Kochi: A group of five entrepreneurs have recreated the Technolodge concept of rural IT park, given up midway by previous LDF government as not viable, by successfully running the facility at Kakkur, a hamlet near Piravom in Ernakulam district for the last one year.
Thirty-four small IT companies employing 189 professionals have set up base at the IT park and it is full to the brim with the managers now looking for a Phase II. Seeing the success, the UDF government now wanted it to be replicated across state.
“Small IT firms are attracted to the facility as it is cost-effective. The average rent for a seat is RS 1,000 and the average staff strength of a company here is 10. The facility includes A/C cabins, furniture, 24x7 power, lease line connectivity and common areas like reception, discussion room and training room,” said Baiju Nedumkeri, managing partner of Peebo Rural IT Infrastructure Development which runs the Technolodge.
The LDF government had given up the Technolodge concept in 2008 after failing to attract IT companies to rural areas. The idea was to open a series of Technolodges across the state under the government to create jobs in rural areas. Baiju’s company took over the abandoned building constructed by the Kerala State IT Infrastructure Ltd (KSITIL) on rent and turned it around in no time, once again showing that entrepreneurs can make a difference where government fails.
“It’s more of a socio-economic project bringing overall development to the village. One may not be able to make lot of money in this venture,” Baiju said. Interestingly, not just Malayalis, but those from faraway places like Nagaland and Lucknow have found jobs with companies operating from here.
“We have also managed to organise loans to the companies from Punjab National Bank and Kerala Financial Corporation. Just come with an idea and a computer and become an entrepreneur in one hour is our slogan,” he said.
After learning the success of the venture, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy at the recent e-Governance meet allotted Rs 12 lakh to the park to start the first i-phone Lab in the state.
Some of the companies here like Tutti Frutti, selected by Indiprice as a noted gaming firm, Nextus that created the complete software solution for Pampakuda panchayat, Round Automation that developed software to protect sandalwood trees, Immneious that created the software for sending message whenever a vehicle has an accident have already attracted headlines.
The five-member team is now planning to set up Technolodges at Pathanamthitta, Palakkad and Kasaragod districts, apart from working on the first cooperative society for IT employees in the state.
