Top business leaders of the knowledge industry from across the world will come together in Kochi on March 22-23, 2018 to discuss emerging trends, ground realities and the way forward to position Kerala as a hub for digital innovation and investment, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday.

A direct outcome of the event will be the formation of a “Digital Achievers’ Network of Kerala Origin”, the members of which will — on a collective and individual basis — become the brand ambassadors of Kerala.

Addressing reporters here on Tuesday evening, Vijayan said this would be an industry initiative supported by the government.

“Over 30 business leaders, who have made a name in the global knowledge industry, will share their insights on the opportunities that would help enterprises compete and lead in a digital world,” said Vijayan.

Despite Kerala unveiling the first Technopark in the country, more than two decades back, it has not been able to surge forward.

S.D. Shibulal, a founder member of Infosys, agreed that while Kerala’s progress in the field of IT could not be called phenomenal, there were huge opportunities.

“In my career, I have witnessed the IT industry undergoing five transformations and hence Kerala offers lots of opportunities,” said Shibulal.

He added that the event would be a wonderful opportunity for Kerala-based IT companies, startups, aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals to understand directly from some of the brightest minds in the world about emerging trends in the digital space and what the future holds for them.

V.K. Mathews, who heads the IBS Software Services, pointed out that “Kerala has not witnessed such an event before and the people who are going to come for this event are really big ones.”

The list of invitees would be announced by the end of next month.

“With more than 30 million people, who are connected and consumption-ready, Kerala presents a phenomenal business ecosystem for digital players. The non-pollutive nature of the IT industry makes it eminently suitable for a state like Kerala with a high density of population,” said K.M Abraham, Chief Secretary of the state.

At the end of the event, Kerala would be showcased as a destination for the knowledge industry, Abraham added.