"Thiruvananthapuram Poised to Emerge as Global R&D Hub for Major Automotive Companies"

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is rapidly emerging as a global research and development (R&D) hub for major automotive companies, driven by the advanced ecosystem provided by Technopark, India's first IT park.

State Industries Minister P. Rajeeve recently announced that Thiruvananthapuram will host a global automotive conclave in November, signaling the city's growing importance in the automotive technology sector. Speaking at the inauguration of Acsia Technologies' global headquarters and R&D center in Technopark, Rajeeve highlighted the city's potential to become a global automotive technology hub.

Acsia Technologies, a leader in automotive software specializing in digital cockpits, e-mobility, and telematics, is one of the key players driving this transformation. Jijimon Chandran, founder and CEO of Acsia, noted that global automotive technology companies like dSPACE and Nissan Digital have recognized Thiruvananthapuram's potential, further cementing its reputation as an innovation hub.

The global automotive industry is poised for significant growth, with over 470 million connected vehicles expected on the roads by 2025, and the market for automotive software, electronic control units (ECUs), and sensors projected to exceed $320 billion by 2030. According to Chandran, the city's strong infrastructure, connectivity, and talent pool make it well-suited to support this booming industry.

Thiruvananthapuram is already home to scientists working on advanced projects in spacecraft and defense technology. Chandran emphasized that with the right positioning, the city could attract even more automotive technology companies, leveraging its existing R&D ecosystem and engineering talent.

dSPACE, a global leader in simulation and validation solutions for the automotive industry, has chosen Thiruvananthapuram as the location for its first competence center in Asia, joining its other centers in Germany and Croatia. Franklin George, Managing Director of dSPACE, cited the presence of established automotive companies like Nissan Digital and Tata Elxsi, along with the city's skilled workforce, low attrition rates, and robust infrastructure, as key factors in their decision.

Technopark's reliable services, including high-speed internet, further enhance Thiruvananthapuram's appeal as a hub for automotive innovation. Srinivas Aravapalli, Founder and CEO, and Kishore L.M., President and CEO of a specialized engineering and technology firm, praised the city's combination of resources as ideal for fostering growth in the automotive sector.

Col Sanjeev Nair (retd), CEO of Technopark, underscored the importance of the city's growing R&D ecosystem in helping companies tackle complex challenges and become trusted partners for global automakers.

HBL