This grant supports startups in the critical product development stage, aiding them in transforming their Minimum Viable Prototype (MVP) into a market-ready final product. It is administered by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), a flagship initiative of the Government of Kerala. KSUM plays a pivotal role in nurturing the state's startup ecosystem, acting as a central agency for various government-led programs aimed at supporting technology-driven entrepreneurship, from ideation to scale-up. Through this grant and other initiatives, KSUM aims to foster a culture of innovation, create job opportunities, and position Kerala as a leading startup hub in India.
The Productisation Grant specifically targets the phase where a promising prototype needs rigorous development, testing, and refinement to meet market demands. This financial support helps bridge the gap between technical innovation and commercial viability, enabling startups to overcome the common challenges associated with bringing a new product to market, such as funding for advanced development, certifications, and initial user feedback cycles.
The scheme provides financial assistance up to ₹7 lakhs for general applicants, with an enhanced provision of up to ₹12 lakhs for women-led startups where women hold a major share. Startups that have previously secured an Idea Grant are eligible to apply for the remaining balance. Funds are disbursed in milestone-based tranches, adhering to KSUM's specified guidelines. This financial assistance is structured to align with developmental milestones, ensuring that funds are utilized effectively for product advancement. This approach not only provides crucial capital but also encourages disciplined project management and accountability from the grantees.
The grant is exclusively for startups owning innovative technology-based products. It is intended to strengthen product development efforts, facilitate essential testing and validation, and prepare products for early market entry. Explicitly prohibited expenses include founder salaries, purchase of fixed assets like land, buildings, or high-end equipment exceeding ₹2 lakhs, rent, and major infrastructure setup costs.
