Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said the first start-up incubation centre for Dakshina Kannada will come up at Mallikatte in the city in the next four months.
She was speaking to reporters after interacting with members of Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mayor Kavitha Sanil, Mangaluru City Corporation officials, and MPs Nalin Kumar Kateel and Shobha Karandlaje here at the MCC’s Mallikatte building.
The 6,000 sq. ft facility at the MCC building, being set up at a cost of Rs. 1.18 crore, could accommodate 60 seats. It would offer basic infrastructure for start-ups looking for space. The infrastructure, internet or any other plug-and-play facility, would be made available at nominal rates.
The Minister noted that there are start-ups that require space for one hour a day or working space for a week or perhaps for a whole month. There should be space to sit, work and ideate depending upon the demand. The facility should enable start-ups to talk business with partners and clients. NASSCOM has agreed to provide a representative to facilitate the set-up, she said.
She noted that at present, many start-ups go away to other places due to lack of an eco-system to commence business/industry. While the region has many qualified talents, they should not be made to go away and must be given all facilities locally.
Ms. Sitharaman said industries in the region may partner with the centre and look for solutions, instead of searching elsewhere. In fact, interaction with the industry would strengthen the start-up programme. She commended Deputy Commissioner K.G. Jagadeesha and Ms. Sanil for their support to the project. The Minister said she has released the first instalment of funds for the project from her MPLAD funds for interior works, electrification and equipment.
