The government of Kerala has directed all state departments to develop mobile applications for official projects, by engaging with state-registered and/or Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM)-recognised start-ups.

According to an order issued for departments, the state government has sanctioned direct purchase of mobile applications developed by start-ups, from a list cleared by KSUM.

Under the sanction, departments and agencies can purchase a mobile application or get an app developed or a mobile interface added to an existing web application for inter and/or intra-departmental use or for service delivery.

“The start-ups need not be incubated at the KSUM. They have to be registered in the state and meet the parameters mandatory for a start-up firm. Quite a few departments are already planning apps, some for internal communication and updation and others for external interaction with different user-groups,” said KSUM Director Saji Gopinath.

“The department initially identifies the requirement of a product (mobile apps) or need to develop an app for them. If the app is readily available with a start-up, the department can go for direct purchase (with or without customisation) if the product has already been evaluated by the technical committee and listed by KSUM with features, price, service level, support cost etc,” added Gopinath.

The start-ups-developed applications may cost up to Rs 5 lakh, which is subject to the condition that a purchasing officer cannot buy more than 2 mobile apps in a given financial year from 1 start-up.

KSUM will also assist departments and agencies in identifying the suitable start-up basis their requirements. Start-ups outside the ‘identified-list’ of KSUM can approach the body for product evaluation, with purchase and support intention, to make it to the clan.