Kochi (Kerala), India, August 04, 2021: IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that it is working to set up a Software Lab in Kochi, Kerala in India. IBM Software Labs are leading global innovation centers that develop and deliver next-generation software portfolio and cloud offerings.

In a virtual meeting, Honourable Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, Sandip Patel - Managing Director, IBM India and Gaurav Sharma - Vice President, IBM India Software Labs discussed the role of technology in accelerating the state’s digital mission. During the meeting the Hon. Chief Minister shared his vision of making Kerala a Digital Knowledge Economy, the changes introduced in the IT policy and the role of technology in helping sectors reset and recover from the pandemic. Shri Pinarayi Vijayan also discussed the importance of collaboration between Industries, Government and the Academia to drive growth opportunities within the state.

During the meeting, Gaurav Sharma discussed the proposed expansion of IBM Software Labs’ operations in Kerala which includes establishing a state-of-the-art product engineering, design and software development center in Kochi. This center will focus on developing solutions, infusing global design techniques, agile methodologies and advanced technologies including automation, data and artificial intelligence (AI), and security to support the requirements of the government and global customers.

Speaking on the occasion, Sandip Patel, Managing Director, IBM India said, “IBM India is a microcosm of the IBM corporation committed to furthering the country’s vision of Make in India, for India and the World. IBM brings its global best practices to India and we hope to do that in Kerala as well, by building indigenous skills in the state that will create a talent pool for the global marketplace. Expansion in Kerala would provide us access to world-class skills and diversity of talent, drive skills development and enhance employability.”

During the meeting, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan said, “Kerala is a talent hub for IT professionals and entrepreneurs, and we are pleased with IBM’s proposed expansion in the state. Technology Development Centers play an important role in driving economic growth by bringing innovations to the market quickly.  We will extend our full support to IBM to establish its software development center in Kerala. I’m confident that our talent and IBM’s leading technologies will have a far-reaching impact which will create employment opportunities, accelerate digital innovation and provide a strong foundation for the IT/ITeS sector in the state.”

The proposed expansion is aligned to IBM’s vision to shape the future of software development- through an open, secure, decentralized architecture that helps clients automate, secure, modernize and predict. Currently IBM Software Labs operate from Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad and Chennai in India.