The companies with in-house R&D in Chennai are predominantly large, established firms in manufacturing and software development. Notable examples include Zoho, a global provider of over 55 software products, and Ashok Leyland, which manufactures commercial vehicles. MRF specializes in high-quality tyre production, while L&T Construction is a global EPC contractor for industrial and infrastructure projects. The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, focuses on higher technological education and research.
Most of these companies were founded between the late 1940s and early 1960s, indicating a long history of industrial activity in Chennai. There is a strong presence of motor vehicle manufacturing and related parts, alongside a significant cluster of software development companies.
| # | Company | Employees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30,778 | ||||
| 2 |
Ashok Leylandashokleyland.com
Manufacture and supply reliable, rugged commercial vehicles including buses and trucks, focusing on quality and global standards in India. |
26,886 | |||
| 3 |
MRFmrftyres.com
A leading Indian manufacturer specialized in producing a wide range of high-quality tyres, also renowned for ventures in specialty coatings, toys, and sports goods |
13,150 | |||
| 4 |
L&T Constructionlntecc.com
Global EPC contractor for industrial and infrastructure projects, offering innovative design engineering, digitalization, mechanization, and skilled workforce to meet project requirements |
11,172 | |||
| 5 |
Indian Institute of Technology, Madrasiitm.ac.in
An institute of national importance offering higher technological education, research, and consultancy services with a focus on engineering and pure sciences |
9,505 | |||
| 6 |
Intellect Design Arena Ltdintellectdesign.com
A global leader in banking, insurance, and capital markets, offering a cloud-native platform for digital transformation through innovative design solutions |
8,317 | |||
| 7 |
Coromandel International Limitedcoromandel.biz
Leading phosphatic fertiliser manufacturer providing crop protection, organic products, and specialty nutrients while operating rural retail outlets offering advisory and soil testing services. |
7,066 | |||
| 8 |
TAFE - Tractors and Farm Equipment Limitedtafe.com
Manufacturing tractors globally. Produces and sells over 180,000 units annually across 80 countries. Owns diverse businesses in farm machinery, engines, plastics, and vehicle franchises. |
6,607 | |||
| 9 |
Brakes Indiabrakesindia.com
A leading manufacturer of automotive braking systems and ferrous castings, providing complete braking solutions and automotive spare parts with a focus on sustainability |
5,998 | |||
| 10 |
Daimler India Commercial Vehiclesasia.daimlertruck.com
A subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, specializing in commercial vehicles tailored for the Indian market, delivering on safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness |
4,018 | |||
| 11 |
Wheels India Limitedwheelsindia.com
A leading global manufacturer of steel wheels for various vehicles, also producing air suspension kits and forged aluminum wheels for the automotive industry |
3,588 | |||
| 12 |
Lucas TVSlucas-tvs.com
Leader in auto electrical manufacturing in India with 50 years of experience Specialized in designing and producing products for majority of vehicles |
3,563 | |||
| 13 |
The Ramco Cements Limitedramcocements.in
A leading Indian cement company offering innovative products for various applications, with 11 cement plants and a total production capacity of over 20 MTPA |
3,375 | |||
| 14 |
Johnson Lifts & Escalatorsjohnsonliftsltd.com
Leading elevator and escalator manufacturer in India with over 60 years of experience, offering a wide range of products for various settings |
3,095 | |||
| 15 |
VA TECH WABAG LTD.wabag.com
A global leader in water technology, providing comprehensive solutions for municipal and industrial sectors, focusing on sustainability and resource conservation |
3,069 | |||
Want more companies than this list?This page shows the largest ones only. Connect to Tamtam to see every company that matches, filter by size, industry or growth, and reach their decision-makers. | |||||
| 16 |
Rane Groupranegroup.com
A trading house established in 1929, offering a wide range of automotive products, preferred supplier to major OEMs, with a global presence in over 30 countries |
2,820 | |||
| 17 |
Syrma SGS Technology Limitedsyrmasgs.com
Specializing in electronics manufacturing services, we offer collaboration to develop optimal design solutions, reduce costs, manage risk, and deliver innovative products |
2,588 | |||
| 18 |
Carborundum Universal Limitedcumi-murugappa.com
Integrated mining and manufacturing company providing services in Electro Minerals, Abrasives, Refractories, and Ceramics for industries like aerospace, automobile, and construction |
2,512 | |||
| 19 |
Schwing Stetter Indiaschwingstetterindia.com
A construction equipment leader in India, known for innovation and quality, driving infrastructure growth with state-of-the-art concreting solutions and sustainability initiatives |
2,443 | |||
| 20 |
Hinduja Tech Limitedhindujatech.com
Global engineering solution provider specializing in disruptive mobility, electric and autonomous vehicles, with a focus on automotive product development and digital technologies worldwide |
2,238 | |||
| 21 |
Sri Ramachandra Institute Of Higher Education and Researchsriramachandra.edu.in
Higher education institution offering medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing, and allied health courses with strong research and international collaborations. |
2,090 | |||
| 22 |
Precision Infomatic (M) Private limitedprecisionit.co.in
A consulting company established in 1996, offering IT Infrastructure Management, Biometric, IoT, Cloud, and IT System Integration solutions with a strong R&D focus |
2,003 | |||
| 23 |
University of Madrasunom.ac.in
Higher education institution offering a wide range of courses with experienced faculty focused on quality education and student development. |
1,933 | |||
| 24 |
Orchid Pharmaorchidpharma.com
A vertically integrated pharmaceutical entity with expertise in research, manufacturing, and marketing, offering active pharmaceutical ingredients and a diverse range of therapeutic products globally |
1,891 | |||
| 25 |
Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Researchbharathuniv.ac.in
A prestigious institution offering engineering education, research opportunities, and global exposure in Chennai, ranked among the top universities in India |
1,778 | |||
| 26 |
SRM Technologiessrmtech.com
Global IT services company specializing in automotive technologies, digital transformation, and product engineering Offerings include technology consulting, data analytics, AI, cloud enablement, and embedded software solutions |
1,775 | |||
| 27 |
JK Fenner (India) Ltdjkfenner.com
A leading industrial manufacturer specializing in power transmission belts, gears, motors, automation, rubber products, and EV products for automotive and industrial applications worldwide |
1,707 | |||
| 28 |
Avalon Technologies Limitedavalontec.com
A leading choice for global MNC companies in various industries, offering design, manufacturing, and turnkey solutions for high-quality electronics products |
1,699 | |||
| 29 | 1,694 | ||||
| 30 |
Appasamy Associatesappasamy.com
Leading manufacturer and distributor of ophthalmic diagnostic & surgical equipment, intraocular lenses, microsurgical instruments, and pharmaceuticals Dedicated to supporting products and advancing technology |
1,643 | |||
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How this list is built
Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 11, 2026.
More company lists in Chennai
- The largest companies in Chennai 1,042
- Multinational companies in Chennai 211
- Manufacturers in Chennai 177
- IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Chennai 118
- Education providers in Chennai 109
- IT services companies in Chennai 107
- Hardware manufacturers in Chennai 87
- Retail chains in Chennai 68
- Financial Services companies in Chennai 64
- Professional services firms in Chennai 64
- Financial services firms in Chennai 61
- Publicly traded companies in Chennai 61
- Companies with a mobile app in Chennai 60
- Corporate groups and holding companies in Chennai 56
- Consulting firms in Chennai 51
- Automotive manufacturers and suppliers in Chennai 50
- Critical infrastructure operators in Chennai 50
- Higher Education companies in Chennai 50
- AI companies in Chennai 45
- Software Development companies in Chennai 45
- Education Administration Programs companies in Chennai 43
- Hospitals and Health Care companies in Chennai 42
- Healthcare providers in Chennai 41
- Energy companies in Chennai 38
The same list elsewhere in India
- Companies with in-house R&D in India 1,990
- Companies with in-house R&D in Maharashtra 514
- Companies with in-house R&D in Karnataka 271
- Companies with in-house R&D in Tamil Nadu 226
- Companies with in-house R&D in Haryana 166
- Companies with in-house R&D in Gujarat 143
- Companies with in-house R&D in Uttar Pradesh 124
- Companies with in-house R&D in Telangana 69
- Companies with in-house R&D in West Bengal 54
- Companies with in-house R&D in Rajasthan 41
- Companies with in-house R&D in Andhra Pradesh 36
- Companies with in-house R&D in Kerala 36
- Companies with in-house R&D in Punjab 34
- Companies with in-house R&D in Mumbai 258
- Companies with in-house R&D in Bengaluru 235
- Companies with in-house R&D in Pune 149
- Companies with in-house R&D in New Delhi 126
- Companies with in-house R&D in Gurugram 124
- Companies with in-house R&D in Noida 75
- Companies with in-house R&D in Hyderabad 72
- Companies with in-house R&D in Ahmedabad 57
- Companies with in-house R&D in Kolkata 44
- Companies with in-house R&D in Coimbatore 41
- Companies with in-house R&D in Vadodara 40