Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan has said the state government will focus on promoting young and budding entrepreneurs with policy and other necessary support to encourage students set their sights on innovation and excellence.

The CM was interacting with students at Innovation Entrepreneurship Development Centres (IEDC) Summit 2017, organised by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) on August 19 at Adlux Exhibition and Convention Centre in Ernakulam district.

“Students have exhibited a number of prototypes as part of the event, which prove their ability. I am sure you can go beyond this. The state government has always been a staunch supporter of the start-up ecosystem and will give you full-fledged support henceforth,” said Vijayan.

Kerala is the first state to have start-ups in colleges and the only state which provides incubation and grounding facility for budding student entrepreneurs.

Secretary to Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Aruna Sundararajana appreciated and lauded KSUM for working towards promoting entrepreneurship among youth on behalf of the state.

State IT Secretary M Sivasankar informed there are a number of schemes in the pipeline for supporting the start-up ecosystem in the state.

Sharing his insights over the emerging start-up ecosystem in India, Google India VC Rajan Anandan said, “Gone are the days when India lagged in technology. India’s start-up companies are making big revolutions across the world.”

Kerala Startup Mission has set up IEDCs in 193 institutions across the state which provide avenues for creative students to transform their innovative ideas into viable products and services. IEDCs works as the first launch pad for a student’s entrepreneurial journey and provide them with access to cutting edge technology, world class infrastructure, high quality mentorship, early risk capital and global exposure.

The 2017 Summit saw participation of 3000 students, 193 IEDCs, 20+ speakers, and 5+ investors.