Zoho Expands into Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Plans R&D Facility by Year-End

In a strategic move to broaden its national footprint, Zoho, the prominent Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider, has announced plans to establish a research and development (R&D) facility in eastern Uttar Pradesh by the end of this year.

Sridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho, shared the news on X, stating, “We are going to eastern UP this year, our first major rural expedition north. I wish we could have a meaningful presence everywhere and maybe over the next 20 years we will get there. That is my dream.” Vembu emphasized the potential in rural areas, noting, “There is vast talent waiting for opportunity everywhere in Bharat. We want to create world-class R&D capability wherever we go, and it is not at all like scaling up manufacturing plants.”

Reflecting on Zoho’s earlier expansion, Vembu highlighted the company’s success in Kottarakara, Kerala, where they launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) R&D centre in February as part of a collaboration with the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) and the Institute of Human Resources Development (IHRD).

In addition, Zoho has submitted a proposal to the Indian government for incentives to support the establishment of a semiconductor fab plant.

Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Tamil Nadu, Zoho provides subscription-based software services to businesses in 150 countries, competing with major players like Microsoft and Salesforce.

BS