Kerala Knowledge Valley: Govt to start process to identify sites, establish linkages

The Government of Kerala is considering locations in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode to create its ambitious ‘Kerala Knowledge Valley’ initiative, which aims to transform the state into a global hub of higher education, bringing together top foreign universities and leading Indian institutions in a single ecosystem.

The initial plan is to earmark about 100 acres for the project announced in the revised state budget for 2026-27 presented on June 19, 2026 by Chief Minister V D Satheesan, who also holds the finance portfolio. Kerala Knowledge Valley is planned as a “world-class higher education hub, bringing together the most dynamic center of contemporary academic programs and cutting-edge programs under one umbrella.”

In the revised budget, ₹100 crore was earmarked for the project. Amendments to the Private Universities Act 2025, requested as part of the draft legal framework for the initiative, are likely to be introduced in the next session of the Assembly. In his budget speech, the Chief Minister stated that the project will be governed by a specialized legislative framework. He said the amendments to the Private Colleges Act would be implemented on a war footing.

“We have already started discussions on how to bring leading universities in the country and abroad to be part of the Kerala Knowledge Valley,” Higher Education Minister Roji M. John told The Hindu on Friday. “People who have ties to leading higher education institutions abroad are helping us with this process,” he said.

To reverse the trend

He said the government wants to reverse the trend of students migrating abroad for quality higher education. The Knowledge Valley initiative will be instrumental in achieving this goal as it would help provide world-class opportunities for young aspirants.

Knowledge Valley will operate under the strategic direction of an advisory board composed of individuals of deep academic excellence and scientific expertise. It will create strong linkages between industry and academia in active collaboration with leading institutions in India and abroad aimed at creating a vibrant and self-sustaining ecosystem.

Published – 17 Jul 2026 15:34 IST