
Let’s Start at the Very Beginning—A Very Good Place to Start
Discussions spark discovery and transformation.
In the quiet corridors of academia, where theory reigned but industry relevance lagged, a new idea emerged. Dr. Mendus Jacob—then Director of the School of Applicable Mathematics at MG University and now CEO of IPSR—envisioned education as more than equations. It was about connection, conversation, and courage.
He invited industry leaders and academic stalwarts like Dr. Jayasankaran, Dr. Joshy T. Jose, Dr. Tomy Mathew, and the late Isaac Joseph (MD, Lunar Rubbers) to interact with his students at SAM. They spoke of the chasm between classroom learning and industry demands.
From these dialogues, a vision formed: to build a bridge between academia and industry. In 1999, IPSR was born from this mission.
Insights into the SMB Segment—Manorajyam Buildings, KVVES and EZCom
At its first office in Manorajyam Buildings, Kottayam, IPSR focused on understanding and engaging deeply with the real needs of the market. Partnering with KVVES—the state’s largest merchant association—IPSR gained invaluable insights into the SMB ecosystem.
This led to Vyaparinet.com—a pioneering initiative that, as early as 1999–2000, brought over 1000 small businesses in Kerala online by offering a low-cost web presence. From hosting to content and development, IPSR became a trusted digital ally for local merchants, helping them step into the internet era with ease and confidence.
But it didn’t stop there. In 2004, IPSR launched eZCom, an intuitive accounting solution crafted specifically for local business needs. Scalable and adaptive, it became a vital tool for SMBs embracing digital transformation.
What began as meaningful engagement evolved into lasting impact.
Beyond Training—A Vision Expands
IPSR—Institution for Professional Studies and Research—quickly built a name in professional training. But the vision stretched further. In 2000, ipsr solutions limited. was incorporated as a public limited company, underscoring its shift from a training provider to an innovation-driven IT solutions firm.
A milestone came with the National Seminar on M-Commerce on November 21, 2000, at Mammen Mappila Hall. Featuring leaders like Dr. Jayasankaran and Dr. Saji Gopinath, it marked IPSR’s first anniversary and established it as a rising IT force.
Amid the post-Y2K wave and the 2000 tech slowdown, IPSR stood resilient, growing even in uncertainty.
On March 13, 2001, IPSR opened its North Kerala office at Vyapara Bhavan, Kozhikode. On March 13, 2001, IPSR opened its North Kerala office at Vyapara Bhavan, Kozhikode. Around this time, the innovative “One Website a Day” campaign played a pivotal role in familiarising local businesses and SMBs with the concept of websites, significantly accelerating digital adoption in the region.
A year later, IPSR moved to its custom-built headquarters in the KVVES Building, Kottayam—ushering in a new phase of growth.
New Strategies & Adaptation
Innovation has always powered IPSR’s journey. By 2004, we introduced iCMS, our in-house Content Management System—marking a key step in academic digital transformation. With modules for attendance tracking, mark sheets, parent and alumni logins, and more, iCMS gained traction among leading academic institutions and became a trusted solution for campus management.
In 2005, IPSR Penguin Planet was launched, quickly becoming a benchmark in Linux training. By 2006, IPSR conducted the highest number of RHCE exams in Asia, and by 2007, it achieved an exceptional 95% RHCE pass rate—far exceeding the global average of 58–63%.
On October 1, 2007, IPSR launched its IT Finishing School, a focused initiative to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world IT careers. In 2008, IPSR added a new dimension with educational tourism, attracting international students and expanding its global footprint.
Impact soon followed. By 2008, IPSR had trained 1 in every 20 RHCEs worldwide—and 1 in every 10 in South Asia. In 2009, it accounted for 1 in every 4 RHCSS-certified professionals in the Asia Pacific.
A Defining Year: 2010
In 2010, IPSR introduced two transformative student-centric initiatives—Talent Genie, a career guidance platform, and the Teen Cyber Project, aimed at building cybersecurity awareness among school and college students.
That same year, IPSR laid the groundwork for academic technology innovation by launching the Open Source Based Development Centre (OSBDC) and Open Source Based Research Centre (OSBRC).
Young Prodigies. Global Records.
A global milestone was achieved when IPSR-trained Rajat Jaic Mendus became the world’s youngest RHCE and later, in 2010, the youngest RHCSS—securing a rare double distinction in Red Hat certification history. That same year, another IPSR prodigy, Rohan G. Nair, became the world’s youngest RHCSS at just 13 years old. Rajat further etched his name in history by becoming the youngest Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) at the age of 18. Bobby Isac also achieved the RHCA title at 18, making both the youngest RHCAs in the world at that time.
These achievements culminated in global recognition. IPSR was honoured with the prestigious Red Hat Asia Pacific Award for Best Training Partner, followed by multiple Red Hat International Awards.
Expansion & Evolution
Growth came naturally as IPSR scaled across Kerala and beyond. From its early expansion to Kozhikode in 2001, IPSR extended its reach to Kochi in 2005 and 2007. In 2010, the Trivandrum branch was launched, strengthening its statewide presence.
In 2012, IPSR opened its sixth branch in Thrissur, further expanding access to quality IT education in central Kerala.
In 2013, IPSR established its first international subsidiary, Valin Technologies, in London, UK, marking the beginning of its corporate journey beyond Indian shores. This move wasn’t just symbolic—it was strategic. Valin UK served as a bridge to connect IPSR’s academic innovation and IT expertise with the European market.
As the global demand for trusted academic and IT solutions grew, IPSR expanded further, establishing Valin Technologies USA and Valin Technologies Canada.
The launch of a new branch at UL Cyberpark, Kozhikode, in 2016 marked its strategic positioning in one of Kerala’s leading technology hubs.
Major Recognition & Awards
Since the launch of our Red Hat training initiatives in 2003, IPSR has been honoured with a remarkable 37 national and international awards from Red Hat, spanning both the Red Hat GLS National Awards and the Red Hat International Awards. These accolades stand as a testament to our enduring excellence in open-source education and our pioneering role in Red Hat certification training.
Our credibility was further recognised at the national level in 2010 with the Samman Patra Award from the Ministry of Finance, Government of India—a rare honour that reflected our unwavering commitment to transparency and tax compliance.
In 2012, IPSR received the IT Educational Excellence Award, celebrating our thought leadership and trailblazing innovations in IT education.
A defining milestone came in 2013, when our CEO was presented with the Best Entrepreneur Award by the Chief Minister of Kerala—an acknowledgement of IPSR’s wider impact, not just in skilling, but in shaping the future of entrepreneurship and educational transformation.
IPSR’s Rise as an EdTech Pioneer
By 2017, IPSR pivoted from IT training to academic innovation with the launch of Likha, a smart student management system that signalled its entry into education solutions.
In 2018, QnSmart redefined assessments with OBE-aligned question paper generation, while deQ-AMA streamlined campus operations end-to-end.
These weren’t just tools—they were game-changers, powering smarter, data-driven institutions nationwide.
Mastering the Art of Accreditation
By 2019, IPSR had become the go-to partner for academic excellence.
deQ Accreditation set a new benchmark—simplifying NAAC, NIRF, NBA, ABET, and SAAC processes for institutions nationwide.
Recognised as the Best Education Technology Solution Provider 2019, IPSR didn’t follow change—it engineered it.
From student training to institutional transformation, IPSR leads the future of smart, seamless education.
Game-Changing Solutions. Lasting Impact.
While others followed trends, IPSR set them.
At a time when education grappled with outdated systems, we fused academic expertise with cutting-edge technology, delivering solutions that redefined how institutions operate.
QnSmart i transformed assessments through AI-driven, outcome-based question paper design.
deQ OBE Suite made OBE measurable—empowering institutions with attainment tracking, curriculum mapping, and accreditation readiness.
We didn’t just support education; we revolutionised it.
We have a strategic partnership with Espoir Technologies, whose breakthrough platforms—Vignana and i-Max—reflect our shared vision to transform how institutions engage with data and enhance teaching and learning worldwide. Together with our AI-powered QuestionPaper.ai, these platforms are driving a new era of educational transformation.
With nationwide reach and proven excellence, IPSR’s academic solutions are now empowering over 70 institutions in 8 states, benefiting 15,000+ faculty users and supporting 35,000+ courses. Our platforms have generated over 100,000 question papers and continue to lead innovation in education technology, making a lasting impact on academic ecosystems at scale.
What We Believe
At IPSR, education is inclusive, technology is empowering, and transformation is for everyone. For 25 years, IPSR has been a catalyst for change—transforming lives once overlooked by the system. What others saw as “leftover students,” IPSR saw as untapped potential. Today, these learners thrive as brilliant professionals around the world.
We don’t just preach Outcome-Based Education—it’s in our DNA.
We don’t just support open source—we’re a byword for it.
IPSR’s unwavering commitment to mentoring and academic quality is now strengthened by visionary directors Dr. Suresh Namboothiri and Sijo Thomas, who carry forward our legacy with renewed purpose.
Future Aspirations: Leading the Next Wave
As education accelerates into a digital future, IPSR is ready to lead with:
- AI-integrated academic platforms
- Scalable mentoring ecosystems
- Global partnerships
- Research-driven tools for quality and compliance
We’re building the future—not just for institutions, but for every student and educator who dreams of more.
This is IPSR. A shared mission. A journey that continues.