THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government is exploring the potential for laptop making with global technology companies in its bid to develop a hardware manufacturing hub here. The IT Department signed a memorandum of understanding with Intel India and UST Global, in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on Monday.
“The government is committed to developing hardware industry here. The deal signed on Monday is an important step in this direction,” the Chief Minister said. As per the deal, the Kerala Hardware Mission, Intel and UST Global will launch a project to develop an eco system for electronic and hardware industries. A preliminary study has found potential for Kerala in manufacturing laptops and server parts. A report regarding this will be submitted before December 31.
The state government is likely to start a joint venture with private companies, including Intel and UST Global. IT Secretary M Sivasankar, marketing head of Intel India Prakash Mallya, director of Strategic Development of Intel India Jitendra Chaddah, head of Semi Conductor division of UST Global Gilroy Matthew, Special Officer of Hardware Mission Jayasankar Prasad and Keltron MD Hemalatha attended the function.