THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
The participants of the ongoing Global Impact Challenge (GIC), jointly organised by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) and the US-based Singularity University (SU), visited Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at his Chamber here on Wednesday.
The Chief Minister interacted with the 21-member group, hailing from different states, showing keen interest about the details of the projects being presented by them at the GIC, which started on July 2 at Technopark here. Dr. Saji Gopinath, CEO, KSUM, who introduced the participants to Vijayan, said, “The participants were able to explain their ideas to the Chief Minister and he wished all the participants good luck. Interactions like these clearly convey the government’s intention to support innovative ideas that can impact billions. Such opportunities to interact with the decision makers install more confidence in the startups to take their ventures forward.”
Commenting on the meeting, Dr. Bhavani, Pentavalent Bio Science Private Ltd, Karnataka said: “I personally felt encouraged by the Chief Minister’s kind gesture of giving us an opportunity to express our innovations.”
Meanwhile, Balaji from Brun Health Pvt Ltd, Delhi said, “Refreshing to note that the CM is very interested in what startups offer. I haven’t seen this anywhere else.”
The India GIC aims at inspiring startups to find solutions to address global challenges in learning, healthcare and environment sectors. The KSUM has selected 25 finalists belonging to different states from the applicants, which include 11 in healthcare, 8 in environment and 6 in education.
The boot camp of the event was launched on the opening day and the finale is scheduled on July 7. The pitch day is on July 6. On the final day, the best idea will be selected and taken for the SU Incubation programme that lasts for nine weeks.
