05-05-2025
Govt to launch ‘Freedom Square' at IT park Phase IV
T'puram: In a major push to promote
innovation
and
youth entrepreneurship
,
Kerala Startup Mission
(KSUM), in collaboration with department of tourism, is all set to roll out the first-of-its-kind '
Freedom Square
' project at
Technopark Phase IV
in Pallippuram. The project is designed to become a vibrant, round-the-clock co-creation hub for students, startups, investors and industry leaders.
According to KSUM, the project will become a reality in the current financial year. The inaugural facility is set to come up on five acres of land owned by tourism department, located near Digital University of Kerala. It will be an open space with a building so that they can spend a whole day and night with events and recreation.
According to Ashok Kurian Panjikkaran, business head, KSUM, Freedom Squares are not just buildings; they are movements. "We want to give young minds a space where they can brainstorm freely, build on ideas and engage directly with mentors, corporate leaders and investors. This initiative ties in with our mission to transform Kerala into a knowledge society. We hope to start the first such facility in Technopark Phase-IV before March 2026," he said.
The centre will be open 24/7 and include coworking spaces, meeting rooms, dormitories, recreational areas and high-speed internet connectivity. It will also act as a nodal centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centres that function in various educational institutions across Kerala. Tourism department's involvement is intended to add cultural and aesthetic value to the space while encouraging community participation and social innovation. Tourism features include a VR-powered experience zone, amphitheatre, gaming arenas, and cultural integration spaces showcasing Kerala's heritage. Wellness facilities, including a mini hospital and meditation areas, will further enhance the visitor experience.