Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu Discusses Growth, AI and National R&D
Sridhar Vembu talked about how Zoho grew over 30 years.
He said the company expanded slowly and steadily instead of trying to grow too quickly.
Zoho invested in research and development for a long time.
The company also worked to keep talented employees.
Zoho is now exploring artificial intelligence, medical technology, and semiconductors.
Vembu said India needs more research to build important technologies itself.
He also wants more districts to have good jobs and development.
This could help young people avoid moving to large cities for work.
Sridhar Vembu reflected on Zoho’s 30-year growth from its early days to its Chennai campus.
He attributed the company’s expansion to gradual growth, long-term research and development, and retaining talent.
Zoho is expanding its work into artificial intelligence, medical technology, and semiconductors.
Vembu said India should invest more in research and development to master critical technologies.
He also advocated district-focused development so young people can find good jobs without moving to major cities.
- Who
- Sridhar Vembu, Zoho’s co-founder and chief scientist.
- What
- He discussed Zoho’s 30-year growth, research investments, AI expansion, and views on India’s development priorities.
- When
- During a reflection on Zoho’s 30-year journey.
- Where
- At or in reference to Zoho’s large campus in Chennai, India.
- Why
- To explain how long-term research, talent retention, and decentralized development can support technological and economic growth.
- Company
- Zoho
- Speaker
- Sridhar Vembu, co-founder and chief scientist
- Growth period
- 30 years
- Growth approach
- Step-by-step expansion supported by long-term research and development
- New areas
- Artificial intelligence, medical technology, and semiconductors
- National priority
- Greater research and development to master critical technologies
- Development model
- Decentralized, district-driven development