The Kerala government's first Business Investment Promotion Award was conferred on Dinesh Nirmmal, Senior Vice President of IBM software, by Industry-Coir-Law Minister P. Rajeev at a ceremony held in Kochi on March 8, 2024.The award recognizes individuals who have made commendable contributions to strengthening the state's investment ecosystem. Dinesh Nirmmal, a Malayali, is the Senior Vice President of IBM's Products Division.

Minister P. Rajeev presented the award in recognition of Mr. Nirmmal's efforts in setting up and expanding IBM's services in Kochi. These efforts have played a key role in positioning Kerala as an attractive IT destination on the international stage. Mr. Nirmmal is responsible for the company's new products and innovation, along with its technology direction, location strategy, and support and ecosystem development.

The ceremony was attended by Industries Director Shri S. Harikishore, who is also the Managing Director of KSIDC, and KSIDC General Manager Shri Varghese Malakkaran.