THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Focusing exclusively on innovative projects from colleges and early stage startups in the State, Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) is organizing ‘Idea Fest ‘19’ to promote the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth on April 15.
Application process to participate in Idea Fest has begun and the deadline is on March 10. For registration, visit: https://sites.google.com/startupmission.in/idea-fest-2019/home.
Multi-national business consulting giant Ernst & Young (EY), NISH, Finastra, Resnova, and Reap Benefit will be monitoring in the event. EY will offer internship opportunities to winning candidates while Resnova will be giving away cash awards to them. Others will be providing with mentoring and funding.
The initial screening will be done by the KSUM IEDC Team and the next level of screening will be done by experts at a zonal level.
The final selection will be through a prototype evaluation. The shortlisted innovators will get an opportunity to present their ideas to a panel of experts. Those recommended by the selection panels will be provided an innovation grant, depending on the stage of their idea or product, besides offering lab support and mentorship for developing their ideas into ventures.
All ideas will have to be accompanied by a certificate from the respective IEDC of the college or endorsed by the principal.
“There is an urgent need for enhancing entrepreneurship and innovation among the youth in Kerala. Setting up of technology startups during the college days gives a great learning experience for students as the practical experience they acquire during the process well complement with the theoretical knowledge creating well rounded professionals,” said Dr. Saji Gopinath, CEO, KSUM.
“As an agency committed to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, KSUM is making multiple interventions among the youth of Kerala to realise the same. The month-long Idea Fest is expected to bring out great ideas, which have potential to be converted into full-fledge ventures in the near future,” he added.
KSUM will be also be organising a set of lead up events for students, including a series of zonal meet ups, INSPIRE’19, and workshops.
The Idea Day was conceptualized by the Government of Kerala to promote innovation in the state and play a vital role in the identification of new innovations in core sectors and futuristic technologies. KSUM is the nodal agency of Government of Kerala for entrepreneurship development and incubation activities in the state.
