Ramesh Kunhikannan’s journey exemplifies success through innovation and perseverance, positioning India as a key player in global technology.
Born in 1964 in Mysore, into a modest family with no ties to the technology industry, Ramesh Kunhikannan demonstrated a fascination for engineering and innovation from a young age. In a rapidly industrializing India, he decided to pursue studies in electrical engineering at the National Institute of Engineering in Mysore and started his career in the electronics industry, gaining experience in various technical roles within small local companies.
In 1988, at just 24 years old, he founded Kaynes Technology India, transforming a small workshop in Mysore into a thriving entrepreneurial dream. Assembling himself printed circuit boards for local industrial clients, he faced significant challenges, including limited access to capital and modern technologies. Through his diligence and ability to provide reliable products at competitive prices, he secured his first contracts and consistently reinvested profits in cutting-edge equipment, which was rare in India at the time. Convinced that automation and technology were the keys to competitiveness, the entrepreneur modernized his workshop and expanded his client base to other sectors, such as industry, automotive, and home appliances. Word of the quality of his services spread, attracting numerous foreign clients from Europe, Japan, and beyond.
By the 2000s, Ramesh Kunhikannan decided to diversify the company’s activities into high-value-added sectors such as aeronautics, defense, and medical. These bold choices required substantial investment in certification and team training to meet international standards and compete with global players. He piloted the opening of multiple manufacturing plants across India, to meet increasingly demanding global demand. He positioned the company as a key player on the international stage, building solid strategic partnerships with European, Asian and American companies. Thanks to a technological offering that reflects the highest global standards, the company now has over 350 international customers.
Ramesh has also made R&D the core of Kaynes’ strategy, investing heavily in advanced solutions such as embedded systems and semiconductors. The company can anticipate and meet the needs of the most demanding markets, while reinforcing India’s image as a technological powerhouse. Kaynes has become a global leader in electronics, thanks to Ramesh Kunhikannan’s strategic vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment.
The company went public in 2022 on the NSE and BSE to accelerate its development. The IPO was a success: Kaynes’ shares recorded dazzling growth, tripling in value within a year and bringing the company’s market capitalization to several billion dollars. This double listing enabled the company to attract a diversified investor base, both institutional and retail, reinforcing its credibility on the Indian and international financial markets.
Ramesh Kunhikannan foresaw the importance of aerospace for India’s technological development. Thanks to his vision, Kaynes Technology became a strategic partner of ISRO, playing a key role role in the success of Chandrayaan-3, a historic mission that propelled India to the global stage. In August 2023, India achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first country to land a module near the lunar South Pole.
This triumph illustrates Ramesh’s ability to transform a local business into a key player in global space projects.
Faithful to his vision, in 2023 Ramesh Kunhikannan announces an ambitious $340 million investment in a project that is crucial to India’s technological autonomy, helping to reduce this dependence and strengthen the country’s technological sovereignty.
Beyond his professional success, Ramesh Kunhikannan embodies humane and visionary leadership, placing his teams at the heart of his strategy. By fostering technical training, creating an environment of innovation, and valuing individual contributions, he has established a culture where every employee feels part of the company’s success, reinforcing their pride and commitment. His approachable and human-centric approach inspires trust and loyalty among his colleagues.
He has personally supported initiatives to promote technical education and skill development, not only for his employees but also for young local talent, contributing to social and economic progress.
He has created thousands of local jobs and contributed to the development of surrounding communities.
Ramesh Kunhikannan, now 60 years old, is married to Savitha Ramesh, who is Kaynes Technology’s Chairman of the Board. The couple live in Mysore, where the company’s headquarters is located. They have one child.
At 61, Ramesh Kunhikannan is the founder of Kaynes Technology, a leading player in India’s technology sector.
His fortune is estimated at $2.9 bn.
(source: Forbes, january 2025)
"Innovation and perseverance turn challenges into opportunities, and by anticipating tomorrow’s needs, we build today’s success"
IN A FEW FIGURES :
Headquarter in Mysore (South West of India)
Founded in 1988
+100M clients
+350 international clients across various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, defense, and medical
2Q2024 Revenu : $ 216M (+60% compared to 2023)
2024e Revenu : $ 218M
Market cap : $5 bn
TECHNOLOGY SECTOR IN INDIA
In 2023, the technology industry’s revenues were estimated at $245 bn, with a export growth of 9.4%.
The industry employs over 5M people
India is the 3rd largest start-up hub in the world, with more than 25,000 tech start-ups.
In 2023, India had 117 unicorns..
