Top 9 Kerala Startups to Watch in 2026
Kerala's startup environment features a wide range of companies, from enterprise software to consumer goods. This includes established players alongside newer deep tech ventures.
For example, IBS Software has secured over $673 million in funding for its travel industry solutions. Other companies are making advances in fields like underwater robotics and semiconductor design.
Below is our list of 9 Kerala startups worth keeping an eye on.
Failory's Top 9 Picks
IBS Software provides SaaS solutions to the global travel, transportation, and logistics industries. Their platforms help businesses like airlines, hotels, and freight companies manage critical operations from passenger services to supply chain management.
| Year Founded | 1997 |
| Founders | Valayil Mathews |
| Funding Amount | $673.5M |
| Startup Size | Enterprise Organization (5,001+) |
| Last Funding Status | Secondary Market |
| Top Investors | General Atlantic, Apax Partners, Blackstone Group |
Joyalukkas offers a wide range of fine jewelry through its international network of retail showrooms and an e-commerce platform. The brand is recognized for its certified gold and diamond collections and has grown to operate in 11 countries.
| Year Founded | 1987 |
| Founders | Joy Alukkas |
| Funding Amount | AED500M |
| Startup Size | Major Organization (1,001-5,000) |
| Last Funding Status | Debt Financing |
| Top Investors | Emirates NBD |
Netrasemi designs and develops high-performance analog and mixed-signal intellectual property for next-generation system-on-chips. Their semiconductor solutions are engineered for demanding applications in 5G, high-performance computing, and AI.
| Year Founded | 2020 |
| Founders | Sreejith Varma |
| Funding Amount | ₹1.2B |
| Startup Size | Mid-Size Team (51-250) |
| Last Funding Status | Series A |
| Top Investors | Unicorn India Ventures, Zoho |
EyeROV develops and manufactures underwater drones for the visual inspection of submerged infrastructure. Their remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) provide critical survey data for assets like dams, bridges, and offshore platforms.
| Year Founded | 2016 |
| Founders | Johns T Mathai |
| Funding Amount | $1.9M |
| Startup Size | Lean Team (11-50) |
| Last Funding Status | Seed |
| Top Investors | Brinc, Unicorn India Ventures, GAIL, Venture Center, Department of Science and Technology |
Duroflex designs and manufactures a wide range of sleep solutions, from research-backed mattresses to pillows and other accessories. They have become a leading name in the consumer market by focusing on orthopedic technology to improve sleep health.
| Year Founded | 1963 |
| Founders | PC Mathew |
| Funding Amount | $82M |
| Startup Size | Major Organization (1,001-5,000) |
| Last Funding Status | Venture Round |
| Top Investors | Norwest Venture Partners, Lighthouse Funds |
Zaara Biotech focuses on micro-algae research to develop solutions for global food and energy challenges. Their work has resulted in a line of consumer food products, including nutritional supplements and beverages made from algal ingredients.
| Year Founded | 2016 |
| Founders | Najeeb Bin Haneef |
| Funding Amount | $10M |
| Startup Size | Lean Team (11-50) |
| Last Funding Status | Corporate Round |
| Top Investors | Transcend International, TCN General Trading |
Beyond Snáck produces authentic banana chips, reimagining the traditional Kerala snack with a variety of new flavors. The brand is focused on turning a local favorite into a premium, packaged product for a broader market.
| Year Founded | 2018 |
| Founders | Manas Madhu |
| Funding Amount | $12.6M |
| Startup Size | Founding Team (1-10) |
| Last Funding Status | Series A |
| Top Investors | 100X.VC, Nabventures, Enrission India Capital, Faad Network, HEM ANGELS |
GenRobotic develops robotic systems, including powered exoskeletons, to improve safety in hazardous jobs. Their flagship product, the Bandicoot robot, automates the cleaning of confined spaces like sewers to eliminate the need for manual scavenging.
| Year Founded | 2015 |
| Founders | Nikhil NP, Vimal Govind MK |
| Funding Amount | $4M |
| Startup Size | Mid-Size Team (51-250) |
| Last Funding Status | Grant |
| Top Investors | Unicorn India Ventures, Seafund, Zoho, Swachhata Startup Challenge, Anand Mahindra |
Bhooshans Junior builds a character-driven world for kids that spans both digital and physical experiences. Children engage with original characters through an app with games and animated series, as well as through hands-on subscription activity boxes.
| Year Founded | 2019 |
| Founders | Joseph Panikulam, Sarath Bhooshan |
| Funding Amount | $206.3k |
| Startup Size | Lean Team (11-50) |
| Last Funding Status | Pre-Seed |
| Top Investors | Kerala Startup Mission |
