Trivandrum Engineering Science and Technology Research Park

Trivandrum Engineering Science and Technology Research Park (TrEST)

Abbreviation	Trivandrum Engineering Science and Technology Research Park
Founded	2015
Type	Research park; Section 8 company
Headquarters	Trivandrum
Key people	Chairperson from Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre; Principal of CET; Govt. of Kerala representatives
Parent organization	Government of Kerala; College of Engineering, Trivandrum; APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University
Affiliations	Kerala Startup Mission, CDAC, K-DISC
Website	https://trestpark.org

Trivandrum Engineering Science and Technology Research Park (TrEST Research Park) is the first government-led research and innovation park in Trivandrum. Established in 2015, it is a joint initiative of the Government of Kerala, College of Engineering, Trivandrum (CET), and APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU). The park aims to promote industry–academia collaboration in deep technologies including electric vehicles (EV), robotics, semiconductors, and sustainable energy solutions.^[1][2]

TrEST Research Park was conceptualized in 2013 and formally registered as a Section 8 company in 2014. It started operations in 2015 with its initial setup on the CET campus. The model aims to create a hub of innovation in Trivandrum.^[3]

Currently functioning from the CET campus, TrEST is building a 50-acre state-of-the-art campus at Vilappilsala, about 15 km from central Trivandrum. The new campus will include advanced research labs, EV testing tracks, prototyping units, and semiconductor design facilities.^[4]

TrEST focuses on research in key technologies such as:

• Electric vehicles and mobility
• Robotics and automation
• Semiconductors and chip design
• Artificial Intelligence and sensors
• Sustainable technologies and energy

It acts as a platform for researchers, industries, and students to collaborate on product-oriented innovation.

Trivandrum is emerging as a major hub for automotive and mobility technologies in India. Several leading firms have set up operations in the city, including:

• dSPACE – simulation and validation technologies^[5]
• Acsia Technologies – embedded systems and automotive software
• Nissan Digital – digital R&D for Nissan Motor Corporation^[6]
• Visteon – vehicle cockpit electronics
• Tata Elxsi – automotive electronics and design

These companies complement TrEST’s innovation ecosystem and provide industry partnerships and placement opportunities for startups and academic researchers.

TrEST Research Park is governed by a board comprising representatives from the Government of Kerala, CET, KTU, and premier institutions like the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). It is registered as a not-for-profit Section 8 company under the Companies Act.

The park regularly organizes tech conclaves, workshops, and hackathons. Notable recent events include:

• "Innovation Vortex 2025" – a tech summit for academia-industry collaboration
• Annual Semiconductor Innovation Meet (2024)

The Trivandrum campus is expected to host over 100 startups and R&D labs. Plans are underway for specialized centres such as:

• EV park with testing tracks
• Semiconductor and chip design incubator
• AI and Robotics Co-Innovation Lab

TrEST also aligns with the national semiconductor mission and Kerala’s goal to be a leader in deep-tech innovation.

• Technopark, Trivandrum

• Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
• CDAC
• College of Engineering, Trivandrum
• APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University

• Official Website