: A state-wide Startup Yatra, to nurture aspiring entrepreneurs in Keralas tier 2 and 3 cities, was flagged off by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here Thursday.
The first-of-its kind road show will cover over 1,000 km through the length and breadth of the state, with stop-overs at scores of educational institutions, a press release said.
Its primary objective was to identify promising entrepreneurs from the states smaller cities, offer them support in terms of incubation and mentorship from renowned institutions and also help them tide over lack of resources.
It is being organised by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) in collaboration with the Startup India, the Central governments flagship initiative to empower startups through innovation and design.
The campaign will travel up to Kasaragod, the northernmost district and will conclude in a grand finale at the state capitals Park Centre on November 26-27.
Prizes totally worth Rs 10 lakh and incubation support would be given to the winners.
The main aim of Startup Yatra is to trace aspiring entrepreneurs, encourage their ideas and provide them with all support to nurture their unique ideas," IT Secretary M Sivasankar said.
As part of the yatra, eight boot camps and 14 van stops have been planned across the states 14 districts.
The boot camps, to be held at colleges and universities, will hold ideation workshops and idea-pitching sessions for students.
Aspiring entrepreneurs can present their ideas to a panel and the winners will get an opportunity to participate in a two-day acceleration programme with a leading incubator.
At the end of the programme, the shortlisted candidates will be able to pitch for offers by incubators as well as incentives by the state government, the release said.
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