Kerala Bets Big on IT in 2025-26 Budget

The Kerala Government's 2025-26 budget has made a decisive pivot towards transforming the state into a digital-first economy, with an unprecedented focus on Information Technology, startups, and digital governance infrastructure. From multi-crore allocations to new IT parks and emerging technology hubs, the state is signalling a strategic intent: to become India's leading destination for innovation, e-governance, and digital public services.

At the heart of this budget lies a commitment to creating an ecosystem — a platform for entrepreneurs, researchers, technocrats, and policymakers to collaborate and build solutions that are future-facing, inclusive, and scalable.

Bringing this vision into action is the DigiGovernance Knowledge Exchange Summit, to be held on June 20, 2025, in Kovalam. This high-level summit will convene decision-makers, industry leaders, and global experts to deliberate on how Kerala's IT investments can drive digital transformation across governance, public services, and citizen engagement.

Strategic budget allocations that redefine Kerala's tech trajectory

Key highlights from the budget include:

• ₹90.52 crore for Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) - ₹20 crore will strengthen the Technology Innovation Zone in Kochi, while ₹70.52 crore supports incubation, mentorship, and scaling of early-stage ventures.
• ₹10 crore Fund of Funds - aimed at giving startups critical early capital, making Kerala an attractive destination for investors and founders alike.
• ₹5 crore for the Emerging Technology Hub at Technopark Phase IV, Thiruvananthapuram - focusing on e-governance, data analytics, and AI-powered platforms.
• ₹293.22 crore for Kannur IT Park, a 500,000 sq. ft. development near the airport, and fast-tracked plans for the Kollam IT Park, in collaboration with KIIFB, KINFRA, and local authorities.

These initiatives consolidate Kerala's legacy as a digital innovator and extend it across Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, Kollam, and Kannur.

Digital Governance as a pillar of public welfare

Kerala is aligning its IT ambitions with a clear digital governance roadmap. From enhanced Smart City capabilities to cybersecurity infrastructure and AI-driven public service delivery, the focus is on building responsive, transparent, and data-informed institutions.

• In Thiruvananthapuram, Smart City projects now leverage real-time analytics for traffic, utilities, and disaster response.
• Cybersecurity upgrades are turning the city into a digital trust capital.
• Blockchain and AI are being embedded into e-governance tools at the Emerging Technology Hub, reimagining citizen services.

Delegate Takeaways

Delegates attending the DigiGovernance Knowledge Exchange Summit 2025 will be at the epicentre of Kerala's IT and governance transformation. The summit offers:

• Direct access to state leaders and policymakers, with insights into upcoming tenders, policy shifts, and investment opportunities.
• Exclusive networking with startup founders, investors, technocrats, and academic leaders, paving the way for new partnerships and pilot projects.
• Sector-specific sessions on AI in governance, cybersecurity protocols, digital health, urban tech, and smart infrastructure, tailored to the current needs of public sector innovation.
• Opportunities to engage with the KSUM leadership and explore potential collaborations in startup incubation and R&D.

Whether you're a government official, a tech entrepreneur, or a corporate strategist, this summit positions you at the crossroads of policy and innovation.

Be part of Kerala's Digital Leap

Kerala's 2025-26 budget isn't just a policy document—it's a launchpad for a smarter, more connected future. And the DigiGovernance Summit in Kovalam is your front-row seat to that future.

Don't miss your chance to:

• Partner with the summit and align your brand with one of India's most ambitious digital transformation journeys.
• Register as a delegate to forge strategic partnerships and uncover new growth opportunities.
• Apply as a speaker to share thought leadership on a platform that's shaping national and global digital governance trends.