Emerging Kerala is a biennial investors' summit organized by the Government of Kerala, India. The event brings together business leaders, investors, corporations, policy makers, and thought leaders. The summit serves as a platform to discuss and explore business opportunities in Kerala.
Investment options Twenty-six sectors have been identified and the following project profiles have been prepared by various departments, PSUs & other agencies for showcasing in 'Emerging Kerala 2012' Tourism Healthcare services Manufacturing including Engineering & Automotive Projects under MSME Sector IT / ITES / IT Infrastructure Science & Technology Trade & Retailing Food & Agro Processing and Value-addition Ports, Shipbuilding Textiles & Garments Electronics Knowledge / Education sector Green Energy Bio-Technology, Nano Technology, Pharmaceuticals Urban Infrastructure Development Infotainment Logistics Petrochemicals Gas based Industries Airport Infrastructure, Airplane and Helicopter services Centers of Excellence Infrastructure development (Road, Rail, Power, Water Supply, Sewage)
Emerging Kerala Global Connect 2012 The first Emerging Kerala summit took place from 12 to 14 September 2012 at the Le Meridien International Convention Centre in Kochi. The event was organized by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) to showcase investment opportunities in Kerala and demonstrate the state's readiness to attract investors. Various programs were held in connection with the summit. The Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated the three-day event.
These include: Business meets Sectoral conclaves; Domestic and international road-shows Discussion and debates
Besides the inaugural session, the first Global connect had Plenary Sessions Sectoral presentations; Round tables. Business to Business (B2B) connects; Business to Government (B2G) connects. Cultural performances
The event and its related programs received support from the Government of Kerala and the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), as well as various trade and industrial organizations. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) were the event partners.
Results of the Summit The meeting resulted in 45 project proposals, with an investment exceeding Rs. 40,000 crore. Notable projects include the expansion of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.'s Kochi Refinery and a joint venture worth Rs. 18,000 crore, Volkswagen's engine assembly unit (Rs. 2,000 crore), a hospital and pre-cast concrete structure manufacturing unit (Rs. 570 crore), and a solar energy plant (Rs. 500 crore).
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Entrepreneurship in Kerala. During a meeting, 43 business proposals were discussed involving various departments of the State and companies from the United Kingdom, United States, Japan, and Canada.
The Government of Kerala will set up the Kerala State Investment Board to expedite the approval process for proposals. Amendments will be made to the Single-Window Clearance Act, including transitioning to an online application system.
The Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) will develop one lakh square feet of built-up space in 16 months for incubators, with the first phase of 25,000 square feet scheduled for completion by May 2013. This project aims to establish the world's largest telecom incubator. Additionally, the State government plans to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem by creating a Technology Innovation Zone on 10 acres in Kochi, with an initial investment of Rs. 100 crore.
Mega projects A number of Mega projects are being conceptualized and developed in the State, the most prominent of which are as follows: Color key
Projects by year 2026 Project Title Location Industry Ownership Expected Completion Current status World Trade Center(WTC Learning Park) Kozhikode (Poovangal) Convention and Exhibition Centre Private March 2026 Under-development Kerala High-Speed Rail (KHSR) Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur Transportation Central/State PSU 2033 Proposed
2025 Project Title Location Industry Ownership Expected Completion Current status IT Parks Kannur (Mattannur) IT Infrastructure State Government Not specified Proposed Kollam (Kottarakkara) Kollam (Kureepuzha) Science Park Kannur (Paduvilayi) IT Infrastructure State Government December 2033 In the planning stages Ernakulam (Kochi) Not specified Thiruvananthapuram Kochi Refinery Expansion Ernakulam (Thiruvaniyoor) Petroleum Central PSU March 2029 Under-development Sea Port Kannur (Azhikode) Infrastructure State Government March 2030 Proposed Biomedical Waste Treatment Facility Pathanamthitta (Enadimangalam) Environment Central Government Not specified In the planning stages Industrial Corridor Development Palakkad (Pudussery Central, Kannambra) Infrastructure State PSU Not specified In the planning stages
2024 Project Title Location Industry Ownership Expected Completion Current status CIAL International Terminal Building Expansion Ernakulam (Nedumbassery) Airports & Aviation Central Government October 2026 In the planning stages Small Hydro Electric Project Thrissur (Peringalkuthu Dam) Power Generation State PSU May 2028 In the planning stages Integrated Green Hydrogen Plant Ernakulam (Nedumbassery) Petroleum State PSU Not specified Under-development
Other Maga Projects No. Project Title Proposed Year Expected Completion Project Details Current status 1 Supplementary Gas Infrastructure Project 2015 Not specified A joint venture company, Kerala Gail Gas Limited (KGGL), has been established between the KSIDC and GAIL Gas Limited. KGGL will undertake activities such as city gas distribution in Kerala, the establishment of CNG stations for KSRTC buses, a gas training institute, and spur lines from GAIL's main pipeline. Additionally, the company will set up small gas-based power generating plants. The total estimated investment for the project is ₹2,000 crores ($400 million). 2 Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport 2015 2024 The Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport is an ambitious project of the Government of Kerala, being developed at Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram. The project adheres to the Landlord Port Model, wherein dredging, reclamation, and essential infrastructure such as breakwaters and quays will be undertaken by Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Government of Kerala. Port operations will be managed through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. A private operator will construct, operate, and maintain the terminal superstructure for a period of 30 years. The port development, along with its supporting infrastructure, is planned in phases, with an estimated cumulative cost of ₹7000 Crores ($1.4 billion). Upon completion, the port will offer a total quay length of 2000 meters across three phases, primarily catering to container transshipment, while also accommodating other cargo types like multi-purpose and break bulk goods. Completed 3 Digital Science Park Phase IV 2018 Not specified The Digital Science Park under construction in Thiruvananthapuram, will be India's first digital science park. Announced in the 2022-23 state budget, the Government of Kerala allocated ₹1000 crore for the development of four science parks to leverage advancements in science and technology. The first of these parks is being established near the Digital University of Kerala in Technopark Phase IV, Technocity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the park on April 25, 2023. Under-development 4 Kochi Metro Rail Project 2012 2024 (Delayed) The project envisions constructing a world-class Light Mass Rapid Transit (LMRTS) system in Kochi to enhance the quality of life in the Greater Kochi metropolitan area. By improving regional connectivity and reducing overcrowding, traffic congestion, travel time, air, and noise pollution, the project aims to significantly uplift the region.