Karnataka Tourism department today said it is conducting an open challenge(hackathon) to crowd-source innovative solutions and productsfrom startups working in the area of Tourism.

Government through this challenge is inviting proposals from early stage startups to present their productsor solutions for adoption and roll out in the Department of Tourism, a release said.

Startups with products and applications thatfacilitate and promote Tourism may sign up and apply online atthe Startup Karnataka portal, it said, adding the last date for submission is September 22.

Department of Tourism in association with Karnataka Startup Cell, KBITS (Karnataka Biotechnology andInformation Technology Services), Department of IT and BT isconducting the open challenge on the occasion of the WorldTourism Day.

The jury would consist of eminent members of the startup ecosystem along with senior officials of Department of Tourism and IT & BT.

"This is a first of its kind initiative in the country and it is a great opportunity for startups in tourism sector to showcase their technology solutions and pitch to government and a panel of industry experts directly on theoccasion of World Tourism Day," Minister for IT & BT, TourismPriyank Kharge said.

"The Idea2POC grant of Rs 50 Lakh for the winning startups will also provide a boost to take their idea to the next level," he said.

Noting that that winner shall have to register with Karnataka Startup Cell to be eligible for such funding, Khargealso said startups are eligible for 'MoA' that shall be signedwith the Department and the applications or solutions developed will be deployed in collaboration with the objectiveof greater inward Tourism promotion in the State.

Since the intent is to deploy the solution within a short period, priority will be given to startups with productswhich are at a fairly advanced stage of development, Kharge added.

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