Keralam renames IT dept. to reflect State’s next-Gen tech ambitions

Trivandrum / October 3, 2026

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct. 03: The Government of Keralam has renamed the Electronics & Information Technology Department as the Department of Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Future Technologies, marking a major step in aligning the State’s technology governance with emerging global priorities.

The decision reflects the significant expansion of the department’s mandate beyond conventional information technology and electronics. Over the past decades, the department has played a central role in building Keralam’s IT ecosystem through the development of Technopark, Infopark and Cyberpark, and in enabling the growth of the State’s IT/ITES industry, employment opportunities and technology investments.

In recent years, Keralam’s technology landscape has moved decisively into new and emerging areas including artificial intelligence, electronics, semiconductors, quantum computing, blockchain, cybersecurity, Internet of Things, robotics, drones, space technologies, cloud computing, AVGC-XR, graphene, advanced materials and other future technologies. The department has also been closely involved in promoting startups, deep-tech ventures and technology-led innovation.

The renaming gives formal recognition to this broadened role and positions Kerala to respond more effectively to fast-changing developments in the global technology sector. It also underlines the State’s commitment to responsible innovation, digital transformation, digital public infrastructure, knowledge industries and future-ready governance.

The change follows the announcement made in the Governor’s Policy Address for 2026 regarding the repositioning of the department in line with the State’s technology vision. The Government Order renaming the department was issued on 3 October 2026, following the decision of the Council of Ministers on 30 September 2026.

The department will continue to function as the nodal agency for technology-led development in the State, while strengthening Keralam’s focus on artificial intelligence, future technologies, digital public infrastructure, deep-tech innovation and knowledge-based economic growth.

The renaming is also part of a broader strategy to tap the potential of Keralam’s knowledge capital and make knowledge industries one of the mainstays of the State’s economy. Kerala’s strengths include its educated human resource base, strong public institutions, digital inclusion, research ecosystem, technology parks, startup network and global talent connections.

Keralam has already become the first State in the country to introduce a dedicated Artificial Intelligence portfolio, underlining the Government’s intent to place AI and emerging technologies at the centre of governance, industry, innovation and public service delivery.

As part of the State Government’s 100 Days Programme, a series of institutional reforms are also underway, including the Kerala State Digital Technology Mission, The Future Corporation and Semicon Keralam. These initiatives aim to strengthen Keralam’s digital governance architecture, future technology capabilities, semiconductor ecosystem and knowledge industry base.

The necessary amendments in the Rules of Business of the Government of Keralam will be carried out by the General Administration Department.

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