# Companies with in-house R&D headquartered in Chennai

Tamtam tracks 132 companies with in-house R&D headquartered in Chennai. This list ranks the 30 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by Zoho, Ashok Leyland and MRF. Their median headcount is 3,069. Half of them were founded in 1963 or later.

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.

🇮🇳 Chennai · 30 companies · Updated Nov 11, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Zoho](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/zoho-chennai) (zoho.com)<br>Provides over 55 software products supporting sales, marketing, finance, recruitment, collaboration, and customer support for business growth worldwide. | Software Development | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 30,778 |  |
| 2 | [Ashok Leyland](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ashok-leyland) (ashokleyland.com)<br>Manufacture and supply reliable, rugged commercial vehicles including buses and trucks, focusing on quality and global standards in India. | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 26,886 | 1948 |
| 3 | [MRF](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mrf-chennai) (mrftyres.com)<br>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 | Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 13,150 | 1946 |
| 4 | [L&T Construction](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/l-and-t-construction) (lntecc.com)<br>Global EPC contractor for industrial and infrastructure projects, offering innovative design engineering, digitalization, mechanization, and skilled workforce to meet project requirements | Construction | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 11,172 | 1938 |
| 5 | [Indian Institute of Technology, Madras](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/indian-institute-of-technology-madras) (iitm.ac.in)<br>An institute of national importance offering higher technological education, research, and consultancy services with a focus on engineering and pure sciences | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 9,505 | 1959 |
| 6 | [Intellect Design Arena Ltd](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/intellect-design-arena-ltd) (intellectdesign.com)<br>A global leader in banking, insurance, and capital markets, offering a cloud-native platform for digital transformation through innovative design solutions | Software Development | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 8,317 | 1993 |
| 7 | [Coromandel International Limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/coromandel-international-limited) (coromandel.biz)<br>Leading phosphatic fertiliser manufacturer providing crop protection, organic products, and specialty nutrients while operating rural retail outlets offering advisory and soil testing services. | Chemical Manufacturing | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 7,066 |  |
| 8 | [TAFE - Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tafe-tractors-and-farm-equipment-limited) (tafe.com)<br>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. | Machinery Manufacturing | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 6,607 | 1960 |
| 9 | [Brakes India](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/brakes-india) (brakesindia.com)<br>A leading manufacturer of automotive braking systems and ferrous castings, providing complete braking solutions and automotive spare parts with a focus on sustainability | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 5,998 | 1962 |
| 10 | [Daimler India Commercial Vehicles](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/daimler-india-commercial-vehicles) (asia.daimlertruck.com)<br>A subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, specializing in commercial vehicles tailored for the Indian market, delivering on safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 4,018 | 2009 |
| 11 | [Wheels India Limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/wheels-india-limited) (wheelsindia.com)<br>A leading global manufacturer of steel wheels for various vehicles, also producing air suspension kits and forged aluminum wheels for the automotive industry | Manufacturing | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 3,588 | 1962 |
| 12 | [Lucas TVS](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/lucas-tvs) (lucas-tvs.com)<br>Leader in auto electrical manufacturing in India with 50 years of experience Specialized in designing and producing products for majority of vehicles | Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 3,563 | 1961 |
| 13 | [The Ramco Cements Limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-ramco-cements-limited) (ramcocements.in)<br>A leading Indian cement company offering innovative products for various applications, with 11 cement plants and a total production capacity of over 20 MTPA | Wholesale Building Materials | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 3,375 | 1961 |
| 14 | [Johnson Lifts & Escalators](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/johnson-lifts-and-escalators) (johnsonliftsltd.com)<br>Leading elevator and escalator manufacturer in India with over 60 years of experience, offering a wide range of products for various settings | Manufacturing | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 3,095 | 1963 |
| 15 | [VA TECH WABAG LTD.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/va-tech-wabag-ltd) (wabag.com)<br>A global leader in water technology, providing comprehensive solutions for municipal and industrial sectors, focusing on sustainability and resource conservation | Environmental Services | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 3,069 | 1924 |
| 16 | [Rane Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/rane-group) (ranegroup.com)<br>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 | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 2,820 | 1929 |
| 17 | [Syrma SGS Technology Limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/syrma-sgs-technology-limited) (syrmasgs.com)<br>Specializing in electronics manufacturing services, we offer collaboration to develop optimal design solutions, reduce costs, manage risk, and deliver innovative products | Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 2,588 | 2006 |
| 18 | [Carborundum Universal Limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/carborundum-universal-limited) (cumi-murugappa.com)<br>Integrated mining and manufacturing company providing services in Electro Minerals, Abrasives, Refractories, and Ceramics for industries like aerospace, automobile, and construction | Mining | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 2,512 | 1954 |
| 19 | [Schwing Stetter India](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/schwing-stetter-india) (schwingstetterindia.com)<br>A construction equipment leader in India, known for innovation and quality, driving infrastructure growth with state-of-the-art concreting solutions and sustainability initiatives | Machinery Manufacturing | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 2,443 | 1998 |
| 20 | [Hinduja Tech Limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hinduja-tech-limited) (hindujatech.com)<br>Global engineering solution provider specializing in disruptive mobility, electric and autonomous vehicles, with a focus on automotive product development and digital technologies worldwide | Engineering Services | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 2,238 |  |
| 21 | [Sri Ramachandra Institute Of Higher Education and Research](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sri-ramachandra-institute-of-higher-education-and-research) (sriramachandra.edu.in)<br>Higher education institution offering medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing, and allied health courses with strong research and international collaborations. | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 2,090 | 1994 |
| 22 | [Precision Infomatic (M) Private limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/precision-infomatic-m-private-limited) (precisionit.co.in)<br>A consulting company established in 1996, offering IT Infrastructure Management, Biometric, IoT, Cloud, and IT System Integration solutions with a strong R&D focus | IT Services and IT Consulting | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 2,003 | 1996 |
| 23 | [University of Madras](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-madras) (unom.ac.in)<br>Higher education institution offering a wide range of courses with experienced faculty focused on quality education and student development. | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 1,933 |  |
| 24 | [Orchid Pharma](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/orchid-pharma) (orchidpharma.com)<br>A vertically integrated pharmaceutical entity with expertise in research, manufacturing, and marketing, offering active pharmaceutical ingredients and a diverse range of therapeutic products globally | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 1,891 | 1992 |
| 25 | [Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bharath-institute-of-higher-education-and-research) (bharathuniv.ac.in)<br>A prestigious institution offering engineering education, research opportunities, and global exposure in Chennai, ranked among the top universities in India | Higher Education | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 1,778 | 1984 |
| 26 | [SRM Technologies](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/srm-technologies) (srmtech.com)<br>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 | IT Services and IT Consulting | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 1,775 | 1998 |
| 27 | [JK Fenner (India) Ltd](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/jk-fenner-india-ltd) (jkfenner.com)<br>A leading industrial manufacturer specializing in power transmission belts, gears, motors, automation, rubber products, and EV products for automotive and industrial applications worldwide | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 1,707 | 1955 |
| 28 | [Avalon Technologies Limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/avalon-technologies-limited) (avalontec.com)<br>A leading choice for global MNC companies in various industries, offering design, manufacturing, and turnkey solutions for high-quality electronics products | Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 1,699 | 2000 |
| 29 | [SPIC](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/spic) (spic.in)<br>A leading Indian agri-nutrient and fertilizer producer, specializing in high-quality, eco-friendly products to enhance agricultural output and support farmers nationwide | Chemical Manufacturing | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 1,694 | 1969 |
| 30 | [Appasamy Associates](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/appasamy-associates) (appasamy.com)<br>Leading manufacturer and distributor of ophthalmic diagnostic & surgical equipment, intraocular lenses, microsurgical instruments, and pharmaceuticals Dedicated to supporting products and advancing technology | Medical Equipment Manufacturing | 🇮🇳 Chennai | 1,643 | 1978 |

## 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.

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-chennai