Homegrown Enterprises with Global Impact

Kerala is more often associated with high literacy and social development than with industrial prowess. Yet a quiet economic shift is taking place. A group of firms based in this southern Indian state is gaining global recognition. These companies operate in fields as varied as power electronics, medical technology, robotics and seafood exports. Most began with modest means. Through specialisation, quality and adaptability, they have built strong international footprints. Their rise suggests that global competitiveness need not be confined to India’s better-known industrial centres.

Hykon India

Hykon India, a pioneering entity in the field of power electronics, was established in 1991 by Mr Christo George. Initially operating with a small team of just five employees, the company has since expanded significantly, with over 450 employees and a multi-crore turnover. Headquartered in Thrissur, Hykon has made impressive strides not only in the power electronics sector but also in various other fields, including medical transcription, information technology and solar energy, thus diversifying its operations. Hykon India is particularly renowned for offering innovative and reliable power solutions such as uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, inverters, stabilisers, and solar lights. Moreover, Hykon manufactures solar water heaters designed for residential, institutional and industrial use, alongside lithium-ion battery packs tailored for electric vehicles and backup power applications. Hykon was ranked as the 6th largest Indian manufacturing company by Soft Disk for the period 2015–16.

Dhathri Ayurveda

Dhathri Ayurveda, established in 2003 by Dr.Sajikumar, is a leader in the Ayurvedic personal care and wellness sector. Located in Kochi, Dhathri is known for offering a diverse array of products that encompass hair care, skin care and overall wellness solutions. These products are developed using traditional Ayurvedic practices, catering to the growing consumer demand for holistic wellness. The success of its initial products inspired Dhathri to diversify its offerings, introducing additional items to address various customer needs. Dhathri Ayurveda has established a strong presence in the South Indian market and continues to expand through the introduction of new and advanced products.

ABAD Fisheries

ABAD Fisheries, a trailblazer in the seafood industry, was founded in 1931 by Usman Mohamed Hashim. Headquartered in Kerala, it stands as one of India’s largest processors of premium-quality quick-frozen seafood, with a network of 11 accredited factories and a production capacity of 300 metric tonnes per day. The company has gained significant traction in global markets, including Europe, the USA and Japan. ABAD Fisheries has earned a variety of prestigious certifications, such as HACCP, EU, US FDA, and BRC, reflecting the company’s strict adherence to international food safety and quality standards. ABAD Fisheries serves a diverse array of market segments, including retail, foodservice and industrial sectors. Its clientele includes multinational corporations, quick-service restaurants and high-end retailers.

Terumo Penpol

Terumo Penpol, a globally recognised leader in the medical industry, was initially incorporated in 1983 as Peninsular Polymers Private Limited in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Today, the company is the world’s third-largest blood bag manufacturer and the largest producer of blood bags in India and Asia (outside Japan). Terumo Penpol exemplifies the successful commercialisation of a research and development initiative by the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST). The company’s main product portfolio includes a variety of blood bags designed for safe and efficient blood collection, storage and transfusion. Terumo Penpol has become a flagship company of Kerala, exporting its blood bags to over 65 countries and accounting for 12% of the global blood bag market.

Synthite Industries

Synthite Industries, founded in 1972 by C. V. Jacob, has grown into a global leader in the production of value-added spices, natural spice products and essential oils. Headquartered in Kochi, Synthite is renowned for being the world’s largest manufacturer and exporter of spice oleoresins—a product derived from spices used in food and beverage, cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications.Synthite’s portfolio includes more than 500 products, including spice oleoresins, essential oils, natural colours and herbal extracts. With exports to over 70 countries, Synthite continues to dominate the spice oleoresin market globally. The company’s impressive annual turnover of USD 220 million and its workforce of over 3,000 employees highlight its strong position within the industry

VKC Footwear

VKC Footwear, based in Kozhikode, is one of India’s leading footwear manufacturers. Established in 1984, the company has grown to become a major player in the Indian footwear market, renowned for its durable and affordable products. VKC operates modern manufacturing facilities and has established a significant presence both in domestic and international markets, exporting its products to around 18 countries worldwide. VKC Footwear plans to expand its franchise network to 2,000 stores by 2028.

Asimov Robotics

Asimov Robotics, a groundbreaking robotics company based in Kochi, was founded in 2012 to address the rising demand for digital workforce transformation across various sectors. The company specialises in designing, manufacturing and maintaining advanced robotic systems, including humanoid robots, robotic manipulators and intelligent actuators. Asimov Robotics operates from its principal business and development centre at Kinfra Hi- Tech Park, Kalamassery, Kochi, which houses a software development unit, hardware assembly stations and a fully equipped mechanical workshop. Asimov Robotics provides customisable robotic platforms and solutions across a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, hospitality, retail, banking and defence.

Genrobotics Innovations

Genrobotics, a startup founded by young engineers, is now one of India’s leading robotics companies. Genrobotics introduced the world’s first robotic scavenger, Bandicoot. This sewercleaning robot is in use in urban bodies across four countries, in addition to 19 states and three union territories within India. Genrobotics also launched G-Gaiter, a robotic gait trainer, ensuring faster recovery from paraplegic and gait disabilities.

Techgentsia

Techgentsia, a company formed in 2009 by Joy Sebastian, is recognised as one of the most respected and innovative players in the multiparty video conferencing domain. The company has clients in the US, Europe and Asia. Techgentsia’s product Vconsol won the national award from the Union Government. Vconsol became India’s official video conferencing solution under the brand name BharatVC. The Government of Kerala also adopted Vconsol as their official video conferencing solution under the brand name VMeet.