In the heartland of Kerala’s burgeoning startup ecosystem lies a beacon of innovation, International Virtual Assistance Pvt Ltd (IVA). While youthfulness characterizes much of Kerala’s vibrant startup scene, IVA stands out as a testament to seasoned expertise making waves in the deep-tech industry. Incubated under the Kerala Startup Mission and based in Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram, IVA recently achieved a remarkable milestone by clinching the title of “Best Research Company in AI” at the prestigious 4th edition of the Global Artificial Intelligence Summit and Awards (GAISA) 2024.
This accolade solidifies IVA’s position as a frontrunner in the global AI landscape, marking it as the only company from Kerala to have received recognition in all four editions of GAISA. Jointly hosted by esteemed organizations such as the All India Council for Robotics & Automation (AICRA), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Director General of Civil Aviation, and Centre for Joint Warfare Studies, GAISA serves as a benchmark for excellence in AI research and development.
Founded in 2019, IVA embarked on its journey with an innovative human health monitoring system, which earned it an ideation grant from the Kerala government. The company swiftly pivoted into the aerospace and defense sector, leveraging AI research and development to digitize this high-profile domain. Suresh Kumar S P, the chairman of IVA, elucidates on the company’s strategic partnerships with premier Indian institutions such as IITs and NITs, underscoring its commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge technology advantage.
In 2021, IVA showcased its flagship product, DataCivet, at the Gitex Supernova Challenge in Dubai, where it emerged as the sole AI-based company from India to be shortlisted. Originally conceived as a data management platform, DataCivet evolved into a robust digital twin platform, finding applications in research and development organizations within the defense sector. Notably, Suresh Kumar S P, with his rich experience from DRDO’s gas turbine research establishment as associate director, lends invaluable expertise to IVA’s endeavors.
At the helm of IVA’s leadership is Aji Soman, the founder and chief operating officer, bringing over 25 years of experience in entrepreneurship and business management to the table. Dr. Roy George, a distinguished professor and chair of cyber-physical systems at the University of Atlanta, assumes the role of director and chief scientist at IVA, further bolstering its research capabilities.
The success story of IVA epitomizes Kerala’s transition into a hub for deep-tech innovation, where seasoned professionals collaborate with dynamic entrepreneurs to push the boundaries of technological advancement. With a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to fostering strategic partnerships, IVA continues to chart new territories in the realm of AI research and development, thereby cementing its status as a trailblazer in Kerala’s startup ecosystem and beyond.