Kerala has unveiled an ambitious strategy, ‘Vision 2031,’ designed to significantly accelerate its economic growth and solidify its position as a technological hub. Under this comprehensive roadmap, the state aims to achieve a staggering $50 billion in economic output, generate 500,000 new high-value employment opportunities, and attract ₹20,000 crore in investments into its burgeoning start-up ecosystem, which is projected to expand to an impressive 20,000 start-ups. This pivotal ‘Vision 2031’ document, developed by the State Electronics and IT department, was officially launched by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Kochi.
A cornerstone of this vision is robust infrastructure development, with plans to add 30 million square feet of new IT office space. This expansion will be facilitated through innovative models like land pooling and by actively encouraging the establishment of private IT parks, fostering rapid, non-linear growth. Furthermore, Kerala intends to triple its number of resident Global Capability Centres (GCCs) from 40 to 120, aiming to employ 200,000 professionals within these centers. To support this, dedicated GCC parks will be strategically developed within key IT and development corridors.
Pioneering an AI Bill of Rights
Driving this monumental transformation are four crucial strategic missions. These include the Kerala Artificial Intelligence Mission (K-AIM), the Kerala Semiconductor Mission, the Kerala Future Tech Mission (KFTM), and The Future Corporation (TFC). A landmark initiative under K-AIM is the introduction of a “Kerala AI Bill of Rights” by 2030, alongside an ambitious goal to train one million citizens in artificial intelligence, promoting ethical and transparent AI utilization across the state. The Kerala Future Tech Mission will champion cutting-edge technologies like cybersecurity, space tech, and eco-friendly green computing parks. Moreover, KFTM will brand Kerala as “Global Talent. Ethical Tech. Sustainable Growth,” acting as a global investment facilitator.
The Kerala Semiconductor Mission will strategically focus on high-value, specialized domains such as Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) and advanced research and development fabrication plants, deliberately avoiding capital-intensive mass fabrication to concentrate on niche expertise. Concurrently, TFC will operate as “Kerala Inc.,” the state’s dedicated investment agency, leading global outreach efforts and targeting an impressive ₹10,000 crore in private AI investments.
100% Digital Government Services
Another transformative objective is the complete digital delivery of all government services by 2031, powered by the innovative Data Keralam initiative. The state is also committed to aggressively adopting Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) across all public projects, anticipating a minimum 30% reduction in software-related expenditures. Looking to the creative industries, Kerala aims to establish 250 companies in the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) sector by 2029, with the goal of securing 10% of the national export share in this dynamic field.
“Kerala has already demonstrated remarkable achievements in the digital sector. With Vision 2031, our aim is to capture global attention and ignite substantial economic growth throughout the state,” stated Seeram Sambasiva Rao, Special Secretary, Department of Electronics and Information Technology.
To bolster its physical IT infrastructure, the government has announced several groundbreaking projects. These include Infopark Phase 3 (which will feature an AI City), Phase 4 Campus, Technopark Phase 4, new IT initiatives in Kozhikode, and the K-Space Aerospace Cluster. These strategic developments are set to establish Kerala as a premier destination for IT and innovation within India.
Furthermore, Vision 2031 places a strong emphasis on nurturing research, innovation, and skill development. This includes the establishment of Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and incubation centers across various higher education institutions. The plan also proposes setting up 50 Leap Centres, 250 Early Innovation Centres, and “Freedom Squares” in all 14 districts to champion entrepreneurship, particularly among women, and to strengthen IT-enabled industries in rural areas.