Invest Kerala summit will be a turning point for State, says P. Rajeeve

Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025: A pivotal event showcasing Kerala's commitment to responsible investments, industry inclusiveness, and environmental consideration.

On the eve of the Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025 here on Friday, Industries Minister P. Rajeeve said the Summit was not just an event but a major step in Kerala’s journey. “It will be a turning point for Kerala, which has built a reputation as an investment destination with its commitment to responsible investments, industry inclusiveness, and environmental consideration,” he added.

The Minister welcomed the exception granted to Category-I industries by panchayats. He thanked the Department of Local Self-Governments for ensuring these industries do not need to wait for panchayat approval before starting investments. He said the timing of the announcement, just ahead of the summit, was significant.

Investment prospects in enterprises driven by futuristic technologies are set to get a boost at the summit starting Friday (February 21, 2025). The event will highlight Kerala’s strategic advantages in emerging fields like GenAI, Robotics, Machine Learning, and Data Analytics, which have been identified as priority areas in the State government’s New Industrial Policy.

A series of GenAI and Robotics conclaves held by the government in Kochi last year drew significant attention. Impressed by the ecosystem’s potential, IBM set up its GenAI Innovation Center at Kochi Infopark, creating 1,500 jobs—far exceeding the initial plan of 300.

The Industries Minister said investor confidence in the State’s ecosystem had grown. “Since GenAI and Robotics are our priorities, the government’s full support will further boost investor confidence.” He added that government backing was the biggest assurance for investors, as the State prepared to launch its first robotics park in Thrissur.

The summit will feature 22 sector-specific sessions and six interactions for collaborations with partner countries. Ambassadors from 24 countries are expected to attend.

A session on ‘Future of Talent’ will feature Cognizant India chairman Rajesh Varrier, American Mission Hospital chief executive officer George Cherian, and IIT Palakkad Director A. Seshadri Sekhar. Another session, ‘Global Gateway to Medical Excellence, Ayurveda, and Wellness Tourism,’ will have Apollo Ayurvaid Hospital founder Rajeev Vasudevan in attendance.