people shift to electric vehicles, we will be able to reduce vehicular pollution levels in our state," Kerala industries minister P Rajeev said at the inauguration of one of the charging stations earlier this week.

The station was inaugurated in the presence of KSEBL chairman & managing director Dr. B Ashok, and KSEBL directors R Suku and V Murugadas.

Kerala has approximately 1,800 electric two-wheelers, 1,500 three-wheelers, and over 2,000 four-wheelers.

For the convenience of EV users, Tirex has also partnered with GOEC Autotech for an exclusive mobile app. The app will provide details of all 29 EV charging stations and the real-time availability of charging points.

"The app will help in avoiding unnecessary long queues and providing a hassle-free charging experience to users,” said Arth Patel.

Tirex Chargers is one of the pioneers in the EV charging industry and one of the most reliable original equipment manufacturers for EV chargers in India. The four-year-old startup, which raised $2 million (Rs.15 crore) earlier this month, has installed more than two hundred EV charging stations across the nation already. Tirex has supplied EV chargers of 3,800 kilowatts to NTPC and has also closely worked with Finnish giant Fortum.

KSUM Invites Proposals to Partner With Fund of Funds Scheme To Finance Startup Ventures

Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) has invited proposals from SEBI-accredited funds to become partners in the Fund of Funds scheme, set up by the Kerala Government to financially support startup ventures.

The request for proposal (RFP) aims to consider proposals from interested bidders for receiving a corpus fund from the government which will be channelized to emerging startups in the state through venture investments. According to the RFP, the government will be a limited partner in these funds.

The Fund of Funds scheme is for helping startups obtain investments and attracting venture capital funds to the state. Currently, the government is partnering with four funds under this scheme. Around Rs 750 crore worth corpus fund has been made available for the startup ventures in the state through these four funds.

Moreover, investments of over Rs 75 crore have been received by various start-ups through this scheme.

More details about the scheme can be obtained by visiting https://www.etenders.kerala.gov.in/ Tender ID: 2022_T TBI_471602_1.

Last date for submitting proposals is April 30 till 6pm.

KSUM is the nodal agency of the Kerala government for entrepreneurship development and incubation activities in the state.

Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) to Hold India’s Largest B2G Summit for Startups

Public Procurement Summit to be held on April 26

Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) will host the country’s largest Business to Government (B2G) summit focusing on bridging the gap between the state’s vibrant startup ecosystem and the government departments/organisations in order to create an avenue for leveraging the innovations of startups.

The ‘Public Procurement Summit 2022’, to be held at Hotel Mascot in the capital city on April 26, will set the stage for startups to interact with government and public sector undertakings (PSUs) and understand the latter’s requirements. The event will also provide a platform to startups to display their products.

The government departments/PSUs can present their requirements before startups and procure the products and services from them.

The summit will also pave the way for setting up Startup Innovation Zones in the government departments, which will be facilitated by KSUM. This will bring process or product innovation in the departments.

Mr John M Thomas, CEO, KSUM, said the summit would introduce innovative solutions from startups that can be implemented in the government departments.

“This is one of the largest B2G summits happening in the country. The event will create a platform for deeper engagement between startups and departments. Startups can showcase their innovative products and services that are useful for departments,” he added.

Mr Thomas said the event is an opportunity for startups to build rapport with officials and representatives of the state government.

“Policy-level interventions and schemes will be announced and proposed at the summit. The Kerala government has the ‘Government as a Marketplace’ scheme, which enables startups to sell their products to government departments. Through the summit, startups can also learn about the best startup procurement practices in India adopted by various state governments and PSUs,” he added.

For registration of the summit, visit: https://pps.startupmission.in/

Public procurement from startups has been formalized from the Kerala State IT Policy 2017, which mandates the state government to act as an early adopter for promising technology startups from Kerala.

Startup products/services up to a ceiling of Rs 20 lakh can be directly procured and from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 1 crore can be procured through a limited tender among the startups.

The scheme has successfully facilitated completion of 135 procurements worth more than Rs 12 crore from startups. Startup India and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) have recognized the scheme as one of the best practices in the country and the same was showcased to various states.

KSUM is the nodal agency of the Kerala government for entrepreneurship development and incubation activities in the state.

Kerala to Have 15,000 Startups, 2 Lakh Jobs in 5 Years: CM Pinarayi Vijayan

CM opens state’s first Fintech Accelerator as KSUM’s Huddle Global 2022 kicks off

Kerala has set an ambitious target of having over 15,000 startups and 200,000 jobs in emerging technologies in five years, Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan today said.

He was inaugurating the third edition of the ‘Huddle Global 2022’, organised by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM).

The Chief Minister also opened the state’s first Fintech Accelerator and Finishing School on the sidelines of the two-day big-ticket conclave that brings together global leaders from the startup ecosystem to strengthen networking and forging partnerships.

Shri Vijayan said the state government has plans to set up an emerging technology startup hub in the state capital, on the lines of the facility existing in Kochi, considering the vital role of the startups in the emerging scenario.

“Startups being the future of the country, Kerala is committed to providing the right ecosystem. Our startups have raised Rs 3,200 crore as equity investments since 2015. Along with startup infrastructure in the Technology Innovation Zone Kochi, the government is considering a similar campus at Thiruvananthapuram, focusing on emerging technologies,” the Chief Minister said.

‘Huddle Global 2022’ offers startups a platform to showcase products and interact with technology/industry leaders, besides providing them the scope to explore ways on moving ahead in the world emerging from Covid-19.

“Given that India is the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem with more than 55,000 startups, the government is aware of the significance of each state’s contribution to the overall development of this national startup ecosystem. Startup India ranking places Kerala as one of the top Indian states for startup environment,” Shri Vijayan said.

“The approach adopted from schools, colleges and to the professional ecosystem has created innovative startups in the state. Various government initiatives such as IEDC (Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centers, for colleges), YIP (Young Innovators Programme), programmes for incubation and acceleration, corporate innovation, besides Center of Excellences, infrastructure facilities, government as a marketplace scheme, innovation grants, Fund-of-Fund and International Exposure programmes have made Kerala the best place to start and grow enterprises,” the Chief Minister added.

Minister for Industries, Law and Coir Shri P. Rajeeve, in his presidential address to the meet, said Kerala has built a unique model to nurture startups from ideation to the scale up stage.

“KSUM is dedicated to fostering global entrepreneurship to strengthen the startup community in the state as well as across the nation. The goal of Huddle Global is to create an environment where the passion meets the purpose to learn, network, bridge the gap between business, expose potential and see actual result,” Shri Rajeeve added.

In his video message, Mr Alderman Vincent Keaveny, The Lord Mayor of the City of London, and partner in business law firm DLA Piper, said India is on to the way to becoming Asia’s top fintech hub just as the UK is Europe’s top fintech hub. Mr Keaveny added that Kerala is scaling new heights in technology by becoming a stable model ecosystem for startups.

The Fintech Accelerator and Finishing School is an initiative of Kochi-based Open Financial Technologies in collaboration with KSUM to support startups coming up with fintech solutions. Open will be investing Rs 200 crore for the next five years as part of the Centre of Excellence (CoE) and Fintech Accelerator.

Open Fintech Accelerator, which will launch its first cohort from March 1, is led by Anish Achuthan, Mabel Chacko, Deena Jacob and Ajeesh Achuthan.

On the first day of the event, KSUM has signed MoUs with Google for Startups, Habitat, Jetro, Global Accelerator Network, I Hub Gujarat, NASSCOM and CSL, among others.

One of Asia’s largest startup ecosystem congregations and India's biggest networking platform for entrepreneurs, the event focuses on business, investment and partnership opportunities for startups amid sustained fights against the pandemic-induced stalemate.

The event, featuring keynote sessions, leadership talks, tech talks, startup demo and other business-oriented activities, has a startup expo of both global and Kerala-based startups. Also, there are pitch sessions and dedicated mentoring sessions.

The event is being held on a platform created by KSUM to accommodate more than 2,000 people. Kerala IT Parks are also joining hands with KSUM in the conference.

Kerala Gets India's 1st Graphene Innovation Centre

Kerala state government run Digital University Kerala (DUK), along with along with Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET) in Thrissur, is ready to launch India's first Graphene Innovation Centre

Approved by Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeiTY), Government of India and Kerala government, the upcoming centre will have incubation centre and facilities to create new Graphene products.

An amount of Rs 86.41 crore has been allocated for same.

Graphene is a one-atom-thick sheet of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb-like pattern. Graphene is considered to be the world's thinnest, strongest and most conductive material - of both electricity and heat.

Kerala gets country’s first Graphene Innovation Centre@GoI_MeitY @CMOKerala @dukerala @TataSteelLtd
@cmetindia#graphene #2D #OLED #electronics #innovation #digitaltransformation #Kerala #GOI pic.twitter.com/aRp7aJfiri

— Digital University Kerala (@dukerala) January 25, 2022

Tata Steel Limited is set to be the industrial partner of the upcoming Graphene Innovation Centre. The other collaborators include scientists from the National Graphene Institute, University of Manchester, and other industrial partners from around the world.

To recall, for research in Graphene Tata Steel had also signed a deal for a CoE with IIT Madras in August 2016.

Digital University Kerala Technocity Campus, Thiruvananthapuram

Saji Gopinath, Vice Chancellor of DUK, said in a media statement, "We expect the centre to offer students, researchers, established industries and budding startups to test and experiment new innovative products, and make it a thriving environment for innovative graphene-based product development."

Graphene is one of the top most agendas on the list of big tech corporations in their search for finding the material that can serve as the next building block for electronic devices and transform the manufacturing sector and its various processes.

To date, Graphene the thinnest material one can imagine. It's just one atom thick! This means this material is mathematically 2-Dimensional nevertheless one can still hold this single layer of atoms in hands.

Surprisingly, graphene isn't a unique or rare substance. In fact, it has the same carbon structure as the graphite you use every day when you draw or write with your pencil But at the same time, in 0.03” of graphite, there are about 3 million graphene layers!

The emerging 2D materials will have a wide range of commercial and industrial applications in biomedical, defense, electronics, energy, and sensors, in the next decade. The centre will also develop the skilled manpower by anchoring Ph.D. and master students through Digital University, with an applied research focus in the areas of electronics product design, sensors, and energy applications, the statement added.

Last year, scientists from Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, developed a wrapping paper made of carbon (graphene oxide) loaded with preservatives that can be used as non-toxic and reusable wrappers to help extend shelf life of fruits.

Fablab Kerala Wins Fab Academy’s First Fame Award for World’s Best Fab Lab

Image Credit

Fablab Kerala won the inaugural FAME (Fab Academy Masterpiece Execution) award for the world’s best fab lab.

The honour came from the US-based Fab Academy, which conducted an online voting for 18 nominees it shortlisted from participants across the globe. The Thiruvananthapuram-headquartered Fablab Kerala emerged the topper by earning the most number of votes for its product that functions with the assistance of internet and mobile app.

Earlier, Fab Academy Program Director Prof Neil Gershenfeld prepared a final list of 18 participating labs in the Academy’s 2020-21 program.The selection was based on the merit of the projects by the fablabs participating in the Fab Academy’s 2020-2021 program. Each of them were asked to post on Instagram a video of their product. Based on this, an online poll followed.

The product developed by Abel Tomy brought the award for Fablab Kerala. Abel’s gadget works as per commands to show time or, say, token number. It can be operated using Google Assistant as well.

The voting for the FAME award ended on October 4 at 11 pm (American Standard Time), having started at 9 a.m. on September 27. The verdict was announced over Instagram.

Kerala fablabs function under the Kerala Startup Mission. They are based in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. Of these, the one at Kochi is a super fablab.

KSUM is the state’s 2006-founded nodal agency for entrepreneurship development and incubation activities.