Analyst(s): Keith Kirkpatrick
Publication Date: July 7, 2025
Zoho inaugurated its new R&D campus in Kottarakkara, Kerala, marking a major milestone in its decentralization and deep-tech development strategy. The company also announced the acquisition of Kerala-based Asimov Robotics and a partnership with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) to launch a Deep Tech Product Studio focused on mentorship, infrastructure, and real-world testing for startups.
What is Covered in this Article:
- Zoho opens an R&D campus in Kottarakkara, Kerala, focused on AI and robotics.
- Acquisition of Asimov Robotics to deepen robotics R&D capabilities.
- Launch of Deep Tech Product Studio in partnership with Kerala Startup Mission.
- R&D partnerships with emerging tech firms and IIT Bombay.
- Structured internship program and rural hiring strategy.
The News: Zoho Corporation, the parent of Zoho and ManageEngine, has taken a big step in expanding its R&D presence by opening a new campus in Kottarakkara, Kerala. Along with this, Zoho also announced it had acquired Asimov Robotics, a Kerala-based startup known for its industrial and humanoid robot solutions. The company also partners with the Kerala Startup Mission to roll out a Deep Tech Product Studio.
The new campus is designed to host 250 employees and will act as a center for innovation, startup collaboration, and rural talent development. The launch event brought together Zoho leadership, state ministers, and key players from India’s tech and academic scenes.
Is Zoho’s Rural R&D Bet in Kerala a Scalable Model for Deep-Tech Innovation?
Analyst Take: Zoho’s Kerala campus and new partnerships signal a clear push into deep tech via a decentralized, collaborative model. With an estimated 60% of India’s MSMEs expected to adopt AI/ML by 2030, Zoho’s move to invest in local infrastructure looks well-timed. With Asimov Robotics joining the fold, plus a talent training program and strong academic links, Zoho seems to be laying out a bottom-up strategy for enabling innovation.
Building R&D Capacity Through Strategic Acquisitions
Bringing Asimov Robotics into the fold gives Zoho a real advantage in robotics and AI, especially since Asimov already has solid experience working in tough, high-risk environments. The team from Asimov will remain at the new Kerala campus, which makes it easier for them to share knowledge and work closely with Zoho’s in-house teams.
This move strengthens Zoho’s tech foundation and brings specialized skills that fit well with its current product lineup. With Asimov’s expertise, Zoho can blend advanced robotics and AI into its broader offerings, giving customers more value, especially as organizations seek to link digital technologies such as AI with physical, real-world processes. Combining Asimov’s deep domain knowledge and Zoho’s existing software tools opens the door for tighter product integration and fresh innovation, marking a clear step beyond the company’s traditional SaaS focus.
Rural Talent Development as a Strategic Lever
Zoho’s hiring model is designed to support its deep-tech plans while keeping costs and attrition low. Its nine-month internship starts with hands-on C, C++, and Python training, then moves participants into live projects. Already, 40 hires have come from nearby towns, feeding into Zoho’s growing R&D setup. This model helps transfer skills quickly, build a stable workforce, and power ongoing innovation. Zoho is laying down a long-term talent base to support its robotics and AI goals by developing talent early in smaller cities.
Deep-Tech Studio to Anchor Ecosystem Collaboration
Zoho’s partnership with Kerala Startup Mission to launch the Deep Tech Product Studio places the company at the heart of India’s growing deep-tech scene. As the studio’s first industry collaborator, Zoho gains early access to upcoming startups and researchers, plus a way to shape and test new tools. This boosts Zoho’s innovation pipeline while deepening its footprint in regional innovation zones. It also lets Zoho engage directly in shaping future talent and tech capabilities. The studio sharpens Zoho’s product development efforts and helps it grow with the broader deep-tech ecosystem.
Expanding R&D Scope Through Targeted Partnerships
Zoho’s tie-ups with Boson Motors, Vipus Advanced Materials, Zentron Labs, and IIT Bombay highlight a focused move to broaden its R&D beyond software. These collaborations target critical areas like clean energy and semiconductor innovation – key parts of India’s deep-tech future. Instead of developing in silos, Zoho is embedding itself in a larger innovation network to get in early on new technologies. This cross-sector engagement helps Zoho sharpen its R&D strategy while increasing its presence across diverse industrial sectors.
What to Watch:
- Zoho’s ability to scale this rural R&D model across other Indian states.
- Execution outcomes from the Deep Tech Product Studio partnership with KSUM.
- Integration progress of Asimov Robotics into broader Zoho R&D projects.
- Impact of ecosystem partnerships on Zoho’s product pipeline and IP creation.
- Alignment of Zoho’s AI/robotics R&D with rising MSME demand for AI solutions.
See the complete press release on Zoho’s Kottarakkara campus launch and related announcements on the Zoho website.
Disclosure: Futurum is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.
Analysis and opinions expressed herein are specific to the analyst individually and data and other information that might have been provided for validation, not those of Futurum as a whole.
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Author Information
Keith Kirkpatrick is VP & Research Director, Enterprise Software & Digital Workflows for The Futurum Group. Keith has over 25 years of experience in research, marketing, and consulting-based fields.
He has authored in-depth reports and market forecast studies covering artificial intelligence, biometrics, data analytics, robotics, high performance computing, and quantum computing, with a specific focus on the use of these technologies within large enterprise organizations and SMBs. He has also established strong working relationships with the international technology vendor community and is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and events.
In his career as a financial and technology journalist he has written for national and trade publications, including BusinessWeek, CNBC.com, Investment Dealers’ Digest, The Red Herring, The Communications of the ACM, and Mobile Computing & Communications, among others.
He is a member of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP).
Keith holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Magazine Journalism and Sociology from Syracuse University.
