The Kerala government’s supportive policies and initiatives has led to the state emerging as a startup powerhouse, with over 6,100 startups providing 62,000 employment opportunities and generating Rs 5,800 crore in investments in 2024 alone, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Thursday. He was speaking at the inauguration of Huddle global 2024.
The initiatives, as well as Kerala’s quality air and water and efficient modes of public transportation make it unique for startups, businesses and working professionals, he added.
“While large metro cities struggle with problems of urbanisation, traffic, pollution and water shortages, Kerala suffers none of these ordeals. We have some of the best quality air and water as well as the most efficient modes of public transportation in the country,” he said.
At the event hosted at Kovalam beach in Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayan also announced several key initiatives, including the emerging technology hub (ETH), a Rs 350-crore public-private partnership in Technocity. The hub will focus on five sectors: food and agriculture, space technology, renewable energy, digital media and entertainment, and healthcare and life sciences.
Additionally, Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) signed multiple memoranda of understanding with Adesso Startup Infinity, ARAI, AICTE, E2E, HDFC Bank, and Startup Infinity USA, along with a letter of intent with the British Council.
The state is also launching an international market acceleration programme (IMAP) to enable the Indian diaspora to support local startups through investment, mentorship, and business development.
Vijayan urged high-network individuals in each district to create angel funds following the successful models of Kerala Angel Network and Malabar Angel Network.
To support entrepreneurship, the state has also established a network of 15 LEAP (Local Entrepreneurship Advancement Portal) centres located near educational institutions. Additionally, the department of higher education has directed all institutions to set up innovation, entrepreneurship and development centres, with plans to replicate this model across educational and research institutions.
Addressing technological innovation, Vijayan emphasised the need to move beyond simple AI adaptations. “Our focus should be on creating solutions that address the unique challenges of our society,” he said, highlighting opportunities in personalised navigation, smart supply chains, and advanced language processing.
The writer was in Thiruvananthapuram on the invitation of the Kerala government.