Thiruvananthapuram AI Centre of Excellence receives 56 startup applications for second batch

Thiruvananthapuram's India AI Centre of Excellence (CAIK) has received 56 startup applications for its second cohort, with nearly 43 per cent arriving from outside Kerala. The surge underscores India's expanding technology infrastructure and the growing appeal of Kerala's capital as a national hub for artificial intelligence.

The facility, located at Technopark Phase IV in Pallipuram, was launched on 30 September under the Union government's flagship India AI Mission. Implemented by Digital University Kerala (DUK) alongside industry partner Innovation Incubator Advisory Pvt Ltd, the centre began operations with an initial cohort of 15 startups.

Applicants for the second batch hail from 22 states, including key technology centres such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Gurgaon and Noida.

Broadening national tech footprint

Digital University Kerala vice-chancellor Saji Gopinath said the national response exceeded expectations. He pointed to the state's academic foundation, deep technology credentials, space research institutes and biotechnology ecosystem as primary drivers drawing entrepreneurs to the facility.

Unlike traditional incubation programs, CAIK operates a zero-equity model, allowing founders to access institutional support without giving up ownership stakes. The centre connects startups directly with state departments, research bodies, computing resources, verified datasets, and investors.

CAIK chief executive M S Shiv Shankar explained that the hub prioritises original AI innovation over basic wrappers built on existing third-party platforms. Founders receive computing capacity alongside opportunities for real-world deployment and testing.

Early cohort achievements

The initiative aims to foster Indian-language tools using regional datasets and academic partnerships. Early participants in the first cohort have already extended their operations across state borders.

• Audio Realities: Specialises in speech-processing and audio AI models.
• Keynos: Focuses on AI-driven financial automation.
• Open Healthcare AI: Expanded deployment into Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand.

Keynos co-founder Bushair AP noted that mature startups benefit most from strategic direction, business networking, and rapid field-testing rather than simple office space.

Officials are currently evaluating the 56 applications to select the second batch, focusing on solutions that can integrate into commercial markets and public administration.