Kerala Startup Mission

Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM)

Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) is the nodal agency of the Government of Kerala for promoting entrepreneurship and incubation activities across the state. Established in 2006, KSUM functions as the implementing body for the Kerala Technology Startup Policy and is headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram.

Key Programs

Pre-Incubation (3–6 months): Focused on idea generation, refinement, and feasibility testing. Open to student entrepreneurs and early innovators.

Incubation (6–12 months): Provides physical workspace, seed funding, mentorship, and entrepreneurial training as startups build their product and prepare for market entry.

Acceleration (3–6 months): Supports business model refinement, investor matchmaking, and market readiness. KSUM runs a Business & Technology Accelerator at KINFRA Film & Video Park, Thiruvananthapuram, in partnership with Ernst & Young.

Innovation Grant Scheme: Provides up to ₹12 lakhs in seed funding to shortlisted innovators and startups, prioritizing early-stage product development.

NIDHI-PRAYAS Grants: KSUM is an implementing partner for DST's NIDHI-PRAYAS, offering grants up to ₹10 lakhs for idea-to-prototype development.

LEAP Coworks: A statewide network of 15+ co-working spaces across Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode.

Super Fab Lab: India's first Super Fab Lab (inaugurated 2020 in Kochi) — a 10,000 sq. ft. hardware innovation facility equipped with ₹7+ crore in machinery.

Track Record

As of 2025, KSUM has supported 8,000+ registered startups, facilitated over $665 million in funding, created 65,000+ jobs, and engaged 100,000+ students annually. Over ₹25 crore in grants disbursed after reviewing 8,000+ ideas and funding 550+ startups.

Who Should Apply

KSUM is ideal for Kerala-based startups and student entrepreneurs at the ideation, validation, and early-revenue stages working on technology-driven innovations — particularly in AI, IoT, hardware, healthtech, agritech, cleantech, and SaaS. Startups incorporated as private limited companies, LLPs, or partnership firms with turnover under ₹100 crore and less than 10 years old are eligible.