Electronics Startups to take up ‘Grand Challenge’ in Kochi

KOCHI:
Aiming to test the innovative skills and technical knowledge of fledgling companies, Kochi-based Maker Village, one of India’s largest incubators, will team up with Bosch, a leading global supplier of technology and services, to host ‘Bosch DNA Grand Challenge’ for electronics startup companies.
At the event to be held at KINFRA High Tech Park in Kalamassery on Thursday (Oct. 20), the young entrepreneurs will take up exciting challenges intended to encourage innovations in electronics product design and development.
Ernakulam District Collector K Mohammed Y Safirullah and Bosch Senior Vice President R.K. Shenoy will inaugurate the event, which will have brainstorming sessions on ‘Startup Ecosystem in Kerala’ and ‘The concept of Electronics startups as a key initiative in Kerala’.
Maker Village, focusing on electronic products, is a state of the art public-private partnership (PPP) model incubator in partnership with the Government of India, Government of Kerala, KSUM, IIITM-K, and Startup Village, as well as Bosch
“Most of the electronic startups fail to convert prototypes into desired products. Hence, we will give the participants a set of minimum five challenges based on the product requirements. The solution to the problem statement should broadly fall into the categories of smart city solutions, Internet of Things (IoT), wearables, robotics and embedded electronic products,” said Prof S Rajeev, chief consultant, Maker Village.
The best solutions will be selected and offered pre-incubation for three months at Maker Village to develop a prototype. Bosch will sponsor the pre-incubation. The teams can also choose to work from their own premises or make use of the facilities offered.
“Bosch will offer prototype support of up to Rs. 50,000 per team. Bosch and Maker Village will support with maker space and mentorship,” Prof. Rajeev pointed out.
Teams which are able to successfully demonstrate the prototype will be declared winners. Each winning team will be offered a cash prize of Rs. one lakh and incubation at Maker Village for 12 months.
Students can register at https://goo.gl/forms/xhI55h7UC9zWTWDI2 for participation.