Kerala Startup Mission

The Idea Grant is the first rung of KSUM's state funding ladder. It helps aspiring founders turn a promising idea into a working prototype and check whether it is technically and commercially feasible.

What you get

• Grant support towards product development, prototyping, testing, validation and technology development, to move from concept to MVP
• Money released in milestone tranches, generally half up front and the balance after a progress review and a utilisation certificate

Who can apply

• Startups at ideation, design or proof-of-concept stage
• Innovators based out of Kerala
• Innovative technology-based products only
• Company incorporation as a private limited company, LLP or OPC is mandatory before funds are released, but not to apply
• A KSUM Unique ID is not needed at application, but is required for disbursal
• You cannot apply within three months of a previous application under the same scheme

How selection works: KSUM officials screen the applications and notify shortlisted applicants by email. Shortlisted startups then pitch their idea and fund utilisation plan to an Expert Committee, which scores team, product innovation, marketing, financials and the utilisation plan. Recommendations go to the CEO or Chairman for approval.

How to apply: Apply on the KSUM website during an official call for applications. Selected startups submit documents, including a CA-certified no-dues and margin money certificate, incorporation papers, PAN, bank details and balance sheets, then execute an agreement with KSUM before money is released. A rejected applicant may reapply with an improved proposal after three months.

The Productisation Grant is for startups past the idea stage that need to turn a minimum viable prototype into something they can sell.

What you get

• Grant support for product development, testing and validation, and early market entry
• Money released in milestone tranches, with the balance following a progress report and an audited utilisation certificate

Who can apply

• Startups in the product development stage
• Incorporated as a private limited company or LLP with active MCA status
• You must own an innovative technology product
• A valid KSUM Unique ID is required at the time of application
• If you already took the Idea Grant, only the unclaimed balance can be claimed here
• You must bring 20 percent of the approved grant as margin money, applicable at the second tranche

Founder salaries, fixed assets such as land, buildings and high-end equipment, rent and major infrastructure setup are not permitted uses.

How selection works: Screening by KSUM officials, then a pitch to the Expert Committee on team, product innovation, marketing, financials and the grant utilisation plan, then approval by the CEO or Chairman.

How to apply: Apply on the KSUM website during an official call for applications.

This grant sits above the standard Productisation Grant for startups where women or transgender founders hold the majority. It funds the same work — turning a prototype into a market-ready product — with more support behind it.

What you get

• Additional grant support over and above the standard Productisation Grant, for product development, validation and early market readiness
• Money released in milestone tranches after the agreement is signed and utilisation and progress documents are submitted

Who can apply

• Startups in the product development stage
• Women or transgender founders holding at least 51 percent shareholding
• The woman or transgender founder must be able to pitch the product to the Expert Committee herself and present its key features
• A valid KSUM Unique ID is mandatory at application
• Incorporated as a private limited company, LLP or OPC with active MCA status
• Startups that have already received the Scaleup Grant are not eligible

How selection works: The same route as the other state grants — screening, an Expert Committee pitch scored on team, product innovation, marketing, financials and the utilisation plan, then approval.

How to apply: Apply on the KSUM website during an official call for applications.

The Market Acceleration Grant picks up where the Productisation Grant leaves off: the product exists and is earning, and the constraint is reaching more customers.

What you get

• Grant support for marketing, customer acquisition, branding, product improvements and revenue generation
• Money released in milestone tranches

Who can apply

• Startups in the early revenue stage
• You must own an innovative technology-based product
• A valid KSUM Unique ID
• Incorporated as a private limited company, LLP or OPC with active MCA status
• If you already took the Idea or Productisation Grant, only the remaining eligible amount can be claimed

How selection works: Screening by KSUM officials, then an Expert Committee pitch scored on team, product innovation, marketing, financials and the grant utilisation plan, then approval by the CEO or Chairman.

How to apply: Apply on the KSUM website during an official call for applications.

The Scaleup Grant is for startups that have already shown the market wants the product and now need to expand.

What you get

• Grant support to expand into new markets, strengthen branding and marketing, enhance product features, and accelerate customer acquisition and revenue growth
• Money released in milestone tranches against performance benchmarks

Who can apply

• Revenue from the product in the last six months, or external equity investment already raised — the scheme page states the thresholds for each
• You must own an innovative technology-based product
• A valid KSUM Unique ID
• Incorporated as a private limited company, LLP or OPC with active MCA status
• If you already took the Idea, Productisation or Market Acceleration Grant, only the remaining eligible amount can be claimed
• Half the approved grant must be brought as margin money

The grant is meant mainly for marketing, branding, business development and customer acquisition, with only limited product enhancement.

How selection works: Screening, an Expert Committee pitch on team, product innovation, marketing, financials and the utilisation plan, then approval by the CEO or Chairman.

How to apply: Apply on the KSUM website during an official call for applications.

The BCDD Funding Support Scheme is run by KSUM with the Backward Classes Development Department of the Government of Kerala, to bring more founders from Backward Classes into Kerala's startup base.

What you get

• Structured support in two parts: an idea component for concept validation and a productisation component for prototype development, market entry and early growth
• Money released in milestone tranches

Who can apply

• Graduates of any stream from Backward Classes (OBC)
• Aged between 23 and 40
• For the productisation component, at least 80 percent shareholding owned by OBC founders
• The startup must own an innovative technology-based product
• Company incorporation and a KSUM Unique ID are mandatory before funds are released
• Only one idea at a time; two grants will not be sanctioned simultaneously

How selection works: KSUM officials screen the applications, then shortlisted founders make a final pitch on Pitch Day to an Expert Committee that includes BCDD officials. Scoring covers team, product innovation, marketing, financials and the grant utilisation plan.

How to apply: Apply on the KSUM website during an official call for applications.

The Seed Support Scheme lends to early-stage startups against purchase orders they have already won, so they can deliver the work. When we last checked, the scheme page carried a coming-soon button rather than an open call, while the funding index still showed it as open — worth confirming with the scheme office before you plan around it.

What you get

• Seed funding as a loan against purchase orders, to support product development, customer development, marketing and scaling up
• Disbursal in instalments, subject to fund availability

Who can apply

• Registered in Kerala as an LLP or private limited company, with an active KSUM Unique ID
• DIPP registration and active or active-compliant MCA status
• Working on an innovative product or technology — the scheme is not generally given to service startups or SMEs in trade and commerce
• No pending dues with any government agency, KSUM or another incubator in the state, and not blacklisted
• The director should have a good CIBIL score, preferably above 750

How selection works: An online application in two parts, a business profile and a seed proposal. Then a one-to-one call with KSUM representatives and an initial pitch to the KSUM team or sub-committee, then a final pitch to the Seed Expert Committee. The page gives an indicative timeline of application on day zero, shortlisting around day 15 and pitching around day 30.

How to apply: Online through the KSUM website when the call opens.

The Scale-up Seed Support Scheme bridges the gap between KSUM's early-stage grants and venture capital, for startups that are already selling and want to expand.

What you get

• Collateral-free debt, or instruments such as convertible debentures or convertible preference shares
• Support for product enhancement, business expansion, marketing, and licences and certifications
• Soft-loan terms: 6 percent simple interest a year, a 12-month moratorium, repayment over 36 monthly instalments, and prepayment allowed without penalty

Who can apply

• Registered in Kerala as a private limited company with active MCA status
• DPIIT startup recognition and a KSUM Unique ID
• Working on an innovative product or technology, not a service or trading business
• Revenue from the product over the last four quarters, or investment already received from an angel network or VC — the page states both thresholds
• Revenue in the quarter immediately before you apply, with preference for month-on-month growth
• No pending dues with any government agency and not blacklisted

How selection works: An online application in two parts, then a one-to-one call and initial pitch, then a final pitch to the Scale-up Seed Fund Expert Committee. It scores market need, feasibility, scalability, impact, team strength, revenue traction and the fund utilisation plan.

How to apply: Online through the KSUM website.

This scheme funds the gap between winning a government order and being paid for it. The loan is capped at 80 percent of the purchase order value and is disbursed as an advance against the milestone payments the client has agreed.

What you get

• Working capital as a soft loan against a purchase order from a Kerala government department or public sector undertaking
• 6 percent simple interest, repaid within one year or on completion of the project with full settlement, whichever comes first
• Disbursal from the second instalment depends on the client certifying satisfactory completion of a milestone

Who can apply

• Registered in Kerala as an LLP or private limited company, with an active KSUM Unique ID
• DIPP registration and active or active-compliant MCA status
• Working on an innovative product or technology, not a service or trading business
• No pending dues with any government agency, KSUM or another incubator in the state, and not blacklisted
• The director should have a good CIBIL score, preferably above 750

How to apply: Apply from the scheme page on the KSUM website.

This is a Government of India scheme, not a Kerala one. KSUM's funding page labels it central funded, and KSUM's role is to evaluate and support applicants through its own committee process. It covers the stretch before a startup is ready for angel or venture money.

What you get

• Grant support for proof of concept, prototype development and product trials
• Investment through debt or convertible instruments for market entry and scaling up

Who can apply

• A DPIIT-recognised startup incorporated not more than two years ago at the time of application
• A business idea with market fit, viable commercialisation and scope to scale
• Technology in the core product, service, business model, distribution model or methodology
• Indian promoter shareholding of at least 51 percent
• You may take the grant and the debt or convertible support once each
• You must not have taken more than the scheme's stated ceiling of monetary support under any other central or state scheme, excluding prize money, subsidised workspace, founder allowance and lab or prototyping access

Preference goes to startups working on social impact, waste and water management, financial inclusion, education, agriculture, food processing, biotechnology, healthcare, energy, mobility, defence, space, railways, oil and gas, and textiles.

How selection works: A one-to-one call with KSUM representatives for pre-evaluation, then an initial pitch to the KSUM team or sub-committee, then a final pitch to the ISMC expert committee, which recommends disbursal.

How to apply: Online, through the scheme's official website; KSUM's page links to the central scheme's eligibility details.

NIDHI PRAYAS — Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups — is a Department of Science and Technology scheme. KSUM describes itself as a designated PRAYAS Centre for Kerala, which is how innovators in the state reach it. The page showed a coming-soon button rather than an open call when we last checked.

What you get

• Grant support for prototype development, testing, validation and limited commercialisation readiness
• Support for a maximum of 18 months
• Money released in milestone tranches against progress reports and utilisation certificates

Who can apply

• Indian citizens over 18, applying as an individual innovator or an early-stage startup
• The idea must be at proof-of-concept stage
• The proposal must involve building a physical product — pure software projects are not eligible
• You must not have taken PRAYAS support before, for this or any other idea
• The innovator must commit to working full time on the project during the grant

How selection works: Preliminary screening and technical evaluation by KSUM, then a presentation to the PRAYAS Monitoring Committee, judged on innovation, technical feasibility, the prototype development plan and market potential.

How to apply: Through the KSUM or NIDHI PRAYAS portal during a call for proposals.

The NIDHI Seed Support Programme comes from NSTEDB under the Department of Science and Technology. It is for startups that have already spent time inside an incubator and are moving from a validated idea towards commercialisation.

What you get

• Support for proof of concept, prototype development, product validation, market trials, initial market entry and commercialisation
• Disbursal in instalments, processed by KSUM

Who can apply

• A company registered in India, preferably DPIIT registered or applied
• At least three months of association with the incubator, in its resident or virtual incubation programme
• A clear unique selling proposition demonstrated through customer validation
• Indian promoter shareholding of at least 51 percent
• Not for Indian subsidiaries of multinational or foreign companies; OCI and PIO holders count as Indian citizens here
• Preference goes to startups that have not taken central or state government funding before

How selection works: Online application through the KSUM website, then a one-to-one call and an initial pitch, then a final pitch to the NIDHI Seed Support Management Committee, whose recommendation drives disbursal.

How to apply: Online through the KSUM website.

Pre-incubation is KSUM's entry programme for innovators and first-time founders with an early, scalable technology idea.

What you get

• Work on idea validation, problem-solution fit and rapid prototyping
• Structured mentorship and guided experimentation
• Founder preparedness work before you commit to building

Who can apply

• Idea-stage startups, innovators and first-time founders
• SparkX supports Idea Grant recipients through validation and into product development
• SparkX Creative Tech, delivered with Kalamandalam, is for innovators in the creative and cultural industries
• SparkX: AI & IT is for students and first-time founders, combining weekly masterclasses with hands-on guidance

How to apply: Through the incubation and acceleration pages on the KSUM website.

Incubation is the middle stage of KSUM's programme ladder, for startups with something built that now needs customers.

What you get

• Deep mentoring and access to infrastructure
• Customer discovery and go-to-market support
• Preparation for early-stage funding

Who can apply

• MVP-stage startups entering the market, with a product focus
• GrowthX supports Productisation Grant recipients and was listed as coming soon when we last checked
• KERA, a Government of Kerala initiative with the World Bank, works on agriculture and rural livelihoods, connecting farmers, startups and agri-entrepreneurs
• Bio-AI is for startups at the intersection of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, Ayurveda, spices, biodiversity and life sciences

How to apply: Through the incubation and acceleration pages on the KSUM website.

Acceleration is KSUM's top programme rung, for startups that already earn revenue and want to scale and raise.

What you get

• Advanced strategic mentoring
• Investor and enterprise connections
• Market expansion support and execution-focused growth work

Who can apply

• Revenue-generating startups, investment-ready ventures and high-growth companies
• LeapX is the B2B SaaS track, aimed at revenue growth, go-to-market strategy and enterprise-scale adoption
• LeapX AVGC XR is for animation, visual effects, gaming, comics and immersive technology startups, and adds market access and investment facilitation

How to apply: Both LeapX tracks were open for applications from the incubation and acceleration page when we last checked.

WE Start is the first step in KSUM's women's programme pipeline, for founders who have an idea but not yet a product.

What you get

• Work on idea and problem validation
• Business models and product thinking
• Early customer discovery
• Building a working MVP by the end of the programme

Who can apply

• Early-stage women founders
• Aspiring women entrepreneurs who have not started yet

How to apply: Through the women's programmes page on the KSUM website, which also publishes a programme handbook in English and Malayalam.

WE Grow is the second step in KSUM's women's pipeline, for founders who have built something and now need it to earn.

What you get

• Focused workshops on business model validation, MVP refinement, go-to-market strategy and fundraising
• Group mentoring and peer learning
• A Demo Day at the end, aimed at growth and investment readiness

Who can apply

• Women-led startups with an MVP, working towards sustainable revenue

How to apply: Through the women's programmes page on the KSUM website.

Alongside WE Start and WE Grow, KSUM runs four more things for women founders.

What you get

• A co-incubation with NSRCEL at IIM Bangalore, offering structured mentoring, learning and ecosystem access to women-led startups across India
• She Builds Tech, a hackathon-to-pre-incubation track for women student innovators building AI prototypes: 20 hours of building followed by two months of mentorship
• LeadHER Talk, a series in which women leaders, founders and investors share their journeys and lessons
• The Women Startup Summit, an annual gathering of women founders, investors, mentors, policymakers and ecosystem partners

How to apply: Through the women's programmes page on the KSUM website.

IEDCs are the centres KSUM has set up inside higher education institutions so students can experiment, build and, if it works, start something.

What you get

• For students: the Idea Box, a three-month pre-incubation programme that takes an idea to an MVP or a defined MVP plan, with mentorship, expert reviews and structured validation; and IEDC NEST, a community platform for students who run IEDC activity at state and cluster level
• For institutions: Idea Fest, where student teams present ideas or college projects to an expert panel and shortlisted teams receive grant support for further development; onboarding as a LEAP coworking centre; an accreditation process covering leadership, infrastructure, programmes, industry linkage and outcomes; and a Unique ID issued to the official IEDC email, valid for a year and tied to accreditation status

Who can apply

• Students and faculty at engineering, management, arts and science colleges, medical institutions, polytechnics and universities in Kerala
• Institutions that meet the prescribed criteria for a Unique ID or LEAP onboarding

How to apply: Through the IEDC pages on the KSUM website.

RINK exists to get research out of Kerala's labs and into the market, and to give deep-technology founders the scientific infrastructure they need.

What you get

• An R&D grant for deep-technology startups developing research-driven products
• Sector-specific incubation and scientific mentorship
• Access to instrumentation facilities, and an instrumentation portal that digitally maps scientific instruments across Kerala's institutions
• Exposure visits to research institutions and scientific facilities, with direct access to scientists
• Demo days where institutions showcase commercialisable technologies for transfer
• Researchpreneurship, a virtual one-to-one idea validation programme for researchers
• A technology transfer catalogue of technologies available for licensing, co-development and commercialisation
• IPR support through partner institutions

Who can apply

• Researchers, research-driven and deep-technology startups, and institutions with technology to license

How to apply: Through the RINK pages on the KSUM website.

The Fund of Funds is how KSUM puts capital into the market indirectly. It launched in 2018 and has partnered with 16 venture capital funds. Founders do not apply here; fund managers do, and the startups benefit when those funds invest.

What you get

• KSUM participates as a Limited Partner in the fund
• Professional capital deployment through experienced fund managers, with risk spread across a portfolio

Who can apply

• SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds, Category I and II
• Fund managers with an active or proposed strategy aligned with startups based in or operating from Kerala
• Institutional and professional fund management entities

How selection works: Periodic calls for proposals. Fund managers submit their strategy, investment focus, governance structure and Kerala alignment; proposals go through structured evaluation and due diligence before selected funds are onboarded.

How to apply: Express an interest from the scheme page during a call. A Creative Economy Fund, aimed at media, design, content, gaming and cultural ventures, is proposed under the same framework and was not yet live when we last checked.

KSUM works on both halves of the funding problem — founders who cannot pitch, and local capital that does not know how to invest.

What you get

• VC 101 Bootcamp, which explains how venture capital actually works and what investors are looking for
• Pitch Day, a first step in the fundraising journey that helps founders articulate traction, business model and growth strategy
• Investor Cafe, curated one-to-one meetings between investment-ready startups and active investors
• Fundraising resources, tools and templates
• Ignite, an investor education programme for high net worth individuals who want to invest in startups
• Seeding Kerala, an annual investor meet bringing together angels, HNIs and institutional investors

Who can apply

• Founders raising money, and individuals interested in early-stage investing

How to apply: Through the investments pages on the KSUM website.

This is KSUM's demand-side work: getting someone to buy what the startups in its ecosystem have built.

What you get

• Product Showcase, a digital platform where startup solutions are displayed for corporates, MSMEs and industry stakeholders
• Reverse Pitch, which flips the format so corporates present their business challenges to startups instead
• Industry Challenges, inviting startups to solve real operational problems industries have posted
• Big Demo Day, a virtual expo where startups pitch directly to corporates and MSMEs
• Corporate Innovations, structured cohorts and challenges run with corporate partners
• Government as a Marketplace, which opens direct government procurement to startup products

Who can apply

• Startups with a product a corporate, MSME or government department could adopt

How to apply: Through the market expansion pages on the KSUM website.

FabLab Kerala is KSUM's digital fabrication arm, described as part of the MIT-affiliated Fab Lab Network. It is where hardware gets made rather than discussed.

What you get

• Machining and fabrication services covering additive, subtractive and electronics work
• Product design and development, including 3D design and PCB design
• Applied R&D research collaborations
• Fab Academy, a global diploma programme in digital fabrication and invention, and Fab D-Lite, a lighter version for designers
• Skill-focused workshops on tools, machines and fabrication workflows
• A Creator Residency Fellowship of six months to a year, for creators researching, prototyping and building projects with digital fabrication tools
• Internships and fellowships of six months to a year
• Open innovation events including Fab Challenge, Tinkerfest and Innovation Week

Who can apply

• Individuals, institutions, makers, students and startups

How to apply: Through the fablab pages on the KSUM website, which also publish a guideline document. A Fab Membership giving structured access to machines and programmes was listed as coming soon when we last checked.