New campaign aims to bring global Malayali talent back to Kerala by connecting professionals with startups, GCCs, and emerging enterprises
Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) has launched ‘Thirike’, a strategic talent-return campaign aimed at reconnecting skilled professionals working outside Kerala with emerging job opportunities within the state. Designed for both IT and non-IT professionals, the initiative seeks to convert long-standing brain drain into sustained brain gain by leveraging Kerala’s expanding startup ecosystem and enterprise landscape.
The ‘Thirike’ campaign targets Malayali professionals working across India and overseas who are considering a return, driven by improved living standards, better infrastructure, and a growing number of high-value jobs. As part of the initiative, KSUM is creating a structured talent database through a digital survey, enabling companies operating in or relocating to Kerala to directly access experienced professionals.
“Kerala’s startup ecosystem is entering a high-growth phase, and this momentum can create thousands of meaningful job opportunities for professionals who want to return home,” — Anoop Ambika, CEO, Kerala Startup Mission
The dedicated Thirike platform serves as a two-way bridge—allowing professionals to register their interest while enabling startups, enterprises, and investors to identify suitable talent efficiently. The database will be shared exclusively with companies willing to invest and operate in Kerala, ensuring relevance and seriousness of engagement.
According to KSUM, a significant portion of the opportunity will come from Global Capability Centres (GCCs). Over 40 leading companies have already set up GCC operations in Kerala, with several more global firms planning to follow. These centres are expected to generate a wide range of roles across technology, operations, product development, analytics, and business services.
Highlighting the scale of the opportunity, Anoop Ambika noted that a substantial number of India’s IT professionals hail from Kerala, many of whom left the state in search of better prospects. With Kerala now offering a strong combination of talent availability, quality of life, world-class infrastructure, and a mature startup ecosystem, the state is well-positioned to attract them back.
Industry estimates further underline the timing of the initiative. GCCs alone are projected to create millions of jobs nationally over the next few years, with Kerala poised to capture a meaningful share. Through ‘Thirike’, KSUM aims to ensure that returning professionals find not just jobs, but long-term career pathways within the state’s innovation-driven economy.
