Latest news with #KeralaStartupMission
New Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Centre-state synergy should boost startup ecosystem
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It was quite an exciting and eye-opening experience to be part of a group of defence vloggers who were discussing a remotely piloted aerial vehicle (RPAV) developed recently by a fledgling startup that won the Centre's iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) challenge. As operational pictures emerged, a Malayali vlogger remarked, 'Imagine this launcher on a small patrol boat. With proper training and situational awareness, the Navy can wreak havoc with this. Good stuff from the startup — hope they succeed.' Such innovation reflects the growing momentum among young minds aiming to break into defence technology, particularly following Operation Sindoor. Here, Kerala's strategic relevance is underscored by its status as home to the national space agency and as a rising hub for startups. 'Most startups are now in the space sector, although defence has been getting attention in the last few years. The products are finishing only now after incubation,' said Varun G, technical officer at Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), which reportedly has tie-ups with about 60 defence-based startups. Experts point out that proficiency in space technology translates effectively into defence capabilities. Prateesh V Nair, CEO of space startup Tachlog, explains: 'Whatever you do in space, the same can be done in defence with not as much complexity. We are a space startup but are now aggressively pushing into defence as well.' Prateesh sees this sector only growing. The key word is indigenisation. 'What we witnessed recently was a direct result of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative,' he said. 'For example, we used our own NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) system instead of relying on the US-based GPS for surveillance. Kerala has potential — but it must be requirement-driven. Defence prefers end-to-end products, not just specific parts or projects, which makes funding more challenging. Now, with IDEX stepping in, opportunities will only grow.' Prateesh also highlights the risks of collaborative efforts like the Indo-Russian BrahMos missile. Such partnerships involve tech transfers, but with deterrents in place to prevent use against the partner nation in future conflicts. 'Every country does this. If we devise systems ourselves, we are in full control,' he said.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
KSUM invites visitor-friendly designs
T'puram: The Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) invited sustainable and visitor-friendly designs from startups for mini amenity centres to be set up at designated city parks across the state, in collaboration with the tourism department. Startups registered with the department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT) can apply on or before May 31. After screening the submissions, the startup selected for the best design will receive a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh and the second-best design will get a cash prize of Rs 50,000. The submissions should include a conceptual design, sketches, 3D renderings, floor plans and elevation. It should also include a material palette with the selection of durable and sustainable materials, a cost estimate including rough construction and long-term maintenance estimates and technical details such as specifications for solar panels, digital kiosks and waste management systems. A mini amenity centre needs to have features such as a toilet block, drinking water stations, baby care and nursing stations, a resting zone, first aid and emergency assistance and a digital information kiosk. It should also have a retail and souvenir counter, a sustainable waste management system, a security and surveillance system, eco-friendly design features, a mini cafe, food vending machines and display boards for advertisements. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo The design should adhere to principles that ensure feasibility, functionality and sustainability, besides being aesthetically appealing and inclusive. The design should also factor in essential features like hygiene and maintenance, technology integration and sustainability, such as the adoption of eco-friendly materials, water-saving fixtures and renewable energy solutions.
The Hindu
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
KSUM showcases futuristic vision of State's start-up ecosystem at ‘Ente Keralam' expo
The Kerala Startup Mission's (KSUM) pavilion at an 'Ente Keralam' expo, being held on the Alappuzha beach as part of the fourth anniversary celebrations of the Left Democratic Front government, showcases vivid images of the transformative impact of futuristic technologies, including artificial intelligence, on everyday life. The pavilion highlights the strength of Kerala's start-up ecosystem in harnessing cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and machine learning to develop a wide range of innovative products and solutions. The theme of the KSUM pavilion is 'AI for Common People.' KSUM chief executive officer Anoop Ambika said the pavilion offers visitors a vivid glance into the transformative potential of futuristic technologies and how Kerala-based start-ups have leveraged them to create impactful solutions that touch everyday lives. A range of products and solutions based on technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), 3D printing, drones, robotics, and the internet of things (IoT) are on display. Exhibits include video production through voice commands, voice-enabled taxi booking, analysis of new generation words, AR/VR goggles, a robotic dog named Dogbot, a robot that conducts classes for children, a mini boat, an IoT-based system to support farming and gardening, AI caricaturing and a facial recognition system. The pavilion is attracting good number of visitors. Earlier, the KSUM stall bagged first prize in the best pavilion category at 'Ente Keralam' exhibitions held in Idukki and Kottayam. The 'Ente Keralam' exhibition-cum-trade fair features 200 air-conditioned service and commercial stalls. It includes pavilions showcasing the services and schemes of the State government, food festival, film screenings, theme stall, play area for children, seminars, dog show, tourism exhibition, visual presentation about 'Ente Keralam' by the Public Relations department and agricultural expo. Entry to the expo is free. It is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The expo will conclude on May 12.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
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.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kerala Startup Mission to host digital fabrication workshop for students
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) is hosting a five-day workshop on 'basic introduction to digital fabrication machines' for school students at FabLab Kerala . Participants will get hands-on experience in digital fabrication, covering essential tools, design software and digital machines, including 3D printers, laser cutters, computer numerical control (CNC) routers, printed circuit board milling and screen printing. The workshop is open to 15 participants from classes 8 to 12. The fees for the workshop scheduled from May 12 to 16 is Rs 2,500. KSUM and FabLab Kerala certification will be provided to all participants, who will need to come with a laptop and required accessories. The timing of the workshop will be 10am to 5pm. For registration, visit For more details, contact 9809494669.
