A ‘Startup Yatra’, organised by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) to identity and nurture aspiring entrepreneurship, has got off to a promising start with 10 innovative ideas from the first boot camp making their way to the grand finale to decide the winners.
As many as 35 ideas were put forward at the first boot camp, held at the Mar Baselios College of Engineering and Technology here on Monday.
More than 200 participants attended the programme. The next boot camp will be held at the TKM College of Engineering, Kollam, on Tuesday.
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Besides, there was a ‘van stop’ at the Mount Zion College, Pathanamthitta, where over 300 students gathered on Monday. Another one has been planned in the College of Engineering, Chengannur, on Tuesday.
Objectives
The ongoing Startup Yatra, undertaken in collaboration with Startup India, the Union government’s flagship initiative to empower startups through innovation and design, is aimed at identifying entrepreneurs from the Kerala’s tier 2 and 3 cities.
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The primary objective of the programme is to identify promising entrepreneurs from the State’s smaller cities, offer them support in terms of incubation and mentorship from institutions and also help them tide over the lack of resources.
Eight boot camps
Eight boot camps and 14 van stops have been planned across the State. The boot camps, being held at colleges and universities, involved ideation workshops and idea-pitching sessions for students. The shortlisted candidates will be able to pitch for offers by incubators as well as incentives by the State government.
The Yatra will conclude with a grand finale at the Park Center here on November 26 and 27. The winners will get prizes of ₹10 lakh, besides incubation support.