If you are an aspiring entrepreneur or a startup enthusiast in Kerala, you might have heard of Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) and Kerala Clays & Ceramic – Products Ltd (KCCPL). But do you know what they are and how they are related? In this blog post, we will explain more about these two entities and their role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the state.
Kerala Startup Mission is the central agency of the Government of Kerala for entrepreneurship development and incubation activities in Kerala, India. It was founded in 2006 as Technopark Technology Business Incubator (T-TBI) and later rebranded as KSUM in 2015. KSUM aims to empower future-proof products and business models by providing various programs, policies, schemes, events and supports to startups, students, women and researchers.
Some of the key offerings of KSUM are:
- Startup Recognition: KSUM provides a unique ID to startups that register with them and helps them access various benefits such as funding, mentoring, networking, tax exemptions, etc.
- Physical Incubation: KSUM has 63+ incubators across the state with 10 lakh sq. ft of office space to handhold the startups in their entrepreneurial journey.
- Fund of Fund: KSUM has created a fund of fund of Rs. 100 crore to invest in startups through angel networks and venture capital funds.
- International Exchange Program: KSUM facilitates international exposure and collaboration for startups by partnering with various countries such as UK, US, Japan, Singapore, etc.
- Patent Reimbursement: KSUM provides up to Rs. 2 lakh reimbursement for patent filing costs to startups.
- Events: KSUM organizes various events such as Huddle Kerala, IEDC Summit, Women Startup Summit, She Loves Tech India, etc to showcase the startup ecosystem and provide networking opportunities.
Kerala Clays & Ceramic – Products Ltd is a public sector undertaking under the Industries Department of Government of Kerala. It was incorporated in 1984 by taking over Super Clays & Minerals Mining Company (P) Limited owned by veteran industrialist Late Shri Samuel Aron. The company was mainly engaged in mining activities of aluminous laterite in Kannur and Kasargod districts until 2015 when it stopped due to environmental issues.
The company is renamed as KCCP Limited with effect from 18/12/2020 and has diversified its activities into multiple areas such as IT, petrol & diesel pumps, coconut processing unit, high-tech coir de-fibering unit, aqua culture, chicken & goat farms, garden nursery, passion fruit garden and cold storage.
One of the notable initiatives of KCCP Limited is the establishment of Malabar Innovation & Entrepreneurship Zone (MiZone), a startup incubation centre at Nileshwar in Kasargod district. MiZone was inaugurated on February 20, 2019 by Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan. The capital expense for setting up MiZone Incubation Centre facility has been provided by a grant from Kerala Startup Mission, the land and the building are owned by KCCPL while MiZone shall generate the necessary operational expenditure and operate this incubator.
MiZone aims to create a vibrant startup ecosystem in Malabar region by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, mentoring, funding and networking opportunities to startups. MiZone also focuses on promoting social entrepreneurship and rural innovation by addressing the local problems and needs.
Thus, Kerala Startup Mission and KCCP Limited are two important players in the Kerala startup scene. They have a synergistic relationship that enables them to leverage each other’s strengths and resources to support and nurture innovation and entrepreneurship in the state.