From Serene Backwaters to Majestic Mountains: CEO Sabeer Nelli Engages with Kerala's Delegation at Davos 2026
In a remarkable juxtaposition, the serene backwaters of Kerala contrast sharply with the towering peaks of Davos, especially during the World Economic Forum. This prestigious event serves as a global platform where Kerala's tranquil essence meets the dynamic discussions of transformative change alongside some of the world’s most innovative leaders. Recently, Sabeer Nelli, the CEO of Zil Money, had the opportunity to connect with Kerala's delegation at this influential gathering, which included the esteemed Minister P. Rajeev and other notable figures such as V.K.C. Razak and Joseph Michael Kallivayalil. Their discussions were centered around Kerala's ambitious vision for sustainable industrial growth and its aspirations to become a global hub for industries that are prepared for the future.
A Milestone Meeting: Insights from Sabeer Nelli and Minister P. Rajeev
One of the standout moments for Sabeer Nelli at WEF 2026 was his dialogue with Minister P. Rajeev. This interaction provided Sabeer with valuable insights into the government's strategic vision for Kerala, which is anchored in the principles of "Responsible Investment and Responsible Industry." The government aims to cultivate a sustainable and business-friendly environment, positioning Kerala as a leading player in industries that are future-ready.
Sabeer shared his perspective on the ongoing evolution of Kerala's industrial landscape, noting that the state's commitment to responsible growth resonates strongly with his initiatives, particularly through projects like Silicon Jeri. He underscored that successful ventures such as Silicon Jeri—an innovative tech hub located in the Malabar region—demonstrate Kerala's capacity to foster both local and global economic advancement.
"Witnessing the Kerala delegation present the transformative changes within our state's industrial sector is truly inspiring," remarked Sabeer. He highlighted the significance of platforms like the WEF in amplifying Kerala's narrative: "Kerala to the World."
Minister P. Rajeev pointed out that Kerala's participation in WEF for the second time builds upon the momentum generated by its inaugural appearance in 2025. The previous summit acted as a catalyst, greatly enhancing the success of the Invest Kerala Global Summit. "The summit has propelled global investment into Kerala," Rajeev noted, adding that 20.8% of proposed projects are actively operational, leading to the creation of 40,439 jobs. He also indicated that this year's focus is to attract additional investments, particularly in sectors like IT, medical devices, tourism, and emerging technologies, all while maintaining a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Key Participants in the Kerala Delegation
During the event, Sabeer engaged with V.K.C. Razak, the Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Kerala State Council and Managing Director of VKC Footgear Pvt Ltd. Razak discussed his involvement with the CII Delegation in supporting the Kerala government's investment attraction efforts. Their conversations explored the future trajectory of Kerala’s manufacturing sector and the potential for locally based industries to leverage global opportunities available at forums like Davos to enhance international trade and innovation. Together, they agreed that the "Kerala to the World" narrative is gaining strength year by year.
Another pivotal discussion took place with Mr. Joseph Michael Kallivayalil, Vice Chairman of the CII Kerala State Council and Managing Director of Glenrock Rubber Products Pvt Ltd. Joseph shared his impressions from the first day of the Davos conference, and his insights resonated with Sabeer's aspirations for the region's economic future. Their conversation focused on the potential for Kerala's industries to establish a significant presence on the global stage.
Silicon Jeri: A Representation of Kerala's Aspirations
Sabeer Nelli's dedication to fostering Kerala's progress is embodied in Silicon Jeri, a sprawling 30,000-square-foot tech hub situated in Malabar. This flagship center for innovation is crafted to support startups and technology companies, providing them with top-notch infrastructure that encourages entrepreneurship. Silicon Jeri aligns seamlessly with Kerala's broader objective of creating a talent-rich ecosystem conducive to future industries. Through this initiative, Sabeer contributes meaningfully to Kerala's vision of generating high-value employment opportunities while addressing the region's infrastructural challenges.
Building on the success of Silicon Jeri, Sabeer's long-term vision encompasses the development of Zil Park, an expansive 100-acre facility dedicated to innovation and education. Although still in the conceptual stage, Zil Park is intended to be a state-of-the-art venue that fosters collaboration among startups, tech firms, and educational institutions. This endeavor aims to position Kerala as a leader in global technological innovation.
Minister P. Rajeev reaffirmed the Kerala government's commitment to attracting international investments while safeguarding environmental integrity. With multiple Global Capability Center (GCC) investments already secured, Kerala boasts a skilled talent pool that makes it an attractive destination for prospective investors. Silicon Jeri and Zil Park are pivotal in nurturing sustainable innovation, reinforcing both economic expansion and social progress within the region.
Looking Forward: Kerala's Ambitious Vision for Global Leadership
As Kerala continues its journey at the World Economic Forum, its steadfast commitment to sustainable industrial growth and responsible investing remains at the core of its global strategy. With initiatives like Silicon Jeri catalyzing local innovation and Zil Park paving avenues for future advancements, Kerala is well-positioned to lead in sectors such as IT, medical devices, and emerging technologies. The state’s unique blend of talent, infrastructure, and sustainable development practices renders it an appealing destination for global investments.
By participating in global events like the WEF, Kerala is solidifying its status as a vital player in the international economic sphere. With advocates like Sabeer Nelli championing this cause, the future of Kerala looks exceedingly promising.
