Kerala unveils its first neurodivergent friendly coworking space

In a move that could redefine workplace inclusion in India, Kerala has launched the country’s first neurodiversity-friendly coworking hub. And it’s located in an unexpected spot: inside the Ernakulam South Metro Station in Kochi.

Called ‘i by Infopark’, the 48,000-square-foot facility spans the 3rd to 9th floors of the metro complex and will open to the public in September 2025. With space for over 580 professionals, the project is being hailed as a first-of-its-kind model for accessible, sensory-friendly workplace design in the country.

A workspace built for brains that work differently

At the heart of ‘i by Infopark’ is the globally recognised ‘Spectra’ design concept - an approach that acknowledges neurodiversity as a natural and valuable variation in human brains. The design specifically supports individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette syndrome, and other conditions by creating an environment that reduces sensory overwhelm and maximizes focus.

Each floor has a distinct sensory focus, with thoughtful attention to lighting, colour palettes, textures, and noise levels. This allows professionals to choose workspaces that align with their comfort and productivity needs - a stark contrast to the one-size-fits-all environments that dominate most offices.

“Variation in human brains is biologically normal and adaptive,” said Susanth Kurunthil, CEO of Infopark. “Our design fosters innovation by embracing those differences, and ensuring every individual is comfortable, focused, and included.”

Beyond accessibility: world-class amenities

While accessibility is central, the facility also competes on par with high-end coworking spaces. It offers high-speed internet, professional reception services, office pods, meeting zones, cafeterias, 24/7 security, and 100% power backup.

A flexible rental system allows gig workers, freelancers, multinational companies, and startups to lease space according to their needs, making it a viable option for everyone from solo entrepreneurs to global capability centres.

The project also addresses the long-standing issue of space shortage at Infopark, providing a strategic expansion point right in the city.

Government-backed inclusion

Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has called the facility a model for the future of work. He indicated that if successful, similar centres will be established across the state. This makes ‘i by Infopark’ a rare example of government-led workplace inclusion, where accessibility is integrated into design from the start rather than retrofitted as an afterthought.

In a country where nearly 20 per cent of the population is estimated to be neurodivergent, this step signals a recognition that workplace accessibility is not just a CSR checkbox, it’s an economic and social necessity.

Why this matters

For too long, workplaces have placed the burden of “adjusting” on employees, particularly those who are neurodivergent or disabled. This often forces talented individuals to navigate environments that aren’t built for them, leading to burnout, exclusion, and lost opportunities for innovation.

By flipping the script and creating a space that adapts to its people, ‘i by Infopark’ demonstrates what inclusion can look like in practice. More than adding ramps or quiet rooms, this is about fundamentally rethinking how we design for the full range of human needs.

A template for the future

Whether ‘i by Infopark’ becomes the blueprint for other Indian cities will depend on more than just its amenities. Sustained success will require ongoing input from the neurodivergent community, training for staff, and policies that ensure accessibility isn’t diluted over time.

But if Kerala’s model takes root, it could change the way India thinks about both coworking spaces and workplace design, proving that accessibility can be ambitious, scalable, and profitable.