The CIO500 Kochi edition, powered by Secure Network Solutions (SNS), took place on 17th September at Le Meridien. It was not just another chapter in the nationwide CIO500 journey, but a meaningful effort to re-establish Kochi’s position as a vital IT hub in India’s growth story.
The evening began with a warm welcome address by Sanjay Mohapatra, Editor, Accent Infomedia Publications, who set the context by highlighting why cities like Kochi must not be overlooked when discussing India’s economic growth. “Kochi has always been a city of potential — with its talent, infrastructure, and global connectivity,” Mohapatra said. “As India drives its digital economy, tier-2 cities like Kochi will play a crucial role in balancing opportunities and investments across regions.”
A Milestone Celebration with SNS
This year’s Kochi edition carried a deeper sense of pride, as SNS celebrated its 25th anniversary with the region’s IT leadership community. For a cybersecurity brand that has spent a quarter of a century safeguarding enterprises, marking this milestone in Kochi reflected its commitment to strengthening the IT ecosystem beyond metros.
Mr. N.K. Mehta, CEO & MD of SNS, delivered an inspiring keynote, sharing insights on the evolving cybersecurity landscape and the growing role of AI in defending enterprise infrastructure. “The cyber threat landscape is changing faster than ever,” Mehta remarked. “As enterprises adopt AI and digital platforms, our defenses must also evolve. At SNS, completing 25 years is not just about longevity; it’s about adapting, innovating, and continuing to protect our clients in an unpredictable digital world.”
To make the session interactive, Mr. Mehta also led an engaging Cybersecurity Quiz, alongside Tobola, which combined knowledge with fun and showcased the collaborative spirit of the Kochi IT community.
Knowledge Sessions and Panels
The event’s learning sessions brought together respected thought leaders who addressed pressing themes at the intersection of technology, business, and strategy.
- Presentation by CyberArk: Akash Guruprasanna, Regional Sales Manager – South India and SAARC, outlined how identity and privileged access security are becoming cornerstones of enterprise defense. His presentation emphasized that as attackers target identities, resilience begins with securing users and access points.
- Panel Discussion: Ensuring Scalable and Resilient IT Infrastructure with AI
Moderated by Kunnel Jose, Chief Delivery Officer, Magnum Networks Support Pvt. Ltd., the panel featured:- Adarsh Nair, Global Head of Information Security Compliance, UST
- V.V. Jacob, Senior General Manager – IT, Malayala Manorama
- Vinodhkumar C, CTO, Muthoottu Mini Financiers Limited
The discussion revolved around practical strategies for harnessing AI to build infrastructure that is not only scalable but also adaptive and resilient in the face of rising cyber threats.
- Panel Discussion: Navigating Boardroom Expectations and Digital KPIs
Moderated by Arun Kallaril, Associate Director, EY, the panel included:- Sangeeth K Mohan, Associate VP IT (India & Sri Lanka), MANE
- Prince Joseph, Group CIO, NeST Group, SFO Technologies
- Nitha Sasi, Deputy CISO, Geojit Financial Services Ltd.
This session explored how CIOs must bridge the gap between technology execution and board-level expectations. It focused on aligning IT outcomes with measurable KPIs, demonstrating value creation, and ensuring digital strategies resonate with business priorities.
Honoring Excellence: CIO500 & Accelerator X Awards
The event culminated in the CIO500 and Accelerator X Awards 2025, honoring senior IT leaders for their innovation, resilience, and contribution to the digital transformation journey. These awards recognized individuals who have shaped enterprise technology strategies and strengthened their organizations’ competitiveness.
A Grateful Closing
The evening concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Sanib Mohapatra, Publisher, Accent Infomedia Publications, who extended gratitude to all speakers, partners, delegates, and the host venue. “Events like this are possible only with collaboration and shared vision,” Sanib said. “We thank SNS, our speakers, our delegates, and especially Kochi’s IT leaders for coming together to make this edition memorable.” He also acknowledged the efforts of the Accent Info Media organizing team, the SNS family — with special mention to Anita Sengupta — and the Le Meridien staff for their seamless support.
Kochi’s Reconnection with the Future
The Kochi edition of CIO500 was not just a celebration but a reaffirmation that Kochi remains an important IT employment and investment destination. With its strong talent pool, entrepreneurial spirit, and renewed attention from industry leaders, the city has a unique opportunity to contribute to India’s next phase of digital growth.
As SNS celebrated 25 years of cybersecurity excellence, and as CIO500 continued its mission to honor India’s IT leadership, Kochi stood out as a city ready to reclaim its place on the IT map — not just as a regional hub, but as a partner in India’s economic journey.
