IBM Launches Ecosystem Incubation Center in Kochi to Accelerate Local  Tech Innovation and Software Upskilling

Kochi, Kerala, July 15, 2025: IBM today announced the launch of its Ecosystem Incubation Center (EIC) in Kochi, Kerala, a strategic space designed to accelerate innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration across startups, enterprises, and academia. The Center will serve as a hub for early-stage ventures, skill-building, and co-innovation, positioning Kochi as a rising destination for deep tech.   

The EIC will offer structured support to Kerala’s innovation ecosystem through a range of initiatives that will serve as a launchpad for the next generation of innovators. These include quarterly meetups with IBM Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), hands-on mentorship and guidance for developing proof-of-concepts (PoCs), technical workshops, hackathons and integration with academic curriculum for continuous learning and upskilling. 

Kochi is home to IBM's Software Lab which plays a crucial role in building the company’s AI and automation solutions. The Center will build upon the Generative AI Innovation Center already established in the lab and will carry forward the momentum from the co-hosted Gen AI Conclave in 2024.

The Center was inaugurated by P. Rajeeve, Minister for Minister for Law, Industries and Coir, Government of Kerala; Dinesh Nirmal, Senior Vice President, IBM Software; A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Government of Kerala;  Mir Mohammed Ali, Managing Director, KSIDC, and Vishal Chahal, Vice President, IBM India Software Labs along with other dignitaries from the Govt. of Kerala and Industry.

Inaugurating the center, P. Rajeev, Minister for Law, Industries and Coir, commented, “The Kerala government will explore the possibilities of using artificial intelligence, including GenAI, to simplify the state administration’s day-to-day operations to the benefit of the people. Kerala has a progressive social climate that encourages free thinking and scientific consciousness. So there is great potential for innovation." 

Dinesh Nirmal, Senior Vice President, IBM Software, added, “Kochi is fast emerging as a deep tech hotspot, with the right blend of talent and innovation. With this new IBM Ecosystem Incubation Center, IBM is deepening our commitment to local collaboration, upskilling and innovation with partners. By collaborating with organizations such as Kerala Startup Mission, Infopark, Technopark and Academia, we aim to scale the development of impactful software solutions to solve our clients' hybrid cloud and AI needs."