Coimbatore headquartered EKKI Group, one of India’s fastest-growing industrial groups with a strong presence in pump manufacturing, higher education, and international markets, is in talks with a leading global player to enter the preschool and K-12 education sector through a strategic partnership.
The Group already operates educational institutions through the Info Institute of Engineering and its business school, having served more than 30,000 students, while its pump businesses operate across 20+ Indian states and export to 20+ countries worldwide. With a net asset value exceeding USD 100 million, EKKI Group brings deep operational expertise, long-term commitment, and a proven track record of building scalable companies in India.
Kanishka Arumugam, Co-CEO of EKKI and an Oxford alumnus, said:
“India’s preschool sector is undergoing a transformational phase. The market is currently estimated at approximately USD 5 billion and is projected to grow to nearly USD 15 billion over the next decade, driven by rising parental awareness, urbanization, dual-income families, and increasing focus on early childhood development.”
The Group plans to establish a network of premium preschools across India as its first phase, followed by expansion into the K-12 segment.
“We believe the future of education lies in combining world-class pedagogy with deep local execution capabilities. Our vision is to build an institution that positively impacts hundreds of thousands of children across India over the coming decades. India’s preschool sector is one of the largest opportunities in early childhood education. More than 85% of children in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities still lack access to structured, high-quality preschool education. Research shows that nearly 90% of brain development occurs before the age of five, making early learning one of the most critical investments in a child’s future. The Indian preschool and childcare market is expected to witness strong double-digit growth over the next decade, creating significant opportunities for quality-focused operators.
“We believe 1 + 1 = 111. The key is seeing the one in the plus. Our global JV partner will bring world-class curriculum, brand equity, technology and operational expertise. We bring deep market reach, infrastructure and 30,000 students’ worth of trust. Together, we will redefine the space in India.”
EKKI Group in a release said it is in talks with leading players from developed education markets to establish a long-term strategic JV. The partner will contribute international curriculum and pedagogy, academic excellence frameworks, digital learning and technology platforms, and global brand strength and educational expertise.
