A HANDBOOK

FOR IEDC
NODAL
OFFICERS
1
A HANDBOOK
FOR IEDC
NODAL
OFFICERS

Kerala Startup Mission

G3B, Thejaswini,
Technopark Campus, Kariavattom,
Kazahakuttom, Thiruvananthapuram
Ph: 0471-2700270; 08047180470
Email: [email protected]
www.startupmission.kerala.gov.in

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 ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK
The concept of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Cell
(IEDC) was formulated to promote innovation and entrepreneurial
culture in educational institutions and to develop institutional
mechanism to foster techno-entrepreneurship for generation of
wealth and employment. The IEDCs are established in academic
institutions across Kerala having requisite expertise and
infrastructure.

Kerala Startup Mission has taken this initiative to create awareness,

exposure and skills among the students and to enable and promote
an environment to create entrepreneurial ventures by developing
innovative products of social relevance.

IEDC plays a major role in identifying the potential entrepreneur,

right from the college level. The Nodal Officer/Faculty is advised to
nurture the talent and it undergoes multiple phases during its
journey from identifying right students, right scalable idea and
sustainability of the idea, team and IEDC.

This Handbook is for Nodal Officers of IEDCs of Kerala Startup

Mission which highlights the major aspects of the preparatory and
development phases of an IEDC and an innovator journey. Rather
than being a theoretical discourse on process, this Handbook
intends to be a hands-on guide for current and future IEDC Nodal
Officers. Certain aspects of the existing mechanism had been re-
defined and a practical framework that might help Nodal officers to
plan their immediate actions has been put forward.

This Handbook also encourages new and existing IEDC to share

their experience and suggest newer approaches.

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 Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Kerala Technology Innovation Policy 8
1.2. Kerala Startup Mission 8
1.3. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IEDC) 9
1.4. Genesis 10
1.5. Relevance 10
1.6. The Idea 11
1.7. IEDCs in the Era of Disruption 12
1.7.1. Vision 15
1.7.2. Purpose 15
1.7.3. Mission 15
1.7.4. Objectives 15
1.7.5. Functions of IEDC 16
1.8. Programme Design of IEDC 16
2. JOURNEY TOWARDS EXCELLENCE
2.1. Selection Process and Timeline 19
2.2. Compliance Process for Grant – in Aid Disbursement 24
2.2.1. Documentary Compliance 25
2.2.2.IEDC Portal Compliance 25
3. SEEDING AN INNOVATION CULTURE
3.1. Programme Design - Express, Explore, Experiment and
Experience 28
3.1.1. Innovation phase 29
3.1.2. Technology Phase 31
3.1.3. Entrepreneurship and Business Phase 33
4. MANAGING THE IEDC
4.1. Designing the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre 39
4.2. Identifying then right Human Resources 39
4.3. Institutional Innovation Council 40
4.4. Engagement with Community and Community Organisation 41

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 4.5. Managing the IEDC Centre 42
4.5.1. Information Management 43
4.6. Finance Management 43
4.7. Fund Utilisation 44
5. BUILDING A VIBRANT INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM
5.1. Faculty Development programme 47
5.2. Inspire 47
5.3. i-Talk 48
5.4. Idea Fest 48
5.5. WhyHacK 48
5.6. Startup Awareness and Leadership Training (SALT) 48
5.7. Local Entrepreneurship Advancement Programme (LEAP) 49
5.8. IGNITE 50
5.9. Startup Mentorship for Innovation, Learning and Entrepreneurship
(SMILE) 50
5.10. Recognizing Innovators and Start up Entrepreneurs (RISE) 51
5.11. IEDC Summit 51
5.12. Communication with IEDCs 51
5.13. Mentoring for Successful Start-up Ecosystem 52
5.14. Engagement with Alumni 53
6. MONITORING AND EVALUATION
6.1. IEDC Portal 55
6.2. Impact Created 55
6.3. IEDC Accreditation 56
7. THE JOY OF INNOVATION
7.1. IEDC Stories 58
7.2. Opportunities for Innovators 58
ANNEXURES
Annexure 1 - Roles and Responsibilities of Students leads 64
Annexure 2 - List of Incubators in Kerala 66
Annexure 3 - List of FabLabs & Mini FabLabs 71

5
1. INTRODUCTION

6
INTRODUCTION
Government of Kerala initiated the Startup movement through Kerala
Startup Mission(KSUM) by forging and implementing forward-looking
policies for creating a vibrant Startup ecosystem in the state
primarily to foster the growth of innovation lead technology
entrepreneurship by supporting all the strata of society to
encourage them to come up with ideas and to turn it into business
so that they may obtain gainful employment and can employ others
as well.

Kerala is currently witnessing the rise of technology driven,

innovation-led and knowledge-based enterprises right from the
college level. KSUM put forward the concept of Innovation and
Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IEDC) in the year 2014 and
was formulated to promote innovation and entrepreneurial culture in
educational institutions and to develop institutional mechanism to
foster techno-entrepreneurs. IEDC aims to create awareness,
exposure and technology skills among the students and to enable
and promote an environment to create technopreneurial ventures
by developing innovative products of social relevance. IEDCs will
act as mini incubators enabling students to work on prototypes
while studying.

Until recent times, the graduating students had two choices: get into
world of work or pursue higher education. With the establishment of
IEDC, a third option now emerges: to start a venture.

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1.1. KERALA TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION POLICY
Government of Kerala introduced Kerala Technology Innovation
Policy in 2014 with an ambitious objective to transform Kerala as an
entrepreneurial State. Through the Technology Policy, Government
of Kerala aims to bring a series of intervention to develop a
conducive ecosystem where you of our State can reach his/her
maximum potential. The policy envisages strategies to retain the
best talents within the State of Kerala itself and encourages to
pursue their dream in Kerala. Kerala Technology Innovation policy
aspires to develop an entrepreneurial culture and recognises the
skill development as the key characteristic of such an ecosystem.

1.2. KERALA STARTUP MISSION

Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) is the State nodal agency for the
promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship under Department of
Electronics and IT, Government of Kerala. Kerala Startup Mission
plays a pivotal role in developing a vibrant Startup ecosystem in the
State of Kerala.

The primary objectives of KSUM is to undertake the planning,

establishment and management of Technology Business Incubators/
Accelerators in Kerala and thereby promote technology-based
entrepreneurship activities and develop a conducive environment
required for promoting high technology-based business activities.

Being the apex body for the Startup activities in the State, Kerala
Startup Mission supports incubators in the State of Kerala to achieve
their full potential by extending financial, technological and
mentoring support to incubated start-ups. Kerala Startup Mission
helps Startup Founders to execute their vision and compete on the

8
global stage by providing them with risk capital, Incubation support,
expert mentoring, and business network when traditional financial
and other institutions cannot. The objectives of Kerala Startup
Mission are;

To promote knowledge driven and technology based Startup

ventures

To establish and Management of Technology Business

Incubators and thereby create the infrastructure and
environment required for promoting technology-based start-
ups

To encourage leading entrepreneurs and companies to set up

high technology business activities in the region

To undertake major initiatives in Innovation promotion in the

region.

To build appropriate models for Entrepreneurship

Development through research

To create a knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurial

support system through a collaborative community of national
and international experts, practitioners and other partners.

1.3. I N N O V AT I O N A N D E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P
DEVELOPMENT CENTRE (IEDC)
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IEDC) is a
flagship initiative of Kerala Startup Mission to promote innovation
and entrepreneurship among the student and academic fraternity in
the educational institutions in the State of Kerala and considered as

9
an umbrella programme that would play an instrumental role in
fostering innovation culture in Academic institutions.

1.4. GENESIS
The concept of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development
Centre (IEDC) is formulated to promote innovation and
entrepreneurial culture in educational institutions and to develop
institutional mechanism to foster techno-entrepreneurship for
generation of wealth and employment. The IEDCs are established in
academic institutions across Kerala having requisite expertise and
infrastructure.

1.5. RELEVANCE
Migration of most talented youth in the State of Kerala to other parts
of world for better career options is considered as a feature of
Kerala Society. This loss is an irreparable in Knowledge economy
where people and ideas are more important than land or capital. By
recognising this very fact, Government of Kerala have taken steps to
prevent the brain drain from Kerala. Kerala Technology Innovation
policy of State Government is formulated in this context.

Kerala Technology Policy aptly recognises inculcating the habit and

embedding the idea of innovation and entrepreneurship in the
minds of citizen in every aspect of economic activity is critical for
promoting culture of innovation. This can be achieved only through
the active involvement and support of educational institutions.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IEDC) is

initiated as an Academic Intervention to promote innovation and
entrepreneurial culture among students as envisaged in the
Technology Innovation Policy 2014. Through the setting up of IEDCs

10
in Colleges, Government aims to encourage talented youth to
initiate entrepreneurship in technology sectors.

1.6. THE IDEA

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centres (IEDC)
are platforms set up mainly in Engineering, Arts & Science Colleges
and Polytechnics with an aim to provide students an opportunity to
innovate and experiment. IEDC act as the first launch pad for a
Student’s entrepreneurial journey and expose them with the new
age technologies.

The IEDCs are envisaged as a learning and innovation hub that

creates innovation culture among Innovators by introducing them
the State-of-the-art technologies and expert mentors. IEDC will
encourage students to translate their innovative ideas into
prototypes without the fear of failure. IEDCs will take earnest effort
to upgrade the skill set of the students through the conduct of
relevant workshops and seminars.

IEDC in short will bridge the gap between Industry and Academia by
conducting skill development training programmes for the students
and will act as an aggregator with three stages of growth in mind –
Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship.

Kerala Startup Mission has set up IEDCs in 226 institutions across

the State in 135 Engineering Colleges,  26 Arts & Science college,
52 Polytechnic colleges and 13 other colleges who are having
requisite expertise and infrastructure which provides avenues for
creative students to learn, collaborate and transform their innovative
ideas into prototypes of viable products.

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1.7. IEDCS IN THE ERA OF DISRUPTION
Innovation and entrepreneurship Development centers are the
innovation arm of Kerala Startup Mission to promote innovation
culture among students in academic institutions. IEDCs are
considered as a pioneer in student startup movement in the country
and there are some good success stories came out from these
innovation centers. IEDCs are facing two important challenges. Ie
the emergence of Industry 4.0 and the recent COVID-19 pandemic
outbreak. Both has drastically affected the way we live and work.

Industry 4.0 is making drastic changes in industries across the

sectors. Convergence of physical and digital space became the
norm. Most of the conventional skill sets are becoming obsolete and
new skill sets coping with changes are emerging and replacing the
old one.

The outbreak of COVID-10 has not only created a health crisis but
also threaten our ways of living and we are faced with the stark
reality that the world we return to will be forever altered. This will
also reflect in our state as well. The disruption in brought in
Academic sphere has no parallel in history. The far-reaching
consequences of COVID-19 pandemic may also jeopardize the hard
gains made in Innovation space in educational institutions. It is
obvious that we may not be able to continuous IEDC activities as
done in pre-COVID era and we need to

One of the limitations of existing IEDC system is that the innovators

are able to access the resources within the institutions only and
most of the innovation related activities were limited to IEDC and
Fab lab spaces only. The development of technology has made the
resources from across the globe accessible and affordable and
liberated the innovators and learners from the limitation of the

12
physical space. IEDCs of the post COVID-19 era should be seen
from this perspective and should be able to leverage these aspects
for the benefit of innovators in IEDC.

IEDCs are the places meant for innovation and learning takes root.
Thus, it seems only fitting to look more closely at the foundations of
IEDC itself. It is on this context; following design elements has been
incorporated into design the IEDC to meet the requirement of the
era of disruption.

a. An innovation Platform

Though IEDCs were envisaged as forums for innovators from all

fields in the institutions, in practice, IEDCs became yet another club
and often works in isolation. It is also observed that members of
IEDCs are selected from one or two departments and a large
majority of students are not able to access the IEDC facilities.
Besides, there are other forums both technology and non-
technology are working in colleges. IEDCs are proposed as a
common innovation platform for all innovators in the institutions and
students from other forums will properly represent in the IEDC
committee.

b. A platform for Skill Training

It is an accepted fact that all students may not have the aptitude for
entrepreneurship and even students having the aptitude may not
start their entrepreneurial venture due to other factors including that
of resources and other societal pressures. In this context, IEDC can
act as a skill platform where students innovators can experiment
their innovative ideas and fine-tune their business models during
their course of study itself. Such innovators need to be highly skilled
in the latest technology. IEDCs can ensure that these student
innovators are exposed to latest technological developments and

13
are acquired changing skill sets through a structured training
bouquet. Even if these innovators not pursuing entrepreneurial
career after their graduation, the experience gained at IEDC would
help them to enhance their position in job market

c. Theme based Cluster IEDCs

The new version of IEDC explore the possibility to set up theme

based IEDCs by clustering the IEDCs having expertise and
resources in the similar domain. Such a clustering will not only
ensure access to various resources but also will enhance the use of
the existing resources optimally. Such a clustering will encourage
collaborative innovation among students from different institutions.
The themes selected are as follows.

a.Cyber Security
b.AR/VR/Gaming
c.Biotechnology
d.Mobile/Digital
e.Hardware Design and Fabrication
f. Deeptech (AI/ML)
g. Bigdata & IoT
h. Block Chain & Fintech
i. Robotic & Sensors
j. Healthtech

d.Virtual IEDC

Since technology provides opportunity to students from different

locations to work collaboratively, virtual IEDCs are envisaged. Such
an IEDC will overcome the limitations of physical space, intellectual
capital etc. Students from non-IEDC institutions can also join such a
virtual IEDC.

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1.7.1. VISION
To create an innovation culture among Innovators by introducing
them the State-of-the-art technologies and positioning the Institution
as a Learning and Innovation Platform by delivering technically
competent and skilled Entrepreneurs.

1.7.2. PURPOSE
The purpose of the IEDCs will be to act as an aspirational platform,
for the l student entrepreneurs and tech savvy innovators, in skilling
and sharpening their entrepreneurial skill sets. The selected
innovators will be exposed to Innovation culture, emerging
technologies and Business aspects with the implicit assumption that
the delta will become an entrepreneur and all the other skilled
talents will get high end jobs with the kind of exposure and skills
they acquire.

1.7.3. MISSION
To create IEDC as an Innovation Platform and to create future
founders by promoting Innovation, Technology and Business
Learning among student community

1.7.4. OBJECTIVES
To promote an innovation driven entrepreneurship culture
among the students

To develop and promote commercially viable innovative

product and solution from the students.

To promote enterprise among budding technopreneurs and

thereby creating more employment opportunities

To bridge the gap between Industry and Academia

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 To support the budding Entrepreneurs through Grants and to
create an entrepreneurship flavour in the academic fraternity.

1.7.5. FUNCTIONS OF IEDC

To create awareness and interest among faculties and
students through workshops and Hackathons

To motivate, support and mentor students for identification,

development and commercialisation of their innovative ideas

To create a platform for the young brains to develop their

skills and to give proper technological exposure

To provide exposure to technology and entrepreneurship by

providing Job opportunities and Internship in relevant Industry

To provide Technology & Management Skill Training to the

students and Faculties in building their innovative product or
solution.

To create specialisation hubs for promoting the culture of

Entrepreneurship among the student communities

To organise Business Plan Competitions/Innovation Camps/

Hackathons with active involvement of industry and alumni

1.8. PROGRAMME DESIGN OF IEDC

IEDC Programme design systematically helps the Faculty in -charge
to nurture the innovation culture among the young innovators.
Beyond innovation, while engaging with IEDC activities, students are
benefiting on their overall personality development, soft skills,
technology skills and the 21st century skills.

16
IEDC programme allow students to explore new ideas, test them
and develop prototypes using the resources available in IEDC. IEDC
system adopts a “learning by doing” philosophy and promotes “Do It
Yourself” culture.

IEDC programmes are designed in three distinct but connected

verticals namely innovation, Technical and Entrepreneurship.
Students will be exposed to a number of interventions in these three
areas. In the first phase ie Innovation phase, students will be
experienced the innovation thinking, tools of innovation and
innovation mindset. Students will be experienced design thinking,
ideation which help them to develop a new perspective towards
social and community problems.

In the second phase, Student will undergo a skill appreciation

workshop and will be introduced to new technologies, future of
work, concepts of computational thinking and other sectoral areas.
Students are expected to take up efforts to upgrade skills if their
chosen areas. KSUM may introduce a Skill Voucher scheme and
empanel Training agencies and Programmes in emerging
technologies.

And finally, Students will be exposed to business and

entrepreneurship aspects through workshops and case studies.
Tools such as Business Canvas Modelling workshops, Design
Thinking workshops will be conducted in this phase. Students
begin working in teams, towards solving the identified problems,
leveraging their learning from the previous phases. IEDC
encourages a growth mindset for the young innovators, diligently
helping them graduate through the different phases mentioned in
this handbook.

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2. JOURNEY TOWARDS EXCELLENCE

18
IEDC innovation journey commence with the IEDC selection
process, by the Kerala Start up Mission. KSUM has designed a
systematic selection process to select Institutions to set up IEDC.
Interested institutions shall submit an online application to KSUM
through IEDC portal. Upon Selection, Institutions are required to
complete documentation process and portal compliance process as
required by KSUM. Officials/ team appointed by KSUM may visit the
institution and will do the IEDC readiness audit. Upon satisfactory
completion of the compliance and receiving recommendation from
the audit official/team, KSUM will officially communicate the
institution about the selection of institution to set up IEDC and will
issue an affiliation certificate.

2.1. SELECTION PROCESS AND TIMELINE

The Selection of Institution to set up IEDC comprises of four
distinctive stage and the entire process will take 3-4 month to
complete.

Stage 1 - Inviting Application through IEDC Portal

Institutions are invited to submit online application for IEDC through

IEDC portal. The online application broadly consists of general
information pertaining to Institutions including contact details of
Principal, existing Infrastructure details, Students information etc.
Applicants are not allowed to make more than one submission and
they must refrain from furnishing false/inaccurate information in part
or in full. Mere submission of application, in any way does not
guarantee selection.

Stage 2: Screening of applications

The selection process for IEDC will be in three stages – Screening,

Auditing and Final evaluation. Received application would be

19
processed on the basis of eligibility criteria. Eligibility criteria include
availability of built-up space of 500 -1000 sq ft, minimum enrolment
of students, dedicated faculty coordinator, basic infrastructure
including availability of computers and internet connectivity, Lab etc.

Stage 3: Institution Audit and Selection

Official/ Team appointed for the purpose by KSUM will physically

visit the institution and will do IEDC readiness audit of the Institution.
KSUM official/Team will interact with Principals, designated Faculty
Coordinator, Management representatives, Students and will assess
the institution’s willingness and proactiveness in taking up the
innovation journey and will submit a report to KSUM.

Stage 4- Final evaluation

After the Institutional audit, selected application will be evaluated

further for final selection based on the parameters such as
institutions participation in student related events such as arts,
technology fest etc, existing mentor and alumni engagement. Date
for the all the parameters are captured in the Institution audit report
submitted. One of the key parameters for the evaluation would be
Institutions commitment and willingness to utilise IEDC as a platform
to transform their institution into a local innovation hub.

After the final evaluation, the list of selected institutions shall be

published on KSUM website and shall be communicated through
email to Institution head. The institution will be required to complete
the compliance process including documentation related to IEDC
portal. Once completed, KSUM will give access to institution into
IEDC portal.

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Stage 5 – Selection of Nodal Officer

The institution will have to engage a faculty as a nodal officer for

IEDC activities. The tenure of a nodal faculty shall be 3 years and
can extend as long as the institution demands and also a change
can be brought in, if the Students vote for another faculty and the
Executive Committee of IEDC approves for it.

A major criterion for a nodal officer is to be a passionate individual

interested in building an entrepreneurial ecosystem and develop
entrepreneurs in their respective college. The Nodal officer should
make sure that all the aspiring students get the chance to attend
various programs in the college.

The Institution selects/appoints a Nodal officer and an Assistant

Nodal Officer and he/she will be responsible in coordinating the
activities of IEDC. The Asst. Nodal officer will be in charge of all the
activities in the absence of Nodal Officer. The major activities
includes coordinating all the activities of IEDC, Design and
implement IEDC activities in line with IEDC Programme framework,
Develop an Innovation led entrepreneurial Culture among Students,
Facilitate setting up of Incubation Centre in Institution, Support
Innovators to develop their prototypes and connect them with
relevant mentors, Ensure all Students in Institutions are getting
information related to IEDC activities, Ensuring that all aspiring
students are getting equal opportunity to attend various programs in
the college under IEDC, Creating a mentor pool, Encouraging
students to take up relevant skill development programmes,
promoting patent related activities etc.

Stage 6 – Selection of Innovators

The innovators are the aspiring student entrepreneurs who are

interested starting a venture and are ready to undergo a series of

21
workshops, seminars and talks which can polish their inner
businessman. All the interested students joining in the first year can
be part of IEDC. Though Students can join IEDC any time during
their course of study, it is advised to enrol interested students in the
beginning of Academic year itself. Students interested in tech
enabled entrepreneurship with a vision to succeed in life will be
encouraged to associate with IEDC. The new students will have to
undergo an induction programme.

The ideal candidate for IEDC will be students who have participated
in International/National talent event, Science/Tech festivals and
earnest efforts should be taken to identify such students and enrol
them with IEDC.

Innovators run the entrepreneurial activities under the facilitation of

Nodal Officers. An institution will have to identify key innovators
under the designation - IEDC Lead, Quality & Operations Lead,
Finance Lead, Creative & Innovation Lead, Technology Lead,
Branding & Marketing Lead and Community Lead

The IEDC Lead can be student preferably from final year/

Alumni – The Leader, the guiding light

Technology Lead can be student preferably from final year

Quality & Operations Lead can be students preferably from

third year

Finance Lead can be students preferably from second or third

year

Creative & Innovation Lead from any year including First year

Branding & Marketing Lead from any year including First year

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 Community Lead

The IEDC student committee members shall be selected under an

evaluation of committee headed by Nodal officer. Outreach through
orientation programme (Through senior students, Alumni Network
etc). Applications for the post can be collected, Screening (Aptitude
test, interview) can be done, Selection of the interested candidates,
Announcement of the list and Induction training for the students can
be given. The selected innovators can chose any of the categories -
Quality & Operations, Finance, Creative & Innovation, Technology,
Branding & Marketing and Community.

Interested students at the beginning of the academic year will join

IEDC under any of the lead team. The lead teams will work together
for bringing out the best talents. At the beginning of the second last
semester each team leads will identify interested, bright student
innovators to continue the process.

Innovators should be proactive student leaders capable of running

the IEDC. Technically sound and creatively shrewd with a business
focus will be the key success of the vibrancy in the team. IEDC shall
be run completely by students of the college and guided by faculty
whenever required. Every year the college selects the designated
innovators based on their interest, experience and knowledge in
entrepreneurship. Being proactive is the key mantra. The
responsibilities of the student leads are attached as Annexure 4.

Stage 7 - Selection of IEDC Executive Committee

Post selection of the institution, an IEDC Executive Committee must

be constituted every year and conduct meeting at the beginning
and end of the academic year for charting and evaluating the
programmes. Formations of executive committee and the decisions
taken in the meeting must be intimated to KSUM and the Activity

23
report should be shared at [email protected] every year
for accreditation and evaluation process. The activities of the IEDC
should be captured in the IEDC Portal.

The Executive committee will have an institution representative,

Nodal Officer, Assistant Nodal Officer, Innovators (IEDC Lead, Quality
& Operations Lead, Finance Lead, Creative & Innovation Lead,
Technology Lead and Branding & Marketing Lead).

2.2. COMPLIANCE PROCESS FOR GRANT – IN AID

DISBURSEMENT
Compliance refers to the adherence of IEDC norms under KSUM
requirements in terms of proper documentation, so that grant-in-aid
can be released to the selected Institutions. KSUM has designed
strict buy simple compliance process and only institutions which
submit required documents within the stipulated timeframe will be
considered for grant-in-aid. There are two components of
compliance namely documentary compliances and IEDC portal
compliance.

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2.2.1.DOCUMENTARY COMPLIANCE
The documentary compliance mandates institutions to submit a set
of documents and complete the IEDC portal compliance. Selected
institutions are required to open an IEDC specific bank account. The
Documents include a declaration form by the Institution Principal
and Management on the Institution letter head, Copy of bank
Passbook and IEDC layout

2.2.2.IEDC PORTAL COMPLIANCE

In addition to the documentation compliance, the Institution is
required to complete the IEDC Portal Compliance. IEDC Portal is a
KSUM initiated Management and decision support System that help
to track and monitor IEDC activities and performance of IEDCs. It is
aimed towards bringing transparency and effectiveness in
innovation related activities.

KSUM will provide access to selected Institution and the IEDC

faculty co-ordinators are required to register their IEDC on the
portal.

25
3. SEEDING AN INNOVATION CULTURE

26
IEDC Programme design systematically helps the Faculty in -charge
to nurture the innovation culture among the young innovators.
Beyond innovation, while engaging with IEDC activities, students are
benefiting on their overall personality development, soft skills,
technology skills and the 21st century skills.

IEDC programme allow students to explore new ideas, test them

and develop prototypes using the resources available in IEDC. IEDC
system adopts a “learning by doing” philosophy and promotes “Do It
Yourself” culture.

IEDC programmes are designed in three distinct but connected

verticals namely innovation, Technical and Entrepreneurship.
Students will be exposed to a number of interventions in these three
areas. In the first phase ie Innovation phase, students will be
experienced the innovation thinking, tools of innovation and
innovation mindset. Students will be experienced design thinking,
ideation which help them to develop a new perspective towards
social and community problems.

In the second phase, Student will undergo a skill appreciation

workshop and will be introduced to new technologies, future of
work, concepts of computational thinking and other sectoral areas.
Students are expected to take up efforts to upgrade skills if their
chosen areas. KSUM may introduce a Skill Voucher scheme and
empanel Training agencies and Programmes in emerging
technologies.

And finally, Students will be exposed to business and

entrepreneurship aspects through workshops and case studies.
Tools such as Business Canvas Modelling workshops, Design
Thinking workshops will be conducted in this phase. Students
begin working in teams, towards solving the identified problems,

27
leveraging their learning from the previous phases. IEDC
encourages a growth mindset for the young innovators, diligently
helping them graduate through the different phases mentioned in
this handbook.

3.1. PROGRAMME DESIGN - EXPRESS, EXPLORE,

EXPERIMENT AND EXPERIENCE
The IEDC aims at moulding the tech savvy entrepreneurial mind-sets
among students to experiment their innovations during their
academic journey. IEDC programme design revolves around the
theme “Express, Explore, Experiment and Experience”. IEDC
encourage students to express their ideas without any inhibition,
explore ways to translate those ideas into business model,
experiment with the business model in real world scenario and get it
validated by customers. This experience enriches their
understanding about business in general and gives a cutting edge
in their career journey.

In short, IEDC will act as a skill platform for students to acquire 21st
Century skills and above all transform them as a much sought-after
innovator.

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The Programme Design will have a design which embraces the
s t u d e n t s i n 3 a s p e c t s – I n n o v a t i o n , Te c h n o l o g y a n d
Entrepreneurship.

3.1.1. INNOVATION PHASE

Entrepreneurship demand innovative mind set. Innovativeness is
one of the important characteristics of an entrepreneur. Culture
plays an important role in cultivating such an approach. The first
phase of IEDC programme aims to introduce innovation culture to
students and make them exposed to tools of innovations. KSUM
believes that cultivating an innovative mindset among students is
key in building an innovation-based economy.

It is true that an innovation culture can be developed only in an

open-minded and collaborative environment. Academic institution
plays a pivotal role in creating and developing such an environment.
IEDC recognises that each student is unique and innovative.
Students can nurture their innovativeness only in an environment
that support their endeavours and initiatives. Since innovation can’t
be learned or taught, IEDC attempts to create a right environment so
that students can take up their innovation journey without the fear of
risk.

In the innovation phase, Institutions need to organise programmes

and events that cultivates an innovation mindset among students. A
list of programmes has been given below. Institutions are free to
innovate their own programme.

1. Innovation Orientation workshop

2. i-Talk - Talky by an innovator – 20 Minutes
3. Failure Friday - Talk by an entrepreneur about his/her
entrepreneurship failure
4. Ideation Workshop

29
 5. Campus Innovator Talk
6. Meet the Founder – Interactions with a Start-up Founder
7. Visit to an Incubator/ Fab lab/ Maker Lab/corporate
Innovation lab
8. Campus Hackathon
9. Innovation film Screening/Film fest
10.Meet the Innovator – Interaction with a grassroot innovator

After the Programmes/Events

An IEDC need to conduct a minimum of three programme

in this phase. For conducting each activity, Institution will
get 5 points.
Each Student will also receive 5 point for attending each
activity.
KSUM will take every effort to empanel innovators and
Start up founders and the same shall be published on IEDC
portal. However, institutions are free to choose innovator/
founder for any programme.

Additional Points

Knowledge sharing of “A” Institution faculty to the students

of “B” Institution in terms of a pre-planned value-added
session can score 3 points. (“A” College 3 points, “B”
college points NA)
“A” Institution sharing the facility with “B” Institution in terms
of venue/lab/Human Resource can avail 3 points for each
facility shared.

30
3.1.2.TECHNOLOGY PHASE
World of work is rapidly changing because of the technology
innovation. It is accepted that good entrepreneurship can’t happen
without the right skill and this more relevant in the era of Industry
4.O. Recognising this fact, IEDC gives ample thrust to empower its
student members with relevant skill set.

Second stage of IEDC Programme designed in such a way that each

students enrolled with the network will be exposed to the emerging
technologies and thereby provides opportunity to identify his/her
technology interest inventory. IEDC will organise a day long
Technical skill appreciation workshop in which experts will take
students through various emerging technologies such as block
chain, AI, Machine learning, Computer vision, Cyber security etc.
This would enable students to identify their areas of interest and
subsequently, they can take up relevant skill development
programme in their chosen area of interest. KSUM may empanel
training programmes and agencies for the benefit of students and
the same shall be available on IEDC portal.

The institution will have to bring in efforts to create tech community

through IEDC, bringing together alumni, faculty, students, industry
and other stakeholders under an umbrella to create a broader
entrepreneurial ecosystem around deep technology. This will help
the students to encounter and experience the state-of-the-art
technologies which only an IEDC will have access to. IEDC can
thereby quench the thirst of the tech savvy students who will be the
torch bearers of the innovation ahead.

IEDCs can partner with corporates, incubators and institutions of

Higher learning to avail their facilities including labs

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The Future Lab and Fab lab of Kerala Startup Mission can be the
Technology partner of IEDCs. Future Technologies Lab is an initiative
by KSUM to provide necessary tools, equipment and infrastructure
for Research & Development of emerging technologies and serves
as a platform to introduce it to startups and students. The thrust
areas for Innovation and Research at Future Technologies Lab
include Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), Artificial
Intelligence (AI), Robotics and Brain Computer Interface (BCI).

Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) is a technical prototyping platform

where people can design and build their own technology. Fab labs
aim to provide stimulus for local entrepreneurship and serves as a
platform for learning and innovation. A Fab Lab consists of state-of-
the-art digital fabrication tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters,
CNC routers, electronics workbench, PCB milling machine, vinyl
cutter etc. FabLab allows anyone to express their ideas through
technology.

To create the technology culture and community among the IEDC

students, a minimum of 3 activities from the below lists are to be
conducted

1. One day workshop on Future Skills

2. Electronics and Hardware Workshop
3. Sessions : Basics of VR and AR technologies
4. Sessions : Basics for Programmer/ 3D Artist
5. Introduction Sessions : Game Development and
Gamification
6. VR / AR Experience and Hands-on Workshop
7. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Workshop
8. Brain Computer Interfacing Introduction Workshop
9. Robotics and Aerial vehicles Workshop
10.Workshop on Blockchain

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After the Programmes/Events

Every institution will receive 2 points if the activity is

coordinated with the support of any existing community/
club/labs under any recognised institution
An IEDC need to conduct a minimum of three programme
in this phase. For conducting each activity, Institution will
get 5 points.
Each Student will also receive 5 point for attending each
activity.
KSUM will take every effort to empanel innovators and
Start up founders and the same shall be published on IEDC
portal. However, institutions are free to choose innovator/
founder for any programme.

Additional Points

“A” Institution helping/co-organising with “B” Institution in

scheduling a tech session/event/workshop can score 3
points. (“A” College 3 points, “B” college 3 points)
“A” Institution sharing the facility with “B” Institution in terms
of venue/lab/Human Resource can avail 3 points for each
facility shared.

3.1.3. ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BUSINESS PHASE

Entrepreneurship is a way of thinking and it is an outlook that
identifies new opportunities and solves problems. Entrepreneurship
is not only about starting own business. It is  the capacity to be
creative and innovative, act upon opportunities and ideas in order to
transform them into value for others. An entrepreneur is the change-
maker creating new possibilities and improves the world we live in
by taking on societal challenges of all kinds.  

33
Graduates, at the end their academics are left with three options –
Pursuing Higher Studies, Employment, Entrepreneurship. While
recruiting, what skillsets are employers looking for? Problem-solving,
flexibility and adaptability, taking the initiative, self-awareness, and
resilience are all “skillsets” which graduates need to have to be
competitive in the market and, incidentally, these are all key
entrepreneurial skills as well!

Third phase of IEDC Programme focus on two aspects, i.e.

developing entrepreneurial competence and provide fundamentals
of organisational development.

Entrepreneurial competence refers to the ability to identify

opportunities and develop the necessary resources and capital in
addition to technical, financial, and legal knowledge.

In entrepreneurship, highly developed political skills (four important

political skills, a student much possess - networking ability,
interpersonal influence, social astuteness, and apparent sincerity)
can help student entrepreneurs accurately identify and acquire
effective resources in a dynamic and complex social environment,
as well as create a new combination of technology and knowledge
with the support of Institution and Industry. Entrepreneur must
possess the savviness to effectively understand peers and adjust
their behaviours accordingly. The actual process of opportunity
recognition is an interaction between individuals and their
environments.

Highly politically motivated student entrepreneurs can effectively

control dynamic and ambiguous environments and can positively
influence innovation by enhancing the personal charm of
entrepreneurs.

34
To create the business skills among the IEDC students, a minimum
of 3 activities from the below lists are to be done for an academic
year starting from Jan2020 to Dec 2020.

1. Business Model Canvas Workshop

2. Ideathon or Business Plan Competition at College
3. How to build a Startup – Workshop
4. Session on IPR
5. Session on Incubation and Acceleration- Opportunities for
Students
6. Entrepreneur in Campus
7. Meet with Startup Founder
8. i-Talk
9. Session on Angel Funding and VC Funding
10.Grant Workshop
11. Demo Day
12.Internship in Start-up
13.Boot camp
14.Hackathon
15.Mentor Session

After the Programmes/Events

Every institution will receive 2 points if the activity is

coordinated with the support of any existing community/
club/labs under any recognised institution
An IEDC need to conduct a minimum of three programme
in this phase. For conducting each activity, Institution will
get 5 points.
Each Student will also receive 5 point for attending each
activity.
KSUM will take every effort to empanel innovators and
Start up founders and the same shall be published on IEDC

35
 portal. However, institutions are free to choose innovator/
founder for any programme.

Additional Points

An Engineering Institution in association with an MBA

college will get additional points (Vice-versa)
“A” Institution helping/co-organising with “B” Institution in
scheduling a tech session/event/workshop can score 3
points. (“A” College 3 points, “B” college 3 points)
“A” Institution sharing the facility with “B” Institution in terms
of venue/lab/Human Resource can avail 3 points for each
facility shared.

36
37
4. MANAGING THE IEDC

38
Once the Institution has got IEDC affiliation, they must pay great
attention towards designing the IEDC space, identifying the right
human resources and successfully implementing the IEDC
programmes in the Institution. These elements are crucial towards
building an innovation culture in the campus and meet expected
outcomes.

4.1. D E S I G N I N G T H E I N N O V A T I O N A N D
ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTRE
IEDC shall be set up in 500 sq. ft to 100 sq. ft are depending upon
the activities planned. IEDC space should be one single space with
maximum open space. While designing the space proper attention
need to be taken to ensure that the space can be used for
collaborative project works and small learning sessions can be
conducted. IEDC Space may be setup in the location where all
students can easily accessible to the space. Proper care should be
taken for safety of women while selecting the IEDC location. Ideally,
the centre should be in proximity to the main building. All relevant
guidelines and manuals, if any must be available in the centre and
should be easily accessible for reference.

4.2. IDENTIFYING THEN RIGHT HUMAN RESOURCES

While working in the IEDC, students get an opportunity to transform
their ideas into workable prototypes/models. To make this happen,
it is important to nominate/select faculty with right attitude, right
knowledge, skill and experience to take the role of IEDC nodal
officer and Assistant Nodal Officer. The role of nodal officer is crucial
in making IEDC journey a successful and hence, must be selected
carefully.

They should be able to nurture the innovation ecosystem in the

institution by adopting appropriate sustainable strategies and

39
should be able to facilitate generation of ideas and motivate
students to work on it. It is the resistibility of Nodal Officer to run
IEDC with the support from the institution fraternity, management
and student volunteers. They should organise regular campaigns in
Institutions to spread awareness and get larger number of students
to join in IEDC movement.

They should be work in tandem with community organisation and

Local Self Governments and thereby forge partnership with them.
They should motivate students to solve local community problems
through IEDC. They should also give enough attention to identify
and develop partnership with relevant stakeholders such as
corporates, mentors, industry experts and makers.

4.3. INSTITUTIONAL INNOVATION COUNCIL

An Institutional Innovation Council shall be constituted with Principal
as chairperson to support and guide IEDC. The council may consist
of the following members

IEDC Nodal Officer – Convenor

IEDC Assistant Nodal Officer – Jt. Convenor
Representative from Industry
Faculty in Charge of Various Tech communities/ Clubs in
Institution
Two prominent Alumni
Heads of Departments in Institution

IIC shall meet twice a year , to review the progress of IEDC in

Institution, suggest course correction in the implementation plan as
and when needed, and identify develop partnership with relevant
stakeholders.

40
4.4. E N G A G E M E N T W I T H C O M M U N I T Y A N D
COMMUNITY ORGANISATION
IEDC must aspire to become the local innovation hub. This can be
achieved without the involvement and ownership of local
community. In fact Community plays an important role in building a
vibrant innovation ecosystem. IEDC should leverage the network
strength of non-government organisation, volunteers, government
agencies and local self-governments to bring effectiveness in its
operations. These organisation can make significant contribution
towards providing support and create awareness about the IEDC
innovation activities. Following activities are recommended.

a.Outreach Programmes in Schools and NON-IEDC Colleges

IEDC can organise Innovation focused orientation session in

Schools and Non-IEDC Colleges with the support of
Community Organisations. IEDC can reach out talented
students who are attended State/National/International
Science fairs with the support of community organisation and
extend support to nurture their innovation mindset further by
providing with the support they needed.

b.Collaboration with Student Communities and Tech

Communities

IEDC should work in partnership with all Technology based

student communities while implementing IEDC programmes.
IEDC should take effort to enrol members of various
Technology communities in IEDC. This will not only involve
more students in IEDC activities but also will expand IEDC
activities into more areas. The support of these Technology
communities may be utilised for skill development activities
too.

41
 c.Seeking Support from Local Self Governments

Since Local Self Government plays a larger role in regional

economic development and Human Resource Development,
support of Local Self Governments may be sought for the
IEDC activities. Involvement of Local Self Governments will not
only bring community involvement but also will ease resource
mobilisation.

4.5. MANAGING THE IEDC CENTRE

Starting an IEDC is an easy thing but managing the centre makes all
difference. To ensure systematic management of IEDC, following
activities are recommended.

a. Inventory management – IEDC nodal officer shall responsible

for general inventory management. In the case, if Institution
has set up fab lab/lab/Future Lab, all tools, equipment,
materials shall be properly recorded, and Nodal officer shall
keep a tab on it to ensure smooth function of IEDC.

b. Maintaining a bills and Vouchers – All bills and Vouchers

pertaining to IEDC activities should be maintained.

c. Maintain books and Registers - IEDC need to maintain

following registers

Minutes Book for Executive Committee Meeting

Minutes Book of Institution Innovation Council
Ledger Book.
Cash Book.
Voucher File.
Bank Pass book,
Cheque book
Audited Financial Statements

42
4.5.1.INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
All activities of IEDC need to be properly documented and relevant
information must be shared with relevant stakeholders to ensure the
success of the programme.

a. Information sharing with internal purposes and audience

IEDC internal audience comprises of students, faculties,

parents, Technology communities and Institution Management.
It is vital to keep them appraised of all necessary information,
since they are important stakeholders of the innovation
ecosystem.

b. Information sharing with external purpose/Audience

IEDC external audience comprises of Local Self Government,

other IEDC Institutions, Community Organisations, the maker
Community, KSUM and potential partners/Stakeholders etc.
Information need to be disseminated to these audiences for
their support as and when required.

4.6. FINANCE MANAGEMENT

The IEDC grant in aid must be operated in the Joint Account of
Nodal Officer & Student Coordinator / Principal Nodal Officer in any
nationalised bank and sent the Bank Account Details including
Name, Branch, Account Number and IFSC Code of the bank to
KSUM official designated for releasing grant in aid.

The IEDC will maintain a separate bank account which will be jointly
operated by the Nodal officer of IEDC and the Head of the
Institution or a person nominated by the Head of the Institution. The
bank account must be open in any of the Nationalised Bank and
Account details including Name, Branch, Account Number and IFC

43
code should be shared with KSUM official designated for releasing
grant in aid.

The grants-in-aid will be credited to the account and should be

utilised solely for the activities of IEDC. All financial receipts/funds
received by IEDC shall be credited to this account.

It is strictly advised that the institution shall acknowledge the receipt

of the grant received in institution letter head with sign and seal of
the institution head.

The Income & Expenditure Statement of the year is to be signed by

Nodal Officer and Principal and the audited Utilisation Certificate
should be submitted on or before 25th March of every year.

The grant will be released only if,

The accounts of the previous year are settled along with

detailed report and after KSUM verifying the details in online
MIS.
The Student enrolment, IEDC executive committee formation,
and Innovator Leads are in place for the current year is
completed.
Utilisation certificate for each financial year need to be
submitted to KSUM on or before 25th March.

4.7. FUND UTILISATION

The sanctioned amount utilised for the IEDC activities should be
recorded and a Fund Utilisation Report to be submitted by the
Institution as mentioned earlier.

Funds can be utilised for any activity with a specific outcome of

handholding and nurturing Students enrolled in the IEDC Learning
Platform.

44
 Fund Request Schedule
Sl. No. Activity Time Period Pre-Requisite
In the case of
existing IEDC,
Utilisation
Certificate for
previous year
Appy for Grant- First
1 May 1-30 need to be
Tranche
submitted.

Uploading of all
information on
IEDC Portal
Submission of Utilisation
2 December 20
Certificate – First Tranche
Utilisation
Certificate of First
Tranche.
Apply for Grant – Second
3 November 1-30
Tranche
Uploading of all
information on
IEDC Portal.
Submission of Utilisation
4 March 25
Certificate

45
5. BUILDING A VIBRANT INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM

46
IEDC plays an important role in building an innovation ecosystem in
the institution. IEDC initiated innovation focused events not only
provide students to showcase their innovations but also creates
awareness in the community in general and academic fraternity in
particular. By organising programmes at regular interval for different
stakeholders, IEDCs makes the institution as a Hub of Innovation in
the region. This can be only achieved by collaborating with non-
IEDC institutions and other community organisations in the region.

KSUM provides a broad framework of activities to create a

conducive environment in Institution. Following programmes/
concepts and conceptualised at State level for IEDCs along with a
strategy to implement it. However, these are only indicative in nature
and the institutions can conceptualise and implement more such
initiative for a successful implementation of the programme. Above
all, KSUM encourages institution to customise different concepts
and organise the activities with wide participation of all
stakeholders.

5.1. FACULTY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

KSUM along with its partners conducts Faculty Development
Programme for Nodal officers and Assistant Nodal officers across
the state. The objective of these Faculty Development programmes
was to build the capacities of resources associated with IEDC. The
faculties received training on various aspects of establishing an
Innovation ecosystem and running a successful IEDC.

5.2. INSPIRE
INSPIRE is the zonal meet up of innovators organised in various
campuses. The objective of the INSPIRE programme is to strengthen
student communities by helping innovators to have deeper
awareness about the strength and weakness of IEDCs. INSPIRE

47
provide opportunity to students to know about various schemes and
support extended by Start-up Mission to innovators.

5.3. I-TALK
i-Talk is a specially designed talk series hosted by Kerala Startup
Mission to celebrate entrepreneurship and promote innovation
among students. i-Talk series will cover inspirational, Innovation and
Investors stories. This would be a three segment talk programme
with leaders from innovation, investment and inspirational areas.

5.4. IDEA FEST

With a view to scout talented innovators from the campuses across
the state and transform them as technology entrepreneurs, Kerala
Startup Mission hosts a yearly pitching event named Idea Fest.

Idea Fest provides students an opportunity to present their ideas or

college projects, which can be converted to a practical real world
solution, in front of an elite panel and the teams which are
shortlisted by the panel are offered grants based on the
development stage and innovative value of their ideas.

5.5. WHYHACK
“WhyHack” is a hackathon conceived by Kerala Startup Mission to
find out the best technology solutions for the pressing problems in
the society. This will be conducted in association with Community
partners once in every three months.

5.6. STARTUP AWARENESS AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING

(SALT)
Startup Awareness and Leadership Training is a training programme
specifically designed for students of 9th Standards. IEDC can select
a nearby High school to implement this programme. SALT

48
programme aims to create awareness about entrepreneurship
opportunities among school students and to inculcate scientific spirit
among young minds. SALT programme will be conducted on
selected Saturdays and Holidays and the programme will be offered
to elected 30 students. SALT programme will cover basic of
entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, personality development,
Communication, Future Technologies etc through 3 hour long 10
sessions. While selecting institutions, due weightage may be given
to institutions having Tinker labs. Total duration of the programme
shall be 30 hours. Students who have successfully completed the
programme shall be given certificate.

5.7. LOCAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP ADVANCEMENT

PROGRAMME (LEAP)
Being a socially responsible organisation, educational institutions
have much wider responsibility towards the community around the
institution. Empowering the local community through job creations
would certainly add value of the Institution. Being the innovation of
Hub of the region, IEDC can play a pivotal role in empowering local
community through creating a conducive ecosystem to nurture
entrepreneurs in the local community.

Local Entrepreneurship Advancement Programme (LEAP) provide

IEDC an opportunity to mark its signature in the entrepreneurial
landscape of the region. LEAP provides a broader canvas to
individual IEDC to design their own programmes and projects. IEDC
need to involve community organisation, Local Self Governments
and Alumni for the design and implementation of the programme.

Activities may be varied from simple activities such as conducting

awareness programme and providing access to IEDC facilities
including fab labs to much larger activities like setting up of common
facility canters etc. KSUM believes that such an endeavour will help

49
local community to tap the benefit of Industry 4.O. IEDC may need to
develop a plan for LEAP Project and share with Startup Mission to
get support.

5.8. IGNITE
Ignite is an initiative of Kerala Startup Mission to educate Alumni
networks about Startup investment and nurture local angel networks
in Kerala with the Support of Educational Institutions of Kerala. Ignite
is a very structured three-hour programme focusing exclusively on
investment opportunities in Startups and encourage them to support
innovators from the Institution. IEDC can take lead to form angel
network by involving its Alumni and other High net worth individuals.
IEDC can setup IGNITE fund to support the student innovators with
the support of Alumni.

5.9. S TA R T U P M E N TO R S H I P F O R I N N OVAT I O N ,
LEARNING AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP (SMILE)
SMILE is a programme designed for the benefit of first time
innovators to get mentorship support from the acclaimed Startup
Founders and Corporates. Selected Mentors from both startups and
corporates will extend guidance and support to selected innovators
on a regular basis. SMILE has two parts. In the beginning, a
bootcamp with be conducted for the shortlisted students’ innovators
and selected mentors will have one on one meeting with shortlisted
innovators. The objective of the bootcamp is to connect student
innovators with mentors and establish rapport. Bootcamp will help
student innovators to understand their strengths and weakness.

In the second part, a structured mentorship programme is

envisaged. Selected Student innovators will take mentorship
support from the accredited/shortlisted mentors using online or

50
IEDC portal. Mentors will spend one hour per month with selected
student innovators online and will extend guidance and support.

5.10. RECOGNIZING INNOVATORS AND START UP

ENTREPRENEURS (RISE)
RISE is meetup of innovators in the Institutions to recognise the
excellent performers from Students and startup founders. IEDC can
invite local innovators and startup founders to the meetup. The
objective of the meetup is to recognise the unsung heroes of the
region and instil a sense of pride among innovators.

5.11. IEDC SUMMIT

IEDC Summit is the flagship event of Kerala Start-up Mission.
IEDC Summit brings together leading student innovators and Nodal
Officers from all IEDC institutions. IEDC Summit, being the annual
get together of the innovators attracts many student innovators. The
Summit will have different tracks for the benefit of students. Student
innovators from IEDCs exhibit their innovation at IEDC Summit.
Besides, knowledge and skill development sessions are integral
part of the summit and presence of corporate leaders provides
students a deeper insight about latest technology trends. IEDC
Summit usually organises at Academic Institutions. Startup Mission
will select an IEDC by inviting Expression of Interest from the
interested IEDCs.

5.12. COMMUNICATION WITH IEDCS

Effective communication between internal and external stakeholders
of IEDC is very vital in making the programme successful. The free
flow of communication not only eliminates ambiguity but also keeps
stakeholders involved and informed about the developments of the
programme.

51
a.Help desk E mail

An official Email id must be set up for information sharing and

issuing clarification of any kind with respect to the programme.

b.Social Media

Social Media is a good platform to reach out to existing and

potential stakeholders. The focus should be not just to display
achievements but also to ignite the spirit of innovation in the wider
group. IEDCs are encourage to share stories on Social media
channels, to create awareness about the innovation activities and
invite community participation.

KSUM will strive to leverage the collaborative power and wider

reach of social media platform such as Facebook, Instagram to drive
and foster innovation.

KSUM encourage all IEDC to create a Facebook page for their IEDC
and share various innovation activities. Institutions are advised to
tag KSUM and IEDC in all their post and use the hashtag-#IEDC.

c.Messenger groups

WhatsApp messenger groups may be created to disseminate

information and status update.

5.13. M E N T O R I N G F O R S U C C E S S F U L S TA R T- U P
ECOSYSTEM
Since innovation ecosystem as a concept is new in our country,
advancing of an idea to a viable product require sustained
handholding from mentors from Industry and Academia. This can be
achieved through the robust partnership forged with industries and
Professional Associations. Mentors are expected to be enablers

52
rather than instructors. Technical domain, innovation, design,
Business and entrepreneurship and strategy are some of the areas
where mentors can support students.

5.14. ENGAGEMENT WITH ALUMNI

One of the most important catalysts in a successful innovation
ecosystem in Institution is the presence and active involvement of
its alumni. IEDC should leverage the Alumni network of the
Institution to organise programmes and mentoring support. IEDC
can create an innovation fund with the support of its Alumni and this
can be used as a grant to support most innovative ideas of students.

53
6. MONITORING AND EVALUATION

54
An effective Monitoring and Evaluation mechanism is critical in
ensuring the success of the Programme. A two-level monitoring
mechanism has been envisaged ie first at Institution level by
Institution Innovation Council and second at State level by KSUM.
The Monitoring and evaluation shall be focused on three aspects ie
How effective IEDC as an innovation platform to students and
secondly, the impact created by IEDC in terms of Start-up enrolment
and Patents registered.

6.1. IEDC PORTAL

IEDCs are required to upload details related to their activities on the
IEDC portal. The success of IEDCs shall be assessed based on both
subjective and objective parameters such as the number of students
enrolled in IEDC, Number of workshops conducted, Number of
mentorship session organised, number of start-ups created, number
of patents filed etc.

6.2. IMPACT CREATED

Since IEDC is the flagship project of State Government to foster
innovation ecosystem in the State, it is important to assess the
success based on the impact it created. The input for IEDC
intervention may include the number of students enrolled, mentors
engaged, number of training programmes conducted, number of
events conducted etc whereas the output include number of
innovation developed, number of startups generated and number of
patents filed. The outcome can be assessed based on how IEDC
helps students to nurture various 21st Century skills such as
creativity and innovation, IP creation, Entrepreneurial Mindset,
critical thinking and Problem -solving skills etc. IEDC outcome can
be assessed through the impact it created in the overall innovation
mindset of youth in our State leading to large scale entrepreneurial
initiatives enabling economic and social growth of our society.

55
6.3. IEDC ACCREDITATION
KSUM has designed an Accreditation framework for IEDCs across
the state. The accreditation framework will assess the IEDCs based
on the following parameters

a.Evangelisation of Entrepreneurship
b.Promotion of Innovation
c.Supporting Innovation and Incubation
d.Alignment with Institutional Mechanism
e.Strengthening of Ecosystem

KSUM will strive to do the IEDC accreditation through an automatic

process. IEDC nodal officers are required to update the details of
the programmes, workshops and events on the IEDC portal as and
when it over. KSUM will take all effort to do the accreditation
process objectively and will not send any individual communication
in this regard. The accreditation period shall be the academic year
i.e. June to May.

56
7. THE JOY OF INNOVATION

57
Celebrating Entrepreneurship
Celebrating Success stories and initiatives of student innovators,
even it is small, will not only encourage students to take extra steps
but also will create greater awareness about entrepreneurship in
general and the impact being created through the IEDC in particular.
Recognition and appreciation shall be made as a part and parcel of
IEDC culture. IEDCs must give enough attention to encourage,
recognise and celebrate the initiatives of students, faculties and
mentors towards building an innovation ecosystem. IEDC provides
excellent opportunities to students’ innovators to sharpen their skills
and thereby optimise their innovation potential.

7.1. IEDC STORIES

KSUM will showcase inspiring innovation stories from the students,
faculties and mentors on a regular basis on the official website of
Startup Mission. IEDCs also should take steps to popularise
inspiration of stories on their social media pages and Institution
website. These stories are related to events where their students,
faculties and mentors participated or also about their innovation
journey with IEDC.

KSUM encourages all students, Faculties and Mentors to post their

innovation stories on their social media pages and tag KSUM. These
stories will certainly spread the works of IEDC among a larger
network and will help IEDCs to get its due credit for the good work it
is being done.

7.2. OPPORTUNITIES FOR INNOVATORS

IEDCs are not only igniting innovation potential of Students, but also
encouraging them to translate their dream into reality. In fact, IEDCs
should encourage students to walk beyond their comfort zone and

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spread their wings to the world of innovation and entrepreneurship.
IEDC nodal officer should take steps to expose student innovators
who have demonstrated a higher level of innovation appetite to
advanced technologies through various programme designed and
implemented with the support of Corporate partners and Startup
Mission. The programmes offered by Future Lab and Fab Lab
should be explored for this purpose.

a.Fablab Kerala Challenge

Fablab Kerala Challenge is specifically designed to enable students

to build solutions that could help in directing the State’s
development along a sustainable path. The challenge provide
Students an opportunity to come up with ideas in listed set of
innovation areas and convert them into POCs and prototypes at
Fablabs and Mini fab labs spread across the state with the guidance
of expert Fab mentors.

b.Fab Saturday

Fab lab Kerala conducts a six-week workshop series named Fab

Saturday at Fab labs in Trivandrum and Cochin on selected
Saturdays. The workshop will expose participants to the tools of
Digital Fabrication. The workshop is designed in such a manner that
participants will get exposed to the various rapid prototyping
methods using the Fab lab facility such as 3D Printing, laser Cutting,
Screen printing, designing and fabricating custom printed circuit
boards and CNC milling using 3-axis large format CNC milling
machine. The workshop timing will be from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

c.On-Demand Fab Programmes

Fablab Kerala conducts programmes on Digital Fabrication based

on requests received from institutions and corporates. The

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programmes are designed in partnership with the requested
institution or corporates. Overall objectives of such programmes
shall be to equip participants in the use of various digital fabrication
tools and methods. Fablab Kerala will run this customised
programme with the support of accredited mentors of Fab Academy.
Interested institution can request programmes

d.Future 101

Future 101 is one of its kind of initiatives by Future Technology Lab of

Kerala Startup Mission. The programme aims at educating and
spread the wave of frontier technologies among college students in
the State of Kerala. The two-day long programme will take the
participants through the story of evolution, from the past to the
future of the technology under discussion followed by a hands-on
session on specific technologies. Future 101 will be handled by
Industry Professionals and technology enthusiasts from the relevant
domain.

Besides the evangelisation of the future technologies such as AI/XR/

Block chain, the programme intends to build Community/interest
groups at the institution level. Membership in Future lab and access
to involve in selected projects of future Lab will be offered to
students of IEDC. KSUM may setup future labs at Institutions based
on the strength and passion of students involved in Future
Technologies.

Institution can seek support of Future lab to get the service of

Mentors. Request may be submitted through the link via:   https://
members.futuretechnologieslab.com/requestmentors  

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e.Young Innovators Programme

Young Innovators Programme is specially designed programme

under Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-
DISC). The Programme aims to empower future innovators to
innovate new products, services or models to meet emerging
requirements, unarticulated needs, or existing market needs of the
society more effectively through an innovative Challenge

Eligible students can apply through YIP website :   https://

yip.kerala.gov.in/

f.Whyhack

Whyhack is a hackathon conceived by Kerala Startup Mission to

identify problems pertaining in the society and to find best tech
solutions to address it. This will be conducted in association with
Community partners once in a quarter.

g.Internship

It is a recognised fact that internship in an organised industry/

corporate provides students to get deeper insight to the world of
work and the internship accelerates the pace of learning too. KSUM
will strive to provide students innovators internship at its partner
companies and Start-ups.

h.Participation at National and International Challenges

KSUM provides opportunities to students who are doing

exceptionally well to attend various national and international events
and challenges.

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i.Idea Fest

With a vision to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among

the students across Kerala and to create an ecosystem for a product
culture, the Kerala Startup Mission hosts a yearly pitching event
exclusively for college students titled “Idea Fest”.

Idea Fest provides students an opportunity to present their ideas or

college projects, which can be converted to a practical real world
solution, in front of an elite panel .The teams which are shortlisted by
the panel are offered grants based on the development stage and
innovative value of their ideas.

h. Fail Fast or Succeed Programme

Fail Fast or Succeed  Programme is a 12 week intensive pre-
incubation programme for the early stage startups. The Programme
enables early stage startups to convert their idea/proof of concept
into Minimum Viable Product(MVP). The Successful Participants will
be offered a 6 - month virtual programme to build commercially
viable products from MVP. The programme consists of areas such as
idea refinement, sharpening value proposition, Technology
Integration, Competitor analysis, Team building  etc. One of the key
elements of the methodology adopted is the hands-on-workshop in
various topics including designing and sales.

i. Students Marquee Support Programme

Kerala Startup Mission supports  students who have developed
innovative products by providing  required funding and Mentorship
Support.

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ANNEXURES

63
 Annexure 1 - Roles and Responsibilities of Students
leads

1.Chief Executive officer

Overall coordination of the team

shall forge partnership with various industries
shall promote and build entrepreneurship ecosystem in the
campus
shall be responsible for implementing IEDC activities along with
Nodal officer
Shall be responsible for all special projects

2. Chief Operating Officer

Shall be responsible for the operation of IEDC

Shall be responsible for event logistics management
Shall be entrusted to identify, recruit, and manage the team
Shall ensure the quality of the programmes and events
Shall be responsible for the IEDC office and lab
Shall be responsible for the IEDC accreditation

3. Chief Technical Officer

Shall responsible for organising Technology & innovation driven

events.
Shall be responsible for technology mentorship programme for
the students.
Shall be responsible for planning, co-ordinating and conducting
Technical programmes.
Shall be responsible introducing emerging technologies.

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4. Chief Marketing Officer

Shall be responsible for all promotional activities

Shall be responsible for marketing of IEDC
Shall be responsible for introducing IEDC among Industries and
other relevant stakeholders
Shall be responsible for all campaign activities

5. Chief Creative Officer

Shall be responsibilities for developing creatives for IEDC events

Shall be responsible for media coverage inside and outside
campus
Shall be responsible for Alumni Connect and outreach activities
Shall be responsible for Documentation, Reports and Newsletter.

6. Chief Community Officer

Shall be responsible for all community related activities

Shall ensure active involvement of all communities including
Tech communities in OEDC activities
Shall be responsible for innovation evangelisation activities

7. Chief Financial Officer

Shall be responsible for all finance planning and other related

activities
Shall be responsible for IEDC accounts and its fund utilisation
Shall be responsible for annual audit of the IEDC fund
Shall be responsible for sharing utilisation certificate with KSUM
At least three-women participation should be ensured in the
IEDC Team. These details should be shared at the beginning of
the year.

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 Annexure 2 - List of Incubators in Kerala
Name & Address of entity Key Person Mobile email

Amrita TBI,
Amritapuri Campus,
Ms. Rajasree [email protected]
Amritapuri, Clappana,
Kollam, Kerala - 690525

B-Hub,
Mar Ivanios Vidya Nagar,
Nalanchira, Mr. Abhilash [email protected]
Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerala - 695015

BIC Kannur,
BIC Kannur University, [email protected];
Thalasery Campus, Palayad, [email protected]
Kannur - 670661

BIONEST,
HMT Colony, North Dr. Saji George,
8309196271 [email protected]
Kalamassery, Kalamassery, CEO
Ernakulam, Kerala 683503

Care keralam,
KINFRA Park PO, Koratty, [email protected]
Thrissur, Kerala 680309

Central Institute of Fisheries

Technology (CIFT),
CIFT Junction, CIFT Road [email protected];
Matsyapuri, Willingdon [email protected]
Island, Kochi, Kerala
682029

CET TBI,
Ambady Nagar,
Chavadimukku, Bapuji [email protected],
Dr A.Samson
Nagar, Pongumoodu, [email protected]
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
695016

CIITIC - CUSAT,
Near University Guest Mr. Sam Thomas [email protected]
House, CUSAT, Ernakulam

CPCRI Incubator,
ICAR-Central Plantation
Crops Research Institute [email protected]
Kudlu.P.O,
Kasaragod,Kerala, 671124

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Name & Address of entity Key Person Mobile email

CTCRI Incubator,
TC-5/1639(1),
Sreekariyam - Aakkulam Rd,
[email protected]
Amadi Nagar, Sreekariyam,
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
695017

CUSAT,
University Road, South
Dr. KK Saju 9895593988 [email protected]
Kalamassery, Kalamassery,
Kochi, Kerala 682022

Foss Incubator,
International Centre for
Free and Open Source
Software (ICFOSS),
Swatantra, Ground Floor, Ms. Anjali 8089946996 [email protected]
South Pavilion, Sports Hub,
Karyavattom,
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
695581

GECBH TBI,
Barton Hill, Barton Hill
Colony, Kunnukuzhy, [email protected]
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
695035

IAMAI Mobile 10x,

Mobile 10X Building,
28/1650D Govt.Cyberpark, Ms. Ajay 9447371902 [email protected]
Nellikode P.O, Kozhikode,
Kerala 673016

ICAR - CIFT,
CIFT Junction, CIFT Road
Matsyapuri, Willingdon Dr. George Ninan 9447414041 [email protected]
Island, Kochi, Kerala
682029

IIMK LIVE,
Top Floor, Computer Centre
Mr. Lijo P Jose 9895233311 [email protected]
Building, IIMK Campus, PO,
Kozhikode, Kerala 673570

IISR,
ISR Road, Moozhikkal -
Parambil Bazar Rd, Ms. P. V. Sali [email protected]
Vellimadukunnu, Kozhikode,
Kerala 673012

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Name & Address of entity Key Person Mobile email

InQ,
inQ Tower, 1st floor, Opp
EMC NH Bypass, Mr. Dileep 7356350111 [email protected]
Palarivattom, Kochi, Kerala
682025

Kerala Agriculture Value

Product Research &
Development, Mr Baiju [email protected]
Agropark, Piravom P.O,
Ernakulam, Kerala - 686664

Kerala University
Technology and Business
Start-up Centre (KU-TBSC),
Prof. Achuthsankar
IQAC Office, University [email protected]
S Nair
Office Campus, Palayam,
Thiruvananthapuram,
Keralam 695034

KSIDC BIC,
Kerala State Industrial
Development Corporation
Mr. R Prasanth,
Ltd., T.C. XI/266, Keston 9847340444 [email protected]
DGM
Road, Kowdiar,
Thiruvananthapuram-695
003

KSIDC BIC,
KSIDC Business Incubation
Centre, 2nd Floor, UL
Mr. R Prasanth,
Cyberpark, Special 9847340444 [email protected]
DGM
Economic Zone, Nellikode
(PO), Kozhikode, Kerala
673016

Maker Village,
Kerala Technology
Innovation Zone, Kinfra Hi-
Mr Rohan Kalani 9567090250 [email protected]
Tech Park, Kalamassery,
Kochi, Kerala 683503
(Meity approved)

NASSCOM Startup
Warehouse,
Ground Floor, Info park
Mr. Sujith 9847203678 [email protected]
Office, Thapasya Rd,
Infopark Campus,
Kakkanad, Kerala 682030

NIT TBI,
Ms.Preethi M 9995421341 [email protected]
Kattangal, Kerala 673601

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Name & Address of entity Key Person Mobile email

NRI TBI,
Thapasya Rd, Infopark Mr. Arun
[email protected]
Campus, Infopark, Kochi, Balachandran
Kerala 682030

Sahrdaya TBI,
College Road, PB NO 17, 9946983296 [email protected]
Kodakara, Kerala 680684

SCTIMST TIMED,
5th FLOOR, MS VALIATHAN
BUILDING BMT WING
Mr Balram [email protected]
695012, Poojapura,
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
695012

Startup Dreams,
1st floor, Ambedkar Bhavan,
Mr. Ashok [email protected]
Mannanthala, Trivandrum-
695015

Startups Valley,
Amal Jyothi College of
Mr Sherin Sam
Engineering Kanjirappally, 94968 05712 [email protected]
Jose
Koovappally P. O, Kerala
686518

Technolodge Kannur,
Thavakkara, Kannur, Kerala Mr Nidhin 9746241399 [email protected]
670001

Technolodge
Muvattupuzha, Christ
Knowledge City Campus
Ms Rohini 9446541415 [email protected]
Airapuram P.O Mannoor,
Muvattupuzha, Kerala
683541

Technolodge
Thiruvananthapuram,
Trinity College of [email protected];
Mr. Arun 995270615
Engineering, Trinity Hills, [email protected]
Naruvamoodu P.O,
Trivandrum- 695528

Technolodge- Piravom,
[email protected];
Kakkoor P.O, Piravom, Ms Beemol 8547924303
[email protected]
Ernakulam, Kerala

TTBI- Kasargod, panchayath

office, Kasaragod, Kerala Mr. Ashok 9447713627 [email protected]
671121

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Name & Address of entity Key Person Mobile email

TTBI- Kochi,
Kerala Technology
Innovation Zone, Kinfra Hi-
Mr. Ashok 9447713627 [email protected]
Tech Park, HMT Colony, P.O,
Kalamassery, Kochi, Kerala
683503

TTBI- Kozhikode,
2nd Floor, UL CyberPark
Mr. Ashok 9447713627 [email protected]
Rd, Nellikkode, Kozhikode,
Kerala 673008

TTBI- MiZonne,
Morazha- Kannapuram
Road Mangattuparamba,
Ms. Sunu 7034112113 [email protected]
Near Kannur University
Campus Kalliasseri P O,
Kerala 670562

TTBI- Tvm,
Kerala Startup Mission
G3B, Thejaswini,
Mr. Ashok 9447713627 [email protected]
Technopark Campus
Kariyavattom, Trivandrum,
Kerala 695581

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 Annexure 3 - List of FabLabs & Mini FabLabs
Name of Entity Key Person email Mobile
List of FabLabs
Super Fablab Kochi,
Kinfra Hi-Tech Park Main Rd,
HMT Colony, North
Nadeem Ahmed [email protected] 8089902399
Kalamassery, HMT
Kalamassery, Kochi, Kerala
683503

Fablab Trivandrum,
IIITM-K Building ,
Technopark Campus, Vinod Kumar [email protected] 9809494669
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
695581

CUSAT Fablab
Palakkad polytechnic
Fablab
List of Mini FabLabs

GEC Trissur Government

Engineering College,
Thrissur, Ramavarmapuram, Ajay James [email protected]
Thrissur, Kerala, 680009,
India

JECC Jyothi Engineering

College Work Shop Lab, Jinesh KJ [email protected] 9400086378
Cheruthuruthy, 679531, India

MESCE Kuttippuram,
THRIKKANAPURAM P.O.,
Shine K [email protected] 9446344648
Kuttippuram, KERALA,
679573, India

SSET SCMS School of

Engineering and
Technology, Vidya Nagar
Venu P [email protected] 0484-2450330
Palissery Karukutty
Ernakulam , Ernakulam,
Kerala, 683576, India

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 Name of Entity Key Person email Mobile

FISAT
Mookkannoor P O,
Renjith R [email protected] 0484 2725051
Angamaly, Ernakulam,
Kerala, 683577, India

Adishankara Adi Shankara

Institute of science and
technology, 0484-2463825 ,
Goutham S [email protected]
Near Shankara arts college , 0484-2461933
Mattor,Kalady, Ernakulam,
Kerala, 683574, India

SNGCE Sree Narayana

Gurukulam College of
Engineering, Kadayiruppu, Aby Mathew [email protected] 9847883774
Kolencherry, ERNAKULAM,
KERALA, 682311, India

Rajagiri Sunya Rajagiri

School of Engineering &
0484 2660999,
Technology, Rajagiri Valley Shubha Sree AV [email protected]
8089185526
PO, Kochi, Ernakulam,
Kerala, 682039, India

MEC Model engineering

College, Kochi, Kerala, Pradeep M [email protected] 0484-257739
682021, India

LBS Povval,
Muliyar P.O, Cherkala, 0499-4250290,
Prasoon Kannan [email protected]
Kasaragod, kerala, 671542, 9895745012
India

GCEK Govt College of Engg.

V Vinod Kumar [email protected] 0497-2780226
Kannur, Kerala, 670563

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 Name of Entity Key Person email Mobile

Saintgits
Pathamuttam, Kerala, Arun K Vargheese [email protected] 9744254337
686001, India

RIT Pampady,
Kottayam, kerala, 686501, Vikas VK [email protected] 9446001296
India

CEC
Chengannur P.O,
Liju Philip [email protected] 0479-2456046
Chengannur, Kerala, 689121,
India

TKM College of
Engineering,
Rahul Nath [email protected] 8281583996
Karicode, Kollam, Kerala,
691005, India

Heera CE Heera College of

Engineering and
Technology,
Panavoor,Aanad, Anand Michael [email protected] 9496973797
Nedumangadu,
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala,
695568, India

SCTCE
SCT College of Engineering,
9447389404,
Pappanamcode, Shajan S [email protected]
9895631048
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala,
695018, India

VJCET Vazhakulam,
Vazhakulam, kerala, Anishin Raj [email protected] 0485-2262211
686670, India

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 Name of Entity Key Person email Mobile

MACE Mar Athanasius

College of Engineering,
Kothamangalam, Kerala, Aji Joy [email protected] 0485-2822363
India, Kothamangalam,
Kerala, 686666, India

CET Ambadi
Nagar,Trivandrum,Kerala,
Binu LS [email protected] 0471-2515556
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala,
695016, India

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Contact us – [email protected]
Website KSUM - https://startupmission.kerala.gov.in/
Website IEDC -https://sites.google.com/startupmission.in/iedc/home

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