Zoho Unveils Made-in-India ERP, Sridhar Vembu Calls for Tech Sovereignty

In a strong statement advocating India’s technological self-reliance, Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has unveiled a fully “made-in-India” Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution, positioning it as a cornerstone of the country’s push toward tech sovereignty.

The announcement, made from Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, signals not just a new product launch but a broader strategic challenge to long-dominant global enterprise software companies.

At a time when digital systems underpin economic power and national autonomy, Vembu underscored that ownership of core software infrastructure is essential for any nation seeking long-term independence in the digital age.

Tech Sovereignty Takes Centre Stage

ERP as the Backbone of Modern Business

ERP platforms form the operational core of enterprises, managing finance, supply chains, human resources, compliance, and decision-making workflows. According to Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu, this makes ERP software strategically critical.

He argued that in a technology-saturated world, true sovereignty requires absolute control over core technologies, adding that indigenising ERP systems is, in his words, “absolutely vital.”

By launching a domestically developed ERP product, Zoho aims to reduce India’s dependence on foreign enterprise software providers that dominate global markets.

A Strategic Challenge to Global Software Giants

Beyond a Product Launch

The launch represents a direct challenge to entrenched multinational ERP vendors that have historically controlled enterprise software across emerging markets. Rather than relying on imported platforms, Zoho’s offering seeks to provide Indian businesses with:

• Localised compliance frameworks

• India-specific tax and regulatory alignment

• Data residency and security assurance

• Cost-efficient enterprise-scale deployment

This aligns with India’s broader digital public infrastructure expansion, where domestic platforms are increasingly favoured for strategic systems.

Zoho’s Long-Term Vision: Staying Private by Choice

Why Zoho Will Not Go Public

Despite Zoho’s rising prominence — frequently cited by government ministers and industry leaders as a model Indian SaaS success story — Vembu reiterated that the company has no plans to go public.

In an interview with PTI, he said the decision is rooted in avoiding:

• “quarter-to-quarter fluctuations”

• “short-termism” that often affects publicly listed firms

Remaining privately held allows Zoho to pursue long innovation cycles without pressure from market expectations or shareholder-driven timelines.

R&D at the Core of Zoho’s DNA

Five Years of Development, 15 Years of Expertise

A major advantage of staying private, according to Vembu, is the ability to reinvest profits into deep research and development. This philosophy is reflected in the new ERP platform, which:

• Took five years to build

• Draws on over 15 years of Zoho’s financial software experience

Describing Zoho as a deeply R&D-driven organisation, Vembu revealed that he personally spends around 70% of his time on research, underscoring the company’s engineering-first mindset.

Need for ‘Patient Capital’ in India

Vembu emphasized that India needs more “patient” companies — organisations willing to invest over long horizons rather than chase rapid monetisation. He believes enduring innovation requires time, stability, and freedom from short-term performance pressure.

Alignment with National Policy Priorities

Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat

The ERP solution will initially focus on the Indian market, aligning closely with the government’s:

• ‘Make in India’ initiative

• ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) vision

By offering a homegrown alternative for enterprise software, Zoho is positioning itself as a key contributor to India’s digital industrial base.

Global Expansion in Phases

After establishing a strong domestic footprint, Zoho plans to scale the ERP solution globally in a phased manner, following its proven model of gradual, sustainable international expansion.

From Rural Tamil Nadu to Global Software Influence

Kumbakonam as a Symbol

The choice of Kumbakonam — rather than a major tech hub — reflects Zoho’s long-standing belief in decentralised innovation and rural-first development. Over the years, Zoho has invested heavily in training talent outside metropolitan centres, challenging conventional Silicon Valley-style growth models.

For Vembu, this ERP launch marks the beginning of a longer journey — one aimed at ensuring that the digital infrastructure powering Indian businesses is as local and resilient as the enterprises themselves.

Conclusion: Building India’s Digital Backbone

The launch of Zoho’s made-in-India ERP solution is more than a software milestone — it is a strategic statement on digital independence, long-term innovation, and national resilience. By prioritising patient R&D, remaining private, and aligning with India’s self-reliance agenda, Zoho is redefining how enterprise technology can be built, owned, and scaled.

As global competition intensifies around data, platforms, and digital control, Zoho’s approach highlights a distinctly Indian path — one that values sovereignty over speed and sustainability over speculation.