Govt Extends KSUM’s IEDC Programme to all Higher Education Campuses

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Seeking to scale up student entrepreneurship and innovation, Kerala Government has extended the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centres (IEDCs) programme implemented by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) to all higher education institutions (HEIs) in the state.

The decision widens the scope of the IEDC programme, which initially covered universities, colleges and polytechnics, to all campuses under the Higher Education Department, based on a proposal submitted by KSUM in this regard.

The decision is expected result in formation of IEDCs in around 1000 campuses across the state.

The Government also issued a set of detailed guidelines regarding formation, structure, student and faculty participation and the role of HEIs for the implementation of the IEDC program.

The decision will enable all HEIs under the Higher Education Department to set up IEDCs, including Arts & Science, Engineering, Polytechnic, Music, Law, Fine Arts, Training, Physical Education and other colleges.

Noting that the scaling up of IEDC programme will profoundly impact the state’s startup ecosystem, KSUM CEO Shri Anoop Ambika said the project will open up immense opportunities for students to translate their ideas and skills into marketable products.

As per the guidelines, IEDC in each campus will be chaired by its principal, who can approve the activities based on the plan submitted by the Nodal Officer concerned. A faculty representative from each department has to be nominated by the principal or HOD as member of the institute’s IEDC council.

A 10-member student executive committee has to be formed with two of them as lead members, of whom at least one should be a woman, to be entrusted with various responsibilities for the effective conduct of IEDCs.

In each campus, an area not exceeding 1000 sqft has to be earmarked for IEDC with necessary infrastructure, and eventually upgrading them into LEAP Cowork spaces.

KSUM will form district level IEDC clusters and organise IEDC summit every year in association with the Higher Education Department. KSUM will award the best performing IEDCswith grants for scaling up innovation and entrepreneurship activities.

HEIs will offer elective courses, both minor and major grades, related to entrepreneurship and startup development, making them integral part of course curriculum.

IEDCs can identify revenue generation models through alumni and CSR funds for their self-sustainability. They can also form micro funds to invest in early-stage startups and ideas.

The guidelines also cover the entire spectrum of the programme including the responsibilities of executive committee and lead members relating to technology, quality and operation, finance innovation, branding and marketing, community relations, women entrepreneurship and IPR and Research.