Cloud software firm Zoho has come forward to support rural development in India. It lately announced to be investing in Karuvi and Yali Aerospace manufacturing startups. This will help in creating jobs in smaller towns as well as villages.
The initiative reflects the ongoing efforts of Zoho to enhance deep-tech expertise and manufacturing capabilities in the country. Company’s CEO and co-founder Sridhar Vembu said that manufacturing and technology capabilities are critical to the economic prosperity of India. Conscious attention is required to build expertise to gain in the segment.
Karuvi was founded in 2022. It is a mechatronics startup and until now has already launched ten tools such as drills, power saws and angle grinders. It is based in Chennai and plans to open a manufacturing unit in Tenkasi. Its products are mainly made from locally sourced components. Its CEO MSD Prasad stated that they will be adding more tools to their portfolio and therefore plan to have at least 30 products by the end of 2025. The company is simultaneously working on creating a network of suppliers to pave the path of sourcing all components locally.
Yali Aerospace is an aerospace startup based in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Its innovative model is learned to help in delivering emergency medical supplies. It is learned to cover over 300 kilometers in just 120 minutes. Its CEO and founder Dinesh Baluraj said that they are in talks with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to get approvals to start a pilot project of creating a network between hospitals in challenging locations.
The investment of Zoho in the two startups is a step forward towards supporting innovation in manufacturing and aerospace segments. The move aligns with the company’s broader plan to contribute in the economic development and technological advancement of India.