Sameer481 at 16:45, 3 November 2025

2025-11-03T16:45:21Z

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{{Short description|Agency for entrepreneurship, Kerala, India}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2018}}
{{ad|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Kerala Startup Mission
| logo = Kerala StartUp Mission Logo.svg
| industry = Technology business incubator
| foundation = 2006
| location = [[Thiruvananthapuram]], [[India]]
| key_people = Anoop P Ambika (Chief Executive Officer)
| website = {{URL|http://www.startupmission.kerala.gov.in}}
}}

Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), formerly known as Technopark TBI, is a state-level agency under the [[Government of Kerala]], India, dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and incubation activities. Established primarily to manage the Technology Business Incubator (TBI), a startup accelerator, KSUM aims to cultivate a conducive environment for high-technology-based businesses.

==Objectives==

KSUM's core objectives include:

* Incubation and Acceleration: Planning, establishing, and managing the TBI to support technology-based startups.
* Ecosystem Development: Coordinating with other incubators, strengthening entrepreneurship initiatives, and promoting knowledge-driven startups.
* Talent Development: Encouraging student, faculty, and local entrepreneurship, and building human resources capacity.
* Industry Linkage: Facilitating connections between startups and industry, and establishing research and development facilities.
* Institutional Support: Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Cells (IEDCs) and technoparks within academic institutions.

==Programs==

=== Incubation programme ===
KSUM supports the development of technology-based business ventures through a structured incubation process. Startups typically progress through three primary stages: pre-incubation, incubation, and acceleration.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.registerkaro.in/post/kerala-startup-incubators|title=Kerala Startup Incubators|website=RegisterKaro|access-date=31 October 2025}}</ref>

Pre-incubation is an initial phase lasting approximately three to six months, primarily focused on idea generation and refinement. During incubation (six to twelve months), startups engage in product development and market preparation. KSUM provides physical workspace, financial support, mentorship, and entrepreneurial training during this stage. The acceleration phase (three to six months) involves refining the business model and preparing for investment. KSUM offers business advisory services and investor matchmaking at this stage.

These programs are designed to nurture early-stage startups and facilitate their growth into sustainable enterprises. <ref>{{Cite web|url = https://startupmission.kerala.gov.in/sites/default/files/Incubation%20Procedure.pdf|title = Incubation Procedure Pdf|date = |accessdate = |website = |publisher = |last = |first = }}{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

=== KSUM - EY Accelerator ===

KSUM has partnered with [[Ernst & Young]] to establish a Business & Technology Accelerator at the KINFRA Film & Video Park in [[Thiruvananthapuram]]. The accelerator provides a 1500 square foot workspace and comprehensive support services for selected [[Kerala]]-based [[startups]].

The program offers a six-month acceleration phase, with the option to extend for an additional six months. Participants receive mentorship in business strategy, finance, human resources, investment proposal development, emerging technologies, and market research. The accelerator also facilitates networking opportunities with industry leaders, angel investors, and venture capitalists.

The goal of the program is to enhance the business acumen and capabilities of participating [[startups]]. <ref>{{Cite web|title = Kerala Startup Mission Offers Accelerator for Young Entrepreneurs|url = http://b-live.in/2015/09/02/kerala-startup-mission-offers-accelerator-for-young-entrepreneurs/|website = BLIVE - News Writers for the new age youth...|accessdate = 2015-12-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Inauguration & Launch of Kerala's first Business & Technology Accelerator|url = http://blog.harmonyatwork.org/inauguration-launch-of-keralas-first-business-technology-accelerator/|website = Technopark Blog| date=8 June 2015 |accessdate = 2015-12-07|language = en-us}}</ref>

=== Knowledge Labs ===
To facilitate rapid prototyping and research and development, KSUM provides access to shared facilities. These include a FabLab for prototyping, as well as AI, XR, and Design Labs equipped with state-of-the-art technology. By democratizing access to these resources, KSUM empowers startups to transform their ideas into tangible products. <ref>{{Cite web|title=Future Technologies Lab|url=https://futuretechnologieslab.com/|access-date=2021-04-13|website=futuretechnologieslab.com}}</ref>

==== Fab Lab ====
The Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), with the support of the [[Government of Kerala]], has established two [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]] (MIT) Fab Labs in the state: one at Technopark, Trivandrum, within the Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Kerala (IIITM-K), and another at the Kerala Technology Innovation Zone (KTIZ) in Kochi. <ref>{{Cite web|title = ഭാവിയിലെ ഫാക്ടറികളായ ഫാബ് ലാബുകള് കേരളത്തിലും|url = http://mathrubhuminews.in/ee/ReadMore/15838/fab-lab-in-kerala|website = mathrubhuminews.in|accessdate = 2015-12-07|archive-date = 9 December 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151209000827/http://mathrubhuminews.in/ee/ReadMore/15838/fab-lab-in-kerala|url-status = dead}}</ref> A Fab Lab is a technical prototyping platform designed to stimulate local entrepreneurship and foster innovation. It provides access to digital fabrication tools, empowering individuals to create custom-made products. Beyond local impact, Fab Labs connect users to a global network of learners, educators, technologists, and innovators.

KSUM's Fab Lab initiative, in collaboration with the Center for Bits and Atoms Fab Lab Foundation at MIT, aims to encourage startups in fields like printed electronics. By providing access to advanced prototyping equipment and a supportive ecosystem, the Fab Labs contribute to Kerala's growing innovation landscape.<ref>{{Cite web|title = MIT to help set up 'Fab Labs' in Kerala|url = http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/mit-to-help-set-up-fab-labs-in-kerala/article7322282.ece|website = The Hindu Business Line| date=16 June 2015 |accessdate = 2015-12-07}}</ref>

==== Super Fab Lab ====

Kerala made history in 2020 by inaugurating India's first Super Fab Lab in Kochi, a collaborative venture with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Occupying a 10,000 square foot space, the lab is equipped with machinery valued at over ₹7 crore. This facility, located at the Integrated Startup Complex (ISC), is the only one of its kind outside the United States.{{cn|date=October 2025}}

The Super Fab Lab is designed to propel hardware innovation and development, offering researchers, innovators, and developers capabilities beyond those of traditional Fab Labs. Its establishment positions Kerala as a significant hub for technology and entrepreneurship. <ref>{{Cite web|last=Crew|first=The Logical Indian|date=2020-01-27|title=Kerala: India's First Super Fab Lab That Can Produce 'Almost Any Machinery' Inaugurated In Kochi|url=https://thelogicalindian.com/good-governance/countrys-first-super-fab-lab-19465|access-date=2021-04-13|website=thelogicalindian.com|language=en|archive-date=13 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413085541/https://thelogicalindian.com/good-governance/countrys-first-super-fab-lab-19465|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Other Programmes ==

=== Learn To Code (Raspberry Pi Program) ===
The Kerala government launched the initiative "Learn to Code" in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Kerala Launches 'Learn to Code' Project, Will Distribute Raspberry Pi Kits|url = http://gadgets.ndtv.com/others/news/kerala-launches-learn-to-code-pilot-will-distribute-raspberry-pi-kits-662412|website = NDTV Gadgets360.com|accessdate = 2015-12-07}}</ref> During phase 1 of the initiative, 2500 [[Raspberry Pi]] computer programming kits were distributed to class VIII students (14 years old). The project's aim is to add 40,000 talented young programmers to the [[Maker culture|maker community]] being developed through programmes initiated by KSUM. Subsequently, KSUM and the [[IT@School Project]] initiated the Kerala Raspberry Pi Competition for students who received the Raspberry Pi kit.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Kerala to strengthen IT, electronics education in schools with Raspberry Pi|url = http://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/kerala-to-strengthen-it-electronics-teaching-in-schools-with-raspberry-pi/|website = The Indian Express|publisher = Indian Express|date = 2015-09-17|accessdate = 2015-12-07}}</ref>

=== Startup Box ===
In 2015, the Kerala government, through the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), launched the Startup Box Programme to encourage young entrepreneurs. This initiative provided aspiring entrepreneurs with a comprehensive package including essential documents for company formation and technological resources like Arduino starter kits. The program aimed to support up to 50 student teams annually. <ref>{{Cite news|title = Startup Box to convert ideas into reality|url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/startup-box-to-convert-ideas-into-reality/article7352479.ece|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 2015-06-25|access-date = 2015-12-07|issn = 0971-751X|language = en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Startup Village offers 'startup box' to engg students|url = http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/education/startup-village-offers-startup-box-to-engg-students/article7350627.ece|website = The Hindu Business Line| date=24 June 2015 |accessdate = 2015-12-07}}</ref>

=== LEAP Coworks space ===
KSUM operates LEAP Coworks, a network of co-working spaces across Kerala. The acronym LEAP stands for Launch, Empower, Accelerate, Prosper.{{cn|date=October 2025}}

LEAP Coworks offers a range of amenities, including infrastructure, workspaces, meeting rooms, and internet. To cater to the diverse needs of startups, KSUM provides flexible membership plans such as hot desks, dedicated desks, and private offices. <ref>{{Cite news |title=Kerala Startup Mission to transform into co-working space 'LEAP Coworks' |work=Business Standard |url=https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/kerala-startup-mission-to-transform-into-co-working-space-leap-coworks-123073100809_1.html |access-date=}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Economy of Kerala]]
* [[Unemployment in Kerala]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{official website|http://www.startupmission.kerala.gov.in}}
{{Kerala}}
{{Kerala topics}}

[[Category:2006 establishments in Kerala]]
[[Category:Business incubators of India]]
[[Category:Economy of Kerala]]
[[Category:Fab labs]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Thiruvananthapuram]]

Kerala Startup Mission - Revision history

Sameer481 at 16:45, 3 November 2025