Early Life
Ramesh Kunhikannan was born in 1964 in Mysore, India. He came from a modest family with no prior connection to the technology industry. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in engineering and innovation. He decided to pursue electrical engineering at the National Institute of Engineering in Mysore.
Rise to Success
Kunhikannan started his career in the electronics industry and gained experience in various technical roles within small local companies. At the age of 24, in 1988, he founded Kaynes Technology India. Initially, Kaynes Technology was a small workshop that assembled printed circuit boards for local clients. Kunhikannan faced challenges like limited access to capital and modern technology, but he persevered, providing reliable products at competitive prices. He reinvested profits, modernized his workshop, and expanded his client base. By the 2000s, Kunhikannan diversified the company into high-value sectors like aeronautics, defense, and medical, requiring significant investment in certification and team training. Kaynes Technology went public in 2022.
Key Business Strategies
Kunhikannan's strategic vision, leadership, and commitment have been key to Kaynes Technology's success. He focused on technical training, fostering an environment of innovation, and valuing individual contributions. He has also made R&D a core strategy, investing in solutions like embedded systems and semiconductors. Kaynes supplies to 350 clients across the globe in the auto, aerospace, and medical industries. In December 2024, Kaynes acquired a 54% stake in Austria-based Sensonic.
Philanthropy
Beyond business, Kunhikannan supports initiatives for technical education, skill development, and contributes to social and economic progress.
