IBM on Wednesday announced that it was working to establish a Software Lab in Kochi. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hailed the global technology company’s decision, adding that it would pave the way for a huge leap in the State's IT development. 

The announcement came a day after Chief Minister Vijayan, IBM India Managing Director Sandip Patel and IBM India Software Labs Vice-President Gaurav Sharma discussed the role of technology in accelerating the State’s digital mission in a virtual meeting. 

IBM Software Labs are leading global innovation centres that develop and deliver next-generation software portfolio and cloud offerings. 

Thanking IBM for its interest to take up a more active role in the State’s IT growth, Mr Vijayan said: “Undoubtedly, IBM’s expansion will pave the way for a huge leap in Kerala’s IT development.” 

“Kerala government will ensure the commitment and support required to materialise the project,” the chief minister said in a Facebook post. Mr Vijayan added that he had a “very fruitful meeting” with Mr Patel and Mr Sharma on Tuesday and “extended Kerala’s wholehearted support to the new venture”. 

This centre in Kerala would focus on developing solutions, infusing global design techniques, agile methodologies and advanced technologies, including automation, data and AI, and security to support the requirements of the government and global customers, he said.

In a statement, IBM said that during the meeting on Tuesday, the chief minister had shared his vision of making Kerala a digital knowledge economy and discussed about the changes introduced in the IT policy and the role of technology in helping sectors reset and recover from the pandemic.