IT boom arrives in Kozhikode, finally

KOZHIKODE: Two ‘state of the art’ Cyber Parks ready to cater to key players in the IT arena here are doing well as the number of companies, either started or relocated to the city, have increased like never before. The IT parks offer more space for start-ups and also upgraded infrastructure on a par with international standards. Five companies from the Calicut Forum for IT (CafIT) platform in HiLITE city have branched into the new government Cyber Park on the inaugural day itself. The first Cyber Park in the region, the Uralungal Cyber Park has 25 companies while the Government Cyber Park has 8 companies.  

The city also has more than a dozen companies that operate from independent locales.   CafIT secretary Abdul Gafoor K.V. told DC that every month at least 2 new companies joined CafIT this year and as a result the IT Park has more than 60 member companies at present. “I strongly believe that with two IT parks ready to cater, the IT boom we were dreaming of is gradually taking wings”, he added.
“Many of those in the IT sector hailing from the region  but who were operating in other cities have translocated to the city as we have a healthy environment here”, he added.  

Uralungal Cyber Park Chief Operating Officer (COO) Arun S told DC that the park now provided employment to as many as 750 IT professionals. “By the end of this month, two other major IT firms will start operations from the park which would increase the number of employees to around 1000”, he added. Many of the professionals leading the firms told DC that this change was the one dreamed of  by many in the past. Now the city has a presentable IT eco-system which would attract more youngsters and companies to the region, it was pointed out.  They said that the ambience in the city was such that youngsters from the region could work here and also be with parents and friends.