KOZHIKODE:
Aiming to test the innovative skills and technical knowledge of fledgling companies, Kochi-based Maker Village, one of India’s largest incubators, will team up with Bosch, a leading global supplier of technology and services, to host ‘Bosch DNA Grand Challenge’ for electronics startup companies.
At the event to be held at National Institute of Technology (NIT), Calicut on Saturday (Oct. 22) as 
Prof Lyla Das of NIT-Calicut will deliver the key-note address on ‘Role of Incubators’. The event, scheduled to begin at 3.30 pm, will have brainstorming sessions on ‘Regional development on the growth of technology based small enterprises’ and vision of electronic startups. Rohan Kalani, Operations Director of Maker Village and Sanoj Somasundaran, General Manager, Hardware at Bosch, will introduce the challenge during the event.
Maker Village, focusing on electronic products, is a state of the art public-private partnership (PPP) model incubator in partnership with the Government of India, Government of Kerala, KSUM, IIITM-K, and Startup Village, as well as Bosch. The Bosch Group, a global giant and innovator active in 150 countries, is a leading supplier of technology and services in the areas of Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology.
“Most of the electronic startups fail to convert prototypes into desired products. Hence, we will give the participants a set of minimum five challenges based on the product requirements. The solution to the problem statement should broadly fall into the categories of smart city solutions, Internet of Things (IoT), wearables, robotics and embedded electronic products,” said Rohan of Maker Village.
The best solutions will be selected and offered pre-incubation for three months at Maker Village to develop a prototype. Bosch will sponsor the pre-incubation. The teams can also choose to work from their own premises or make use of the facilities offered.
“Bosch will offer prototype support of up to Rs. 50,000 per team. Bosch and Maker Village will support with maker space and mentorship,” Sanoj pointed out.
Teams which are able to successfully demonstrate the prototype will be declared winners. Each winning team will be offered a cash prize of Rs. one lakh and incubation at Maker Village for 12 months.
Students can register at https://goo.gl/forms/xhI55h7UC9zWTWDI2 for participation.
