TEJAS Workshop Brings Together Startup India, KSUM and DIC

KALPETTA:
Around 90 aspiring entrepreneurs, students, innovators, and startup enthusiasts participated in the TEJAS Workshop organised by Startup India in association with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) here with the objective of promoting entrepreneurship and creating awareness about the startup ecosystem and various support mechanisms available for early-stage entrepreneurs.

The programme, organised at Dr Moopen’s Medical College, was inaugurated by College Principal Dr Elizabeth Joseph. Varun R, CEO, Dr. Moopen’s iNEST, welcomed the gathering.

The event witnessed the participation of representatives from Startup India, an e-platform for startups and entrepreneurs, KSUM; and the District Industries Centre (DIC), who shared valuable insights on government initiatives and entrepreneurial support systems.

Startup India Assistant Manager, Snehansh Sinha, and Associate, Anshul Gautam, conducted an interactive session highlighting the various programmes and initiatives offered by the e-platform. They explained the benefits of startup recognition, funding opportunities, policy support, and ecosystem enablers available to entrepreneurs while engaging directly with founders and aspiring entrepreneurs during the workshop.

Dr Deepu Krishnan PR, Assistant Manager, KSUM, delivered a session on Kerala’s vibrant startup ecosystem and the wide range of support extended by KSUM. The session covered grants, seed funding opportunities, incubation support, mentorship programmes, and other initiatives aimed at nurturing innovative startup ideas and enabling aspiring entrepreneurs to build scalable ventures.

Representing the District Industries Centre (DIC), Wayanad, Rakesh Ramu, BDSP (Business Development Service Provider), provided an overview of the various schemes and services offered by the department.

He explained how DIC supports local businesses and startups through business guidance, registration assistance, financial assistance schemes, and access to various government programmes available at the district level.

The workshop also featured a session by Sooraj K. Babu, Portfolio Manager & AI Scientist, Dr. Moopen’s iNEST, on ‘Innovation Beyond the Metros: Why Aspiring Cities Need a Different Playbook’.

Babu emphasized the immense potential of innovation emerging from non-metro regions and the need for localized approaches to startup development.

Amar Rajan, Founder & CEO, Mindcarter, shared his entrepreneurial journey and practical insights into building and scaling startups, offering participants valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and business growth.

The programme concluded with a guided visit to the incubation facilities at Dr. Moopen’s iNEST, providing participants with first-hand exposure to the innovation infrastructure, mentoring ecosystem, and incubation support available for startups.

The workshop was organized as part of the Aspirational Districts Programme with the objective of strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Wayanad by encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation among students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and early-stage founders.

The initiative aimed to create greater awareness about the support available through Startup India, KSUM, and other ecosystem partners, while motivating participants to transform innovative ideas into sustainable ventures.