The Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), has invited applications from aspiring young entrepreneurs from the SC/ST category under the NIDHI-EIR scheme. The KSUM is the nodal agency of the Kerala government to boost the entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem in the State.

Under the scheme, the selected idea will be given a grant of upto Rs. 30,000 per month for a maximum of 18 months. Also, the selected entrepreneurs will be provided with an opportunity to get incubated in KSUM incubators in Trivandrum, Kochi, or Kozhikode.

According to a Twitter post by KSUM, the key focus areas or sectors of the programme are Medtech, Hardware & Robotics, Cleantech, and Innovative Technologies. The total number of open positions is five and of which 3 positions are reserved for scheduled caste while two are reserved for scheduled tribe.

Nurturing ideas
The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India had announced National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) as an umbrella programme for nurturing ideas and innovations into successful startups.

The Entrepreneurs-in- Residence (EIR) Programme is one of the programmes introduced under NIDHI to inspire the best talents to be entrepreneurs, to minimise the risk involved in pursuing start-ups, and to partially set off their opportunity costs of high paying jobs.

The last date for applying for the programme is Saturday, June 12, 2021. Interested entrepreneurs should apply with formal business plans, financials, and other necessary documents.

For applying visit: https://startupmission.kerala.gov.in/programs/nidhieir/index.html#apply