An Exclusive Interview with Sanjeev Nair, CEO of Technopark Kerala

Positive India:Dr.Elsa Lycias Joel:
In an engaging tête-à-tête with Dr.Elsa Lycias Joel, Sanjeev Nair, CEO of Technopark Kerala, opens up about a journey that spans the vibrant landscapes of remote India, the disciplined rigours of the Army, and the dynamic world of technology and innovation. From his formative years in Kirandul and Bellary, to commanding mission-critical operations in the Indian Army and now steering one of India’s largest IT parks through transformative growth, Nair reflects on the confluence of leadership, resilience, and creativity that has shaped his path. Beyond his professional odyssey, he shares glimpses of his personal passions, from defence innovation and nurturing start-ups to impromptu singing, acting, and exploring the serene corners of the world, painting a portrait of a leader who blends operational precision with a zest for life’s unexpected adventures.

“Our roots often shape the rhythm of who we become”
Could you take us back to where the roots of your childhood and formative years first took hold? What do you cherish most about growing up, your school days, your neighbourhood, and the simple moments that perhaps still ground you even today?
Was born in Thiruvalla, Kerala, but was brought up in Kirandul, a remote township that was once part of Bastar district in Madhya Pradesh and is now in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh, where my father worked with NMDC Ltd at the Bailadilla Iron Ore Project and my mother was a homemaker. Growing up in this vibrant mini India, I studied at Prakash Vidyalaya and later at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kirandul before moving to KV Donimalai near Bellary in Karnataka during class XII when my father was transferred. My childhood was a tapestry of simple joys such as walking to school with friends, diving into games, science exhibitions, and all sorts of co-curricular adventures. Evenings were often spent playing in our colony, cheering through inter-colony cricket matches, or soaking in the magic of the open-air theatre at the Community Centre. Festivals were a time when the entire community came alive, whether it was visiting the Ayyappa temple, enjoying the Ramlila performances during Dussehra, or celebrating Diwali, Holi, Christmas, Onam, and so many others. I still remember the mesmerizing local tribal dances and the bustling markets where tribal communities brought fresh produce.
Sounds enchanting. What a world full of color, laughter, and shared moments!
You bet! (smiles)the Kerala Samajam in Kirandul was very active, and its weekly classes helped me learn to read and write Malayalam. Among my fondest memories is the scenic train journey from Kirandul to Visakhapatnam winding through deep forests, echoing tunnels, and breathtaking gorges as we made our way toward the connecting trains to Kerala each summer. Those long, hazy holidays seemed to begin the moment the train lurched forward.
Was there a particular moment, or someone from your home, school, IIT, MDI or neighbourhood who inspired you to choose the path of the armed forces? I’m also deeply fascinated by onomastics and how names often seem to mirror the essence of who we become. Your name, Sanjeev, meaning “reviving” or “bringing to life,” feels beautifully symbolic.
These experiences were rich exposure at a young age, shaping my personality through a blend of academics, sports and cultural learning. A strong interest in joining the armed forces took root during class XII at Donimalai, inspired in part by a close friend whose father proudly served in the Army. The opportunity to attempt the NDA slipped away during the move from Kirandul to Donimalai, a year when academics and adjusting to a new environment overshadowed everything else. After class XII, the Navy’s 10+2 Technical entry became the next goal, but the final SSB round proved just out of reach. Later, with an engineering degree in Electronics & Communication in hand, another chance arose, this time with the Army. Clearing the SSB and earning that selection marked a defining turning point, opening the door to a world that not only challenged every limit but also reshaped character, purpose, and identity in ways nothing else could. And though I’ve never been particularly inclined toward onomastics, I must admit I’m glad the meaning of my name carries a positive note, it’s a nice coincidence, even if not something I’ve thought much about
Could you walk me through your journey in the Army? How did your career unfold, from your training days to the major operations you served in, the responsibilities you handled, your leadership roles in Signals and eventually transitioning into your second innings. What did that path look like to you?
Joined the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun in 1996, graduated in 1997 and was commissioned into the Corps of Signals of the Indian Army. Life as a Signals Officer is a blend of leadership, technology and service, grounded in rigorous training that prepares officers to operate under pressure and make critical decisions. The core responsibility is to ensure secure and reliable communication across the battlefield, from mountains and jungles to deserts and forward posts, making the Signals Officer the backbone of command and control. In the formative years of my career I served in two major operations, Op Vijay in Kargil and Op Parakram, which shaped my understanding of duty and operational readiness. The role demands technical skill, adaptability and innovation, whether establishing communication grids in the field, integrating advanced systems, managing communication intelligence and electronic warfare or leading teams of dedicated soldiers. The profession is challenging yet deeply rewarding, strengthened by camaraderie, the pride of command and the honour of serving with outstanding men and women in uniform. It is a career that sharpens the mind, strengthens leadership and builds character, leaving a lasting imprint of resilience, integrity and service before self. Over twenty one years led high impact teams and managed mission critical ICT and communication intelligence projects, supported by a BTech in Electronics and Communications, a Masters in Communication Engineering from IIT Bombay and advanced training from MCTE Mhow & Army War College and an Executive Programme in Business Management for Armed Forces from MDI Gurugram, along with two commendations from the Chief of Army Staff and the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee for operational excellence. Army life demands dedication, and I have been fortunate to have the steadfast support of my wife, son, parents and brother, which has been a constant source of strength. I voluntarily retired in November 2017 and began my journey into my second innings, exploring new opportunities and avenues beyond my military career
Later completed a two-year stint with an Indian firm, Vehere, where I led sales and business development efforts for advanced Communication Intelligence product solutions targeted at national and international law enforcement agencies. Drawing on my operational and project management experience from the armed forces, I worked closely with cross functional teams, strengthened client engagement and aligned product capabilities with mission requirements. I also played a key role in expanding the company’s global presence by representing it at major international defence and security exhibitions, including Eurosatory in Paris, EW Europe in Lausanne and the Indo Defence Expo in Jakarta in 2018.
After Vehere, I volunteered for a year with Deepalaya, one of Delhi’s largest and oldest NGOs engaged in education, women’s empowerment, microfinance, healthcare and COVID-19 relief. During the pandemic, I drew on my Army experience in operations and project management to support the organisation’s large-scale emergency and community initiatives, helping strengthen on ground coordination and delivery of essential services to vulnerable communities.
Yes, we saw how NGOs and civil society groups really stepped up, often filling critical people-centered gaps that the government struggled to address. I understand that people with an Army background directly strengthen relief efforts when it matters most because they are trained to perform well even under pressure, and that instinctive ability to step up during crises is always a boon. You also led the flagship iDEX initiative under the Ministry of Defence, which focuses on accelerating indigenous innovation in Defence and Aerospace!
Subsequent to my tenure at Deepalaya, I transitioned to iDEX. As Program Director for two years, led end-to-end management of the Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework, a flagship Ministry of Defence initiative promoting innovation in Defence and Aerospace through startups, MSMEs and individual innovators. Oversaw prototype development for over 100 challenge winners, facilitated co-creation with Armed Forces and Defence PSUs, and built and maintained the iDEX network by coordinating with innovators, evaluation panels and defence stakeholders. Actively participated in major defence innovation events such as DefConnect, DefExpo and Aero India, supporting scale-up, indigenisation and integration of solutions into defence systems, and enabling cross-stakeholder collaboration to accelerate product readiness. I was honoured with a Certificate of Appreciation for the contribution towards the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in the “Innovations” category by the Defence Innovation Organisation for iDEX.

In the span of just three years, you’ve been at the heart of several significant moments at Technopark. Going by your LinkedIn, I understand that you hosted a high-level German business delegation at Technopark, engaged with industry leaders at the CII DigiNext CEOs Round Table, and honoured a legendary teacher at the NBN Memorial Teachers’ Enrichment Programme. For me, each of these represents a different pillar of Kerala’s progress. One of international collaboration, another of industry innovation, and the last of educational empowerment. I’m sure you see these worlds connecting. In your view, how can Kerala’s technology ecosystem grow by balancing global partnerships like the Indo-German engagement, the innovation mindset of our IT leadership, and the timeless human values instilled by educators like Shri N. Balakrishnan Nair?
After losing my father in 2022, with my mother alone, my brother moving to Germany, and my son securing admission at IIT Palakkad, I felt a strong calling to return to Kerala. When the opportunity came, I decided to appear for the interview and was selected as CEO Technopark. Many advised against returning to Kerala, citing my lack of upbringing and exposure to the state and its workings, but it was a soldier’s instinct that reassured me it was the right step.
Upon my induction into Technopark Kerala with a neutral outlook and a professional attitude, believing that when it comes to nation building, one must focus on contribution rather than promises of sweeping change. As CEO of Technopark, India’s first and one of the largest and greenest IT parks, I became responsible for overseeing its operations and strategic growth. The park spans 3.1 square kilometers, hosting over 500 IT and ITeS companies and employing more than 80,000 professionals, with annual software exports exceeding $1.58 billion.
Thiruvananthapuram is entering a defining phase in the making, emerging as one of India’s most strategically important cities. Long anchored by premier institutions such as ISRO, VSSC, the Southern Air Command and Pangode Military Station, the city is now further strengthened by the addition of the Vizhinjam International Seaport and the Maritime Theatre Command, an integrated tri-services command of the Indian Armed Forces. For a capital that has consistently drawn national and international attention, this concentration of strategic institutions is elevating its profile to a new level of significance. In September 2025, Technopark, with the support of Colliers, completed a comprehensive city profiling of Thiruvananthapuram, highlighting its strategic relevance, innovation capabilities, social harmony, quality of life, connectivity and a vibrant talent and startup ecosystem, firmly placing it on the Global Capability Centres (GCC) expansion map.
Technopark is currently undergoing its largest expansion phase, with Phase 1 and Phase 3 hosting new developments such as Caspian Techpark, WTC by Brigade Group, and Al Marzooqi Holding’s Meridian Park. Phase 4, widely known as Technocity, spans nearly half of the park’s 760 acres and is envisioned as an integrated hub for Global Capability Centres (GCC), IT, and R&D, guided by the Masterplan completed in July 2025. When I assumed charge in January 2023, my focus was on driving progress in Phases 3 and 4 while strengthening existing infrastructure to revive on-campus activity post-pandemic. Several projects, including the Digital University of Kerala, SunTec Campus, and Kabani Building, were already complete, while others such as the TCS IT/ITeS Hub, KSpace, Digital Science Park, MSME Technology Centre, Quad Project, Emerging Technology Hub, and Unity Mall are advancing at varied paces.
Adapting to this complex landscape drew on the resilience and operational mindset honed during my Army years. I focused on sustaining momentum with the support of an excellent team, a dedicated workforce, and the government, while aligning diverse stakeholders and ensuring Technopark’s expansion progressed without compromising ecosystem development, sustainability, or investor confidence. Nearly three years in this role reinforced the importance of adaptability, patient execution, and strategic focus in guiding the park through one of its most transformative phases.
Kerala has launched the Defence Innovation Zone to bring startups, academia, industry, and the Armed Forces closer. Could you share how K-DIZ is shaping defence innovation and supporting innovators in bridging the gap with operational needs?
Kerala launched the Kerala Defence Innovation Zone (K-DIZ) in November 2024 during the Huddle Global event, a joint initiative by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) and Technopark. K-DIZ brings together startups, academia, industry and defence stakeholders to bridge the gap between innovators and the Armed Forces, fostering understanding of operational needs. It provides access to national programs like the Technology Development Fund and iDEX, supports defence R&D and product development, and leverages Kerala’s technology infrastructure including Technopark, Infopark, Cyberpark, KELTRON, MSMEs and defence/industrial parks. The Zone also connects innovators with entities such as KSPACE and ISRO and promotes collaboration with academic institutions, incubators, defence think tanks and operational experts to create a robust pipeline for defence innovation.
Looking at your lifestyle and energy, I get the sense that fitness and holistic well-being are important to you…
Fitness and holistic well-being have always been at the heart of my life, cultivated during my years in the Army where physical endurance, mental resilience, and emotional balance were critical for operational effectiveness. This foundation has continued to shape my approach to leadership, enabling me to navigate complex challenges, maintain focus under pressure, and sustain high performance over extended periods. Disciplines such as regular exercise, yoga, meditation, and a balanced lifestyle sustain my energy and adaptability, while reinforcing the rigor, perseverance, and strategic acumen that have defined my career, from commanding mission-critical projects in the Army to guiding Technopark through one of its most transformative phases.
I happened to catch one of your impromptu singing performances on LinkedIn. You’ve got a good voice! Are you a trained singer or someone who just enjoys singing for fun? I’m curious, are Smule sessions and karaoke nights right up your alley? I ask this because I am a hobby singer and I gravitate towards corner gigs and anything that involves singing.
After retiring from the Army and settling in Delhi, I started exploring new avenues beyond my usual professional path, even trying my hand at some fun, creative gigs in media and entertainment.
Ah yes, that actor in you, turns out you’re quite the natural! You played a doctor in the web series, if I’m right. Was it a fun detour from your usual world of technology and innovation, or a long-sought project to express a different side of yourself? At this moment, once again, you remind me that whether it’s on screen or in the boardroom, authenticity always shines through
Absolutely! I played a doctor in the web series Dude 2, appeared in a Cred advertisement featuring Kapil Dev portraying Ranveer Singh, and had the opportunity to be part of the team recreating the fun and energetic vibe of 83 in a lighthearted way. Not a trained singer or dancer, but have embraced impromptu stage performances, including shaking a leg during a flash mob with CEOs and youngsters at the G Tech Marathon promo event in Technopark. These experiences rekindled my love for co-curricular activities from my school, college, and army days and allowed me to embrace creativity, humour, and collaboration in new contexts. I also enjoy travelling to less crowded, serene places that can be explored in silence, combining adventure with reflection and discovery.
Thank you for taking us on such an extraordinary journey through your life. From the vibrant school corridors of Kirandul and Donimalai, to the disciplined training grounds of the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, the peaks and valleys of Kargil and operational deployments, the bustling world of defence innovation at iDEX, and now the dynamic expanse of Technopark Kerala, you’ve given us a whirlwind tour across India that is as inspiring as it is enlightening.
And I must say, that scenic train journey from Kirandul to Visakhapatnam had me imagining a Hogwarts-style adventure complete with tunnels, gorges, and hazy summer holidays, just missing the Platform 9¾ at Kings Cross Station.
You shared not just the milestones of your professional odyssey, but also the playful, soulful, and reflective moments that make your story so human. It’s been a privilege to explore the confluence of leadership, innovation, and the simple joys of life through your eyes.

Courtesy:All the views expressed solely belong to the writer only