In a major stride towards deepening its technological footprint, Zoho Corporation has acquired Kochi-based deep-tech startup Asimov Robotics. The acquisition was formally announced on July 2 during the inauguration of Zoho’s state-of-the-art Research and Development (R&D) campus in Kottarakkara, Kerala. This strategic move underscores Zoho’s commitment to advancing artificial intelligence, robotics, and frontier technologies from the grassroots level.

Founded by Jayakrishnan T, Asimov Robotics has earned nationwide acclaim for its innovative humanoid and industrial robotic solutions. The company played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic by deploying healthcare robots to support frontline operations. With this acquisition, Asimov and its entire team will integrate into Zoho’s expanding R&D ecosystem while continuing their operations from the newly launched Kottarakkara campus.

“The Kottarakkara campus will enhance our R&D capabilities, starting with AI and robotics,” said Shailesh Davey, Co-founder and CEO of Zoho Corp. “Our focus is on building self-reliant technology capabilities within India, and fostering innovation from rural regions is central to that mission.”

Zoho also announced the launch of a “Deep-Tech Product Studio” in collaboration with the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM). This initiative aims to foster innovation by offering startups and researchers a collaborative space to develop cutting-edge technologies. Zoho will serve as the first industry partner, extending mentorship, infrastructure, and real-world testing opportunities to participating entities.

Reinforcing its innovation drive, Zoho revealed strategic R&D collaborations with leading institutions and emerging startups such as IIT Bombay, Boson Motors India, Vipus Advanced Materials, and Zentron Labs. These alliances will focus on clean energy, healthcare technology, semiconductor development, and other advanced sectors.

The inauguration event was led by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Finance Minister K N Balagopal, who hailed the initiative as a transformative model for decentralised, innovation-led growth. “This collaboration with Zoho marks a pivotal moment in Kerala’s deep-tech ecosystem. It exemplifies how industry, academia, skilling, and local governance can converge to drive sustainable IP creation and employment,” Balagopal stated.

The 250-seater Kottarakkara facility is part of Zoho’s decentralisation vision, aiming to empower rural India by bringing world-class opportunities closer to home. Since establishing its initial presence in the town in 2024, Zoho has been proactively hiring local talent and nurturing them through structured training programmes.

A standout initiative is Zoho’s nine-month internship programme that begins with a three-month training module covering core programming languages like C, C++, and Python. Interns then gain hands-on experience through real-world projects, with successful candidates offered full-time roles. To date, the programme has successfully onboarded 40 full-time employees.

Sridhar Vembu, Co-founder and Chief Scientist of Zoho Corp, along with Tony Thomas, CEO of Zoho US, were also present at the ceremony, reaffirming the company’s long-term vision of rural-led innovation. “This is not just about expanding infrastructure—it’s about cultivating a culture of innovation deeply rooted in India’s heartland,” said Vembu.

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