THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
In an ambitious project to guide the NRIs to set up technology ventures in the state, Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) has joined hands with Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) department to train them to launch or scale-up technology startups through the Norka Pravasi Startup Programme (NPSP).
Under the project, KSUM will select the best technology startups from among over 300 applicants from various domains, who will be given thorough guidance and training.
The programme has been designed to cover all the major areas of entrepreneurship and help the returnees start their ventures with sound domain knowledge and confidence.It will facilitate the NRIs by means of various technology business opportunities, which they can adopt and contribute to the state’s economic development. The prevailing trends and advancements in technology, which can ultimately create value, will be communicated to the participants through the programme.
Starting from December 23, in the first batch, NPSP will include idea valuation, handholding, mentoring, experience sharing sessions, introduction to startup journey, startup Do’s and Don’ts, support mechanism and incubation support.
It seeks to identify aspiring entrepreneurs among the NRIs and facilitate them through various technology business opportunities.NPSP also aims to tap the IT skills of NRIs and enable them to set up entrepreneurships that are beneficial to the state.
The participants for NPSP will be selected by a screening committee and they will be taken through a three-month intensive programme. It will give a clear idea to the participants to decide on the business sector they have to focus on or how to add value to their business investments.
The selected candidates shall be eligible for getting financial assistance through the existing Norka Department Project for Returned Emigrants (NDPREM) scheme.Those who successfully completes the programme will get loan and working capital subsidies as part of NORKA Rehabilitation Programme.
KSUM is the nodal agency of the Kerala Government for entrepreneurship development and incubation activities in the state.
