Nasscom and the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support deeptech startups in accessing global markets and attracting investment. The agreement was formalized by KSUM CEO Anoop Ambika and Nasscom Deeptech Director Shreya Sharma, alongside Nehal Pandya, with Kerala’s IT Special Secretary, Sreeram Sambasiva Rao, in attendance. Rao announced that the state is finalizing a policy tailored for social enterprises and highlighted plans to integrate deeptech training into school curriculums. The Kerala Innovation Festival, organized by KSUM, showcased local talent and emphasized the development of a decentralized innovation ecosystem. Initiatives include increasing IEDC and LEAP centers and establishing a Freedom Square for innovative ideas. Film star Nivin Pauly, the event’s chief guest, revealed plans for a startup incubation center in collaboration with KSUM, encouraging both academic and creative pursuits among students. Kris Gopalakrishnan, Infosys co-founder, urged KSUM to focus on nurturing unicorn startups, praising its effective startup ecosystem. Nivin Pauly, along with his wife Rina Joy, awarded prizes at the HackGenAI Hackathon, where CUSAT’s Team APX won first place, followed by MacBee Innovation Lab and Team Peaky Blinders, with Team Fible receiving a special award for its female majority.
How will the Nasscom and KSUM MoU benefit deeptech startups?
