Focus on obtaining industry insights from experts

KOCHI: Barely two years into its launch, NASSCOM is planning to expand its Start-up Warehouse at Kakkanad to reach across the State.

Discussions are on with academia and industry to make Kerala a sustainable ecosystem for start-ups, NASSCOM sources said.

At present, it has a built-up space of 7,000 sq ft with seating capacity for 70. Till now, as many as 19 start-ups have matured from the warehouse. A company is allocated a maximum of four seats for six months expandable up to 18 months.

NASSCOM offers seed capital to growth capital with the additional option for select start-ups to raise money through a angel investors, venture capitalists, and government funds.

Under NASSCOM’s ‘10,000 Startup Programme’, start-ups can work with the top accelerator program, get access to mentoring and pitching and industry insights from experts. Short-listed start-ups get to showcase their products to top executives of India Inc. and explore strategic partnerships. Besides, there is a platform to help the short-listed start-ups spot the right talent in the most convenient way free of cost.

KSIDC’S IT incubator at Kakkanad, which turned operational in 2014, offers a built-up space of 4,600 sq ft. A maximum of nine seats are offered to a company initially. The space is allotted for a period of 11 months with extension subject to project completion. However, the highlight is the seed fund offer of ₹25 lakh to select start-ups. Two years after launching its incubator, KSIDC also set up a Start-up Zone with a built-up space of 5,000 sq ft.

Technolodge at Piravom, which started operation in 2013, offers a built-up space of 6,000 sq ft with seating capacity for 215. Most start-ups being incubated are related to IT, while other areas like animation and video editing are also covered. There are no time restrictions for the space allocated.

“We offer a complete package for start-ups, ranging from state-of-the-art infrastructure to mentorship and company registration to even a cooperative society. Expansion plans are also under way to accommodate more entrepreneurs,” said Baiju Nedumkary, managing partner of Technolodge.