Kerala is, was and will most probably be a state that is well-known for its lush landscape and cultural richness. Now, with technology making a mark in every field, Kerala too is witnessing a giant leap into being the most sought-after locale for startups and innovation.
Owning such a thriving ecosystem has resulted in an increase in the number of startup companies and a culture that encourages entrepreneurship. Despite being home-grown, these startup companies are making waves both nationally as well as globally.
They are making waves and pushing boundaries in sectors like AI, IoT, renewable energy, agritech and more. This way they are creating a ripple effect that is revolutionazing the state’s economic and technological terrain.
The best part is that Kerala’s startup ecosystem is not focussed on a single sector. It is diverse and inclusive and has a transformative effect on the state’s economic as well as technological landscape. Kerala’s startup culture is a rich blend of tradition and technology and includes everything from cutting-edge robotics to education tech giants and sustainable business models.
In this detailed report, let’s explore what it is that makes these startups unique, what’s their energy driver, and what makes investors, entrepreneurs, and tech talent to look at Kerala to build their growth story.
Here’s a look at some of the most influential and fast-growing Kerala startup companies in 2025:
Sastra Robotics, founded in 2013 and based in Kochi, specializes in developing advanced robotic solutions for industrial automation and testing. Their robots are designed to perform quality testing tasks that are challenging for humans, particularly in sectors like mobile, space, defense, and banking.
About: Advanced robotic solutions for industrial automation and testing
Founders: Akhil A, Aronin P, and Achu Wilson
Industry: Robotics & Industrial Automation
Major Achievements & Recognitions:
Genrobotics, founded in 2017 by four young engineers from Kerala, is revolutionizing sanitation with its flagship product, Bandicoot—the world’s first robotic scavenger. Designed to eliminate manual scavenging, Bandicoot uses AI and ML to clean manholes, enhancing safety and efficiency.
About: Robotic solutions for sanitation and healthcare
Founders: Vimal Govind MK, Arun George, Nikhil NP, and Rashid Bin Abdulla Khan
Industry: Robotics & Social Innovation
Major Achievements & Recognitions:
SurveySparrow, founded in 2017 in Kochi, offers an omnichannel experience management platform that transforms traditional surveys into engaging conversations. Their platform supports various use cases, including Net Promoter Score (NPS), Customer Satisfaction (CSAT), and employee assessments.
About: Conversational experience management platform
Founder: Shihab Muhammed
Industry: SaaS / Customer Experience
Major Achievements & Recognitions:
CareStack, established in 2015 in Thiruvananthapuram, provides a cloud-based dental practice management software that integrates various functions like appointments, treatments, billing, and patient communication into a single platform.
About: Cloud-based dental practice management software
Founders: Dr. Abhi Krishna, Dr. Biju Pillai, and others
Industry: HealthTech / SaaS
Major Achievements & Recognitions:
Toffee Ride, founded in 2016 and based in Kochi, is an edtech startup offering a comprehensive learning app for children in classes I to IV. The platform focuses on making learning enjoyable and effective through interactive content.
About: Learning app for primary school students
Founders: Sanoj Salam and Prasanth Pillai
Industry: EdTech
Major Achievements & Recognitions:
Inntot Technologies, established in 2014 in Kochi, specializes in providing cost-effective digital media broadcast receiver solutions, particularly focusing on software-defined radio (SDR) technologies.
About: Digital media broadcast receiver solutions
Founders:Rajith Nair and Prasanth Thankappan
Industry: Digital Media / Broadcast Technology
Major Achievements & Recognitions:
EntriAppHQ, based in Kochi, is a vernacular learning platform aimed at helping job aspirants prepare for government and private sector jobs through content in local languages.
About: Vernacular learning platform for job aspirants
Founders: Mohammed Hisamuddin and Rahul Ramesh
Industry: EdTech
Major Achievements & Recognitions:
BestDoc Technology, founded in 2016 in Kochi, provides digital patient relationship management tools for healthcare providers, aiming to enhance patient experience and operational efficiency.
About: Digital patient relationship management tools
Founders: Afsal Salu, Soudabi N, and Fayaz Bin Abdu
Industry: HealthTech / SaaS
Major Achievements & Recognitions:
Intertoons, established in 2007 and headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, is a leading software development company specializing in e-commerce solutions. With a global presence, including offices in Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia, Intertoons offers a range of services from custom e-commerce website development to mobile app solutions for various industries.
About: E-commerce development and custom software solutions
Industry: Information Technology / E-commerce Solutions
Major Achievements & Recognitions:
BuildNext, founded in 2015 and based in Kochi, Kerala, is a tech-enabled home construction company that leverages virtual reality (VR) to provide end-to-end home building solutions. Their platform allows customers to visualize and customize their homes through VR experience centers, streamlining the construction process.
About: Tech-enabled home construction with VR integration
Founders: Finaz Naha and Gopikrishnan Vadakkevededu
Industry: Real Estate Technology / Construction
Major Achievements & Recognitions:
EyeROV, founded in 2016 by Johns T Mathai and Kannappa Palaniappan, is a Kochi-based deep-tech startup specializing in marine robotics. They develop Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for underwater inspections, catering to sectors like defense, oil & gas, and infrastructure.
About: Underwater robotics and inspection services
Founders: Johns T Mathai and Kannappa Palaniappan
Industry: Marine Robotics / AI
Major Achievements & Recognitions:
Established in 2007, Travancore Analytics is a custom software development company with operations in Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram, and Infopark, Kochi. They offer services in areas like IoT, AR/VR, and data analytics, serving clients globally.
About: Custom software development and analytics solutions
Industry: Information Technology / Software Services
Major Achievements & Recognitions:
NAVA Design and Innovation, founded by Charles Vijay Varghese in 2016, is an agri-tech startup focusing on integrating AI and robotics into agriculture. Their flagship product, ‘SAPER’, is an automatic coconut palm tapping robot.
About: AI and robotics solutions for agriculture
Founder: Charles Vijay Varghese
Industry: Agri-Tech / Robotics
Major Achievements & Recognitions:
Zappyhire, founded in 2018 by Deepu Xavier and Jyothis KS, is a Kochi-based AI-powered recruitment automation platform that streamlines hiring processes for enterprises.
About: AI-driven recruitment automation platform
Founders: Deepu Xavier and Jyothis KS
Industry: HR Tech / AI
Major Achievements & Recognitions:
Interval, founded in 2021 by Ramees Ali, Sanafir O K, Najim Illyas, Shibily Ameen, and Aslah Thadathil, is a Kerala-based edtech platform offering personalized one-to-one learning experiences.
About: Personalized edtech platform for K-12 education
Founders: Ramees Ali, Sanafir O K, Najim Illyas, Shibily Ameen, and Aslah Thadathil
Industry: EdTech
Major Achievements & Recognitions:
Appmaker is a Kerala-based startup that provides a platform for converting e-commerce websites into native mobile applications without coding.
About: No-code mobile app builder for e-commerce platforms
Industry: Mobile App Development / SaaS
Major Achievements & Recognitions:
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Alappuzha, Kerala, Internetmango Solutions LLP is a digital transformation consultancy specializing in web and mobile application development. They offer services in Node.js, React.js, Ruby, and JavaScript technologies, catering to clients across various industries.
About: Digital transformation consultancy offering web and mobile application development
Founders: Vijay Narayanankutty and Linjo Joson
Industry: Information Technology / Software Development
Major Achievements & Recognitions:
Agrima Infotech, based in Kochi, Kerala, is a deep-tech company specializing in artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions for the retail sector. Their flagship product, Psyight, is a computer vision platform that identifies Indian fruits and vegetables without barcodes, enhancing self-checkout experiences in retail stores.
About: AI and ML solutions for the retail sector
Founders: Anoop Balakrishnan, Arun Ravi, and Nikhil Dharman
Industry: Artificial Intelligence / Retail Technology
Major Achievements & Recognitions:
CareStack, established in 2015 in Thiruvananthapuram, provides a cloud-based dental practice management software that integrates various functions like appointments, treatments, billing, and patient communication into a single platform.
About: Cloud-based dental practice management software
Founders: Dr. Abhi Krishna, Dr. Biju Pillai, and others
Industry: HealthTech / SaaS
Major Achievements & Recognitions:
Nav Technologies, based in Kochi, Kerala, is a fintech startup offering AI-enabled core banking solutions. Their flagship product, Coligo v3.0, is designed to support NBFCs, MFIs, and cooperative societies in streamlining their operations.
About: AI-enabled core banking solutions
Industry: FinTech / Banking Solutions
Major Achievements & Recognitions:
PaisaOnClick, headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a fintech platform simplifying loan processing for consumers. They offer a digital platform that connects borrowers with multiple loan options from various banks and NBFCs, enhancing choice and flexibility.
About: Digital loan processing platform
Founders: Al Ameen R
Industry: FinTech / Financial Services
Major Achievements & Recognitions:
These are companies that are not just creating products—but are rewriting the rules of innovation, sustainability, and impact. Their success underscores the potential of Kerala startup companies to scale beyond borders.
Starting a business in Kerala offers several compelling benefits:
Initiatives like the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), Year of Enterprises, and state-backed funding schemes provide grants, incubation, and mentorship to entrepreneurs.
Kerala boasts one of India’s most literate populations, creating a workforce that is tech-savvy, trainable, and innovation-oriented.
Angel investors, VCs, and even banks are opening doors to fund startups. Crowdfunding platforms are also gaining traction in Kerala’s startup financing landscape.
Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Calicut are well-connected by sea, air, and internet—making them great launchpads for both tech and export-oriented startups.
Regular networking events, tech summits, and collaborative spaces promote a sense of community among Kerala startup companies, encouraging knowledge sharing and innovation.
Kerala is quickly becoming a center for advanced technology-driven startups, especially in fields like:
Startups are leveraging SEO services in Kerala to build global visibility and reach, ensuring that their products and innovations reach the right audiences at scale.
Kerala’s startup ecosystem thrives on collaboration and collective progress. Government bodies, private organizations, and educational institutions are all contributing to this dynamic growth. Platforms like KSUM, Maker Village, and TBI Kerala act as incubators for early-stage companies by providing access to mentors, investors, infrastructure, and co-working spaces.
Networking events and summits—such as Seeding Kerala, Huddle Kerala, and Startup Yatra—offer entrepreneurs opportunities to pitch ideas, connect with investors, and gain invaluable insights from experts.
Universities and research centers collaborate with Kerala startup companies on applied innovation, encouraging students to pursue real-world problem-solving.
Startups in Kerala have access to diverse funding options, including:
This diversity of funding fuels innovation across sectors—from robotics and medtech to sustainable tourism and digital learning.
Key sectors contributing to the rise of Kerala startup companies include:
The convergence of traditional sectors with cutting-edge technologies has created a balanced growth ecosystem unique to Kerala.
From Byju’s Learning App—now a global edtech leader—to emerging players like Sastra Robotics, International Virtual Assistance (IVA), InIT Solutions, Kerala startup companies are gaining recognition for their innovation, integrity, and global market readiness to compete on the world stage.
Their stories inspire young entrepreneurs and attract investors looking for high-growth, high-impact ventures.
The future of Kerala startup companies looks incredibly bright. As technology continues to evolve and global attention shifts toward sustainable innovation, Kerala is positioned as a model startup hub in India.
Entrepreneurs can expect more support through policy evolution, international partnerships, and greater access to global markets. Investors see Kerala as fertile ground for high-impact opportunities, while job seekers are drawn to the state’s inclusive, forward-thinking work culture.
In a rapidly transforming India, Kerala startup companies represent a perfect fusion of intellect, culture, and innovation. With cutting-edge technologies, government backing, and a passionate entrepreneurial community, Kerala is no longer just a scenic escape—it’s a serious destination for building world-changing companies.
The best startups in Kerala are often built around tourism, Ayurveda, IT services, and agriculture tech. Startups like Genrobotics, which created robots for manual scavenging, and Inntot Technologies, offering digital radio solutions, are great examples. Tourism tech, wellness platforms, and eco-friendly innovations have strong local and global demand. If you blend local strengths with tech or sustainability, you’re likely to succeed. Startups that solve real problems in health, travel, or education stand out in Kerala.
As of 2025, Kerala has over 5,000 registered startups under the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM). These range across sectors like IT, food tech, agritech, health, and education. The state’s supportive ecosystem, incubators, and funding schemes have helped many young entrepreneurs start successfully. Kochi and Trivandrum are major startup hubs with strong infrastructure and talent. The number keeps growing thanks to tech-savvy youth and government support.
The best startup to start depends on your skills, location, and budget—but in Kerala, tech-enabled tourism, Ayurveda-based wellness apps, or local product delivery platforms are promising. Startups that merge tradition with tech—like online Ayurvedic consultations or spice subscription boxes—work well. You could also try digital marketing or e-commerce for Kerala products. Choose something scalable, in demand, and close to your passion or expertise. Focus on solving a local problem with a smart, digital-first solution.
Tourism and Ayurveda-based ventures continue to be among the most profitable in Kerala. Spice exports, eco-resorts, and wellness retreats generate high margins due to global demand. Digital services like SEO companies in Kerala and freelance tech agencies are also highly profitable with low investment. Food delivery, ethnic apparel, and mobile stores also perform well, especially in cities. The key is choosing a business that uses Kerala’s unique strengths—nature, culture, or digital talent.