KSUM Launches Programme to Connect Experts with Next Gen Innovators

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) has launched an upfront initiative to connect experts, including experienced professionals from various verticals, with next gen innovators to impart greater thrust and value to their ideas and entrepreneurship.

The initiative, named Mission 14X, seeks to leverage the experience and domain knowledge of experts to evaluate emerging startup ideas under the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IEDC) of KSUM, which has clusters in campuses across the state.

KSUM has invited professionals to join Mission 14X network and extend support to innovation and entrepreneurship emerging from IEDC clusters in all the 14 districts of Kerala.

Those interested in joining the programme visit: https://ksum.in/Mission14X-Application-form

Professionals with 7-plus years of expertise in technology, leadership, innovation, business, and startup ecosystem development can be part of the Mission 14X Expert Network.

“Mission 14X aims to create strong district-level expert pools capable of supporting cluster-level innovation programmes, startup screenings, technology validations, and entrepreneurial ecosystem-building activities,” said KSUM CEO Anoop Ambika.

“By bringing together experienced professionals and young innovators, the initiative seeks to strengthen Kerala’s position as a leading startup and knowledge-driven economy,” he added.

The programme expects support from professionals from domains such as finance and investment, business strategy and entrepreneurship, technology and product development, research and innovation, startup ecosystem and industry mentorship, as well as academic faculty members with expertise in innovation and startup development to be part of its expert panel.

Experts associated with Mission 14X will contribute towards strengthening flagship innovation and pre-incubation initiatives such as IDEABOX, the IEDC startup incubation programme designed to help students transform innovative ideas into viable ventures through structured evaluation and mentoring support.

Mission 14 X facilitates students to submit innovative ideas through IEDC, participate in pre-incubation activities, receive expert feedback, and pitch before panels of industry mentors and investors.

Selected teams then receive structured support in areas including problem-solution validation, product-market understanding, customer profiling, competitor analysis, business planning, prototype development, stakeholder engagement, and investor connections.

The initiative is closely aligned with KSUM and IEDC’s broader mission of building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem within campuses by identifying, nurturing, and accelerating student-led startups from the idea stage to market-ready ventures through structured programmes, mentorship, expert networks, and real-world exposure.

It has been designed as a flexible, meaningful, and impact-driven engagement model where experts can contribute their knowledge and experience, while supporting Kerala’s growing innovation ecosystem.

Mission 14X also provides professionals with opportunities to engage with emerging technologies, breakthrough ideas, future industry trends, and promising young founders from across the state.

Experts joining the network will gain visibility within the innovation ecosystem, collaborate with fellow leaders across industries, and expand their professional networks while contributing towards grassroots innovation development in Kerala.

Professionals passionate about mentorship, innovation, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem building have been invited to become part of this collaborative statewide mission.