Startup ecosystem in Kerala gets a boost with KSUM, Central University partnership
An MoU for setting up Incubation Centre at Central University of Kerala on cards
In an effort that is being foreseen as strengthening Kerala’s startup ecosystem, especially in northern districts, Kerala Startup Mission, the nodal agency of the state government for entrepreneurship development and incubation activities in the state, has entered into an agreement with the Kasaragod-based Central University of Kerala (CUK). The agreement will help both the institutions in exploring the possibility of setting up an Incubation Centre at the university.
The decision on the collaboration between KSUM and CUK comes close on the heels of the recently-held Rural India Business Conclave in Kasaragod, where they had discussed a host of relevant topics.
Central University of Kerala – KSUM MoU soon
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) towards establishing the Incubation Centre is expected to be signed soon, said KSUM sources. After the three-day Agribusiness Summit held recently, a meeting was organised to take the idea forward.
CUK Vice Chancellor Prof H Venkateshwarlu, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) Director Anitha Karun, Malabar Angel Network Co-Founder P K Gopalakrishnan, Dr K Srinivas, KSUM Project Director Riyas M P, KSUM Business Development Coordinator Sayyid Sawad and potential investors from Kasaragod attended the meeting.
The proposal envisages to make available the labs of the Central University of Kerala for the initial activities of startups. The university has also plans to conduct an extensive study about the startup ecosystem in the state.
Startups to get mentorship from academic experts
Also, startups will get mentorship from a team of academic experts from the university. As part of the new education policy, the 28 departments in the Central University of Kerala will have the facility to support local entrepreneurship.
As a prelude to formalising the partnership, successful startup founders from the state will interact with students of the Central University of Kerala. A cohort of Angel investors based in Kasaragod, who are interested in investment in startups, has also been formed in this regard.
