Latest news with #Technopark
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
‘Operation K-Force' & a call for the four ‘A's: Kerala's silent growth in strategic sector
KOCHI: Kerala may not be the first name that springs to mind when you think of defence and aerospace. But make no mistake - the state is quietly scripting a revolution in India's quest for 'Atmanirbharta' in the strategic sector. From shipyards to space parks, MSMEs to military-grade startups, Kerala is stepping up post-Operation Sindoor, tapping into a rapidly expanding defence opportunity with a mix of gritty innovation and strategic ambition. At the heart of this story is Keltron. 'Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Keltron played a key role in strengthening India's defence response,' Industries Minister P Rajeeve revealed. The state-run electronics giant supplied critical systems for INS Arnala - the first indigenously built anti-submarine warfare vessel - including its sonar sensor, underwater communication system, power amplifier, and echo sounder. That's not all. Keltron had earlier delivered the 'Maareech Towed Array' system — designed to detect and neutralise torpedoes — to the Indian Navy. 'With decades of technical expertise, Keltron is now a trusted name in defence. Orders are steadily flowing in,' Rajeeve added. WhatsApp to warfare Ironically, Kerala's most promising defence cluster — K-Space — is still just a concept. 'We don't have anything officially called K-Space. What we have is a WhatsApp group,' chuckled a startup founder, who wished not to be named. But the vision is real. The state government has earmarked land at TechnoCity for a futuristic Kerala Space Park. The initiative is being revived after facing setbacks caused by the alleged involvement of M Sivasankar, IAS—who had been leading several projects, including the Space Park initiative—in a scandal. Meanwhile, Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) has launched the Kerala Defence Innovation Zone (K-DIZ) in collaboration with DRDO, Technopark and others. 'It's part of the larger Emerging Technology Hub—a 2 lakh sq. ft. facility to drive aerospace and defence innovation,' said G Levin, CEO of K-Space, adding that several initiatives are being readied behind the scenes. BrahMos, drones and beyond Big-ticket land deals are also in motion. A 200-acre land allocation for the second unit of BrahMos Aerospace Trivandrum Ltd (BATL) is underway, alongside a proposal for a 100-acre Integrated Defence Industrial Park near Kattakada. The drone ecosystem is buzzing too. Startups like Vektas Technologies, operating out of Technopark, are building UAVs for disaster warning and rescue, with payload capacities of 10–20 kg and flight range up to two hours.
India.com
20-05-2025
- India.com
10 Facts About Thiruvananthapuram City You Must Know
Apart from being the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is a vivid combination of new and old traditions and culture. The city is situated in the southwest coast of India and has stunning views, rich history, and an array of historical sites. Below are some amazing facts about the city that every traveler, history lover, or fun explorer should know. 1. The Name Has Religious Significance In Malayalam, the term 'Thiruvananthapuram' means the city of Anantha. The word comes from Anantha Padmanabha, which a formation of Lord Vishnu, who is resting on the serpent called Anantha. The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the most affluent temples in the world, is also located here and is known for its significance. 2. Home to One of the Richest Temples in the World Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is known for its religious value, but it also serves as a massive temple in India. The temple has an intense dom of power. In 2011, vaults of the temple were opened and gold, artifacts and a lot more was valued into several billions of dollars. This gigantic discovery gained a lot of attention globally and had a huge impact on India's history and culture. 3. An Evergreen City with Beautiful Beaches Thiruvananthapuram is called the 'Evergreen City of India' which is a gift from Mahatma Gandhi. It is a paradise for nature lovers because of its beautiful greenery, rolling hills, beaches like Kovalam and Shanghumugham. Kovalam beach is also famous for its crown shaped coastline which brings tourists from all over the world. 4. The First City in Kerala with a Planned Layout Thiruvananthapuram at first was a planned city under the domain of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal in the early years of the 19th century. The layout of the city is unique among other Indian cities because it shows colonial influences mixed with traditional Kerala architecture. Slowly over the years major institutions like University of Kerala, Technopark were established over time. 5. The First IT Park in Non Metro Areas of India Technopark, located in Kazhakuttom, is the first technology park built in non metropolitan areas of India opened in 1991. It has now transformed into a center for IT firms, Startups and innovation. With its vast campuses and modern equipment, Technopark is a big contributor to the economic growth and job opportunities in kerala. 6. Cultural Hub with Artistic Traditions Thiruvananthapuram is famous for its art, music, and dances from Kerala. The city conducts many cultural festivals during the year, especially the well known Navratri Mandala Vilakku in the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. These are also promoted through educational institutions like Kerala Kalamandalam which specializes in various forms of classical performing arts such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Ottamthullal. 7. Educational Excellence The city has some of the most important educational institutions in the country. Examples include University of Kerala, College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET), and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). There are other reasons why the schools are very popular among students from all parts of the country, adding to the city's reputation as an educational hub. 8. Gateway to Backwaters and Wildlife Sanctuaries Thiruvananthapuram is the gateway to the backwaters and wildlife sanctuaries of kerala. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is just a short drive away and is home to a rich variety of plants and animals, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. Other than that, Poovar Island is only reachable by boat rides through calm backwaters, showcasing some of Kerala's beautiful scenery. 9. Scientific Legacy As one of the major scientific cities of India, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) is based in Thiruvananthapuram. The visionary Indian space program director Vikram Sarabhai's work center is capable of advanced technology development for India's satellite and launch vehicles, which puts the city within the limits of aerospace research internationally. 10. A Blend of History and Modernity Tourism in Thiruvananthapuram has a special place for historic features waiting to be appreciated alongside areas of modern growth. The British-era Napier Museum is not only accompanied by educational infrastructure such as shopping malls and multi theaters, but is also flanked by modern architectural feats. The former royal estate Kanakakunnu Palace has been transformed to serve as a host for cultural exhibits depicting the city's vitality. Conclusion An important and economically advanced city, Thiruvananthapuram is the best representation of the state of Kerala. With roots extending deep into temples of the olden days and being home to numerous tech businesses and educational institutes, the city is an epitome of contradiction and advancement. Be it deep diving into the cultural heritage, relaxing on the scenic beaches or sightseeing the architectural brilliance, tourists are bound to get an unrivaled experience from the capital city.
Morocco World
16-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Expands Innovation Hubs with New Technopark in Khemisset
Rabat– The northern Moroccan city of Khemisset has launched its first Technopark, a MAD 15.2 million project designed to support and accelerate young entrepreneurs in the fields of technology and innovation. The official groundbreaking ceremony took place on Thursday in the presence of Abdellatif Ennahli, Governor of the Khemisset Province, and Rachid El Abdi, President of the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra Regional Council. Already present in several Moroccan regions, this technology incubator is designed to boost local innovation, provide tailored support for project holders, and encourage the growth of high-potential startups. The initiative is part of the 2022–2027 Regional Development Program, with construction expected to be completed within ten months. Spread over an area of 2,027 m², the Technopark will house 34 offices for startups, three coworking spaces, a meeting room, and two proximity service areas. Once operational, it will accommodate up to 58 businesses in a collaborative environment designed to foster synergies, networking, and personalized support. The Khemisset Technopark is part of a broader regional strategy to decentralize innovation, as outlined in a framework agreement for the creation of regional tech incubators, along with a specific agreement establishing this first structure in the province. According to Lamia Benabdillah, Director of the Regional Project Implementation Agency (AREP) of Rabat-Sale-Kenitra, the Technopark in Khemisset will serve as a strategic tool to 'guide young entrepreneurs through their development journey,' while reinforcing local talent and promoting the region's key sectors of excellence. This project also reflects Morocco's broader vision for skills development and youth economic inclusion. Through various programs and partnerships, Morocco aims to create more opportunities for its youth, with a strong focus on entrepreneurship, technological training, and innovation as key drivers of employment and growth. Tags: entrepreneurTechnoparkTechnopark Morocco
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Thiruvananthapuram: Technopark invites ₹381 crore tender for IT building under 'QUAD' project
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : The Technopark on Wednesday said that it has invited a composite tender of around Rs 381 crore for the construction of the first IT office building under its integrated IT micro-township project 'QUAD' to be developed at its Phase IV (Technocity) campus near Pallippuram here. This state-of-the-art IT building will span 8.5 lakh square feet, comprising two basements and nine floors, with dedicated IT office spaces and a rooftop cafeteria, the Technopark release said. The basements are designated for parking and utility services, while the upper floors will host office modules tailored for tech companies, it said. The tender is being floated under a two-bid system consisting of prequalification and techno-commercial bid and the estimated project cost is Rs 380.08 crore, it said. The project work will consist of civil and MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) works, and the contract period is set at three years, the release said. "A pre-bid meeting will be held on June 10 at 11.30 am at Park Centre, Technopark Phase I campus. Minutes of the meeting will be published on the e-tender portal within two days. "The last date for tender submission is June 25, 2025, at 5 pm, and the bids will be opened on June 26, 2025, at 5.10 pm. The bid validity period is 150 days from the opening of the techno-commercial bid," it said. Designed to be self-sufficient, the building will include a full array of services, including transformers, 100 per cent DG backup, integrated building management system, firefighting systems, sewage treatment plant, and high-side air-conditioning up to tenant space, it said. Besides fully automated systems like robotic cleaning, it will also have the most advanced security surveillance system and access control, the release said. The building will also have parking facilities that will accommodate 465 cars and 348 two-wheelers across the basements and surface areas, and it will emphasise sustainability and energy efficiency, through natural day-lighting, LED lighting, stormwater management and water recycling, it said. "The building aims to secure a Gold Rating under the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) as per the 2019 new building rating system. "Construction will adhere to IGBC guidelines, including sustainable practices, use of eco-friendly materials, and energy-and water-efficient systems to ensure quality, environmental safety, and performance," the release said.
Ya Biladi
09-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Technopark : 24 years of championing Moroccan innovation
Launched at a time when Morocco's entrepreneurial ecosystem was still in its infancy, the Technopark has emerged as a true catalyst for innovation. From the outset, it adopted a holistic support approach, going beyond office space to foster a vibrant ecosystem built on mentorship, networking, and institutional backing. «Here, we embody the dynamic and creative spirit of our community, driving ambition and innovation at the heart of every project», emphasizes Lamiae Benmakhlouf, General Manager of MITC, the company that manages the Technopark. Over the years, the Technopark has evolved into a robust public-private model, backed by a range of institutional and financial partners. This structure has allowed it to deliver services tailored to the evolving needs of entrepreneurs, while maintaining the operational independence crucial to its continued Regional Expansion While Casablanca was home to the first Technopark, its success quickly paved the way for expansion into other strategic regions across Morocco: - Rabat (2012): Located in the heart of the capital, this branch benefits from strong synergies with public institutions and universities, nurturing startups in public services and government tech. Technopark of Rabat - Tangier (2015): Positioned at the gateway to Europe, Tangier's Technopark supports startups specializing in logistics, Industry 4.0, and mobility solutions. Technopark of Tangier - Agadir (2019): In a region known for agriculture and tourism, this site drives innovation in agritech and sustainable development. Technopark of Agadir - Essaouira (2023): The latest addition focuses on digital nomads and the creative industries, drawing on the city's unique cultural appeal. This regional network has allowed the Technopark to meet local needs while fostering a national innovation Ecosystem Serving Startups. A major strength of the Technopark lies in the breadth and synergy of its services : - Flexible workspaces & networking: Fully equipped offices, coworking areas, and 24/7 access, complemented by events that spark collaboration. - Targeted support: Mentoring, training in innovation and management, and fundraising assistance help startups scale effectively. - Global market access: Through partnerships with international incubators, Moroccan startups gain entry to foreign markets. - Technology support: Guidance on intellectual property, R&D access, and cutting-edge tools help entrepreneurs innovate with confidence. These efforts are bearing fruit. In 2023 alone, 130 Technopark-affiliated startups were exporting their solutions internationally, with 30 having already opened foreign branches. A Measurable Economic Impact In just over two decades, the Technopark has delivered tangible results: - More than 15,000 jobs created in the tech and innovation sectors. - Over 3,000 startups, including 1,800 directly supported, generating an annual turnover of 900 million dirhams (approx. €85 million). - A startup survival rate above the national average, thanks to its strong support system and collaborative network. These numbers confirm the Technopark's pivotal role in building a resilient, tech-driven Moroccan economy. Looking Ahead to 2027 To meet the challenges of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and the green transition, the Technopark has set a new strategic roadmap for 2022–2027 with three key priorities: 1. Expand sector-specific programs in emerging fields like greentech, fintech, cybersecurity, and AI. 2. Foster collaboration between startups, corporates, and investors to drive open innovation. 3. Further regional expansion, adapting the model to local contexts and creating new centers of excellence. «Today, rooted in multiple cities across Morocco, our model is thriving and expanding, nurturing a flourishing entrepreneurial ecosystem», says Lamiae Benmakhlouf. A Continental Vision Looking beyond Morocco, the Technopark aspires to play a leading role in Africa's digital transformation. With its experience, networks, and pool of high-potential startups, it positions itself as a key player in supporting innovation across the continent. After 24 years, the Technopark remains a powerful launchpad for Moroccan startups and a strategic lever for positioning Morocco as a regional tech hub.
