KSUM - Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centres (IEDC)
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centres (IEDC) are an initiative of Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) to promote innovation and entrepreneurial thinking among students and academic communities in Kerala. The scheme is currently operational and focuses on establishing campus-based centres that act as the first launch pad for student innovators. Through IEDCs, educational institutions and students are supported to ideate, experiment, and convert innovative ideas into early-stage products and entrepreneurial initiatives.
Key Features
- Campus-Based Innovation Centres: IEDCs are set up within colleges, universities, polytechnics, and other academic institutions to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship at the student level.
- First Launch Pad for Student Innovators: The centres provide students with an initial platform to explore entrepreneurship, develop ideas, and work on real-world problem-solving projects.
- Access to Technology and Infrastructure: IEDCs facilitate access to essential tools, shared labs, and infrastructure required for experimentation, prototyping, and early product development.
- Mentorship and Ecosystem Exposure: Students receive guidance from experienced mentors and industry professionals, helping them understand innovation processes, entrepreneurship basics, and startup pathways.
- Culture of Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The scheme aims to embed a long-term culture of innovation, creativity, and techno-entrepreneurship within academic institutions.
Financial Assistance
IEDCs primarily focus on capability building and ecosystem development. Direct funding is not the core component; however, students are facilitated to access early-stage support through innovation and startup programmes.
Eligibility Criteria
Who can apply:
- Educational institutions located in Kerala
- Students enrolled in recognised academic institutions in Kerala
- Student innovation teams with faculty support
- Aspiring student entrepreneurs
Who cannot apply:
- Institutions outside Kerala
- Individuals not affiliated with academic institutions
- Non-academic commercial entities
Documents Required
- Institutional recognition or affiliation details
- Student identity and enrolment proof
- Brief innovation or project concept note
- Faculty mentor or institutional endorsement
Application Process for the Scheme
Option 1: Apply with Bullit (Recommended)
Start instantly with our guided application support, where our team verifies eligibility, prepares documentation, and coordinates with the Department on your behalf. Using our business loans and compliance calendar, you can track progress while focusing on project execution, we manage the application end-to-end.
Recommended for: Institutions and students seeking structured onboarding and guidance.
Option 2: Apply through Institutional Process
- Institutions express interest in participating in the IEDC programme
- Nominate faculty coordinators and student members
- Submit required institutional and student details
- Receive approval and onboarding support
- Commence IEDC activities within the campus
Related Schemes
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to participate in the IEDC scheme?
Students enrolled in recognised academic institutions in Kerala and institutions willing to promote innovation and entrepreneurship are eligible to participate.
Can individual students apply directly to IEDC?
Participation is typically routed through the academic institution, with students engaging in IEDC activities under faculty and institutional coordination.
Is the IEDC scheme applicable to institutions outside Kerala?
No. The IEDC scheme is applicable only to educational institutions located within the State of Kerala.
How is an IEDC established in an institution?
An IEDC is established through institutional participation, nomination of faculty coordinators, student involvement, and approval under the prescribed programme framework.
What role do faculty members play in IEDC?
Faculty members act as coordinators and mentors, guiding students in innovation activities, project development, and participation in entrepreneurship-related programmes.
What kind of support do students receive through IEDC?
Students receive access to mentorship, shared infrastructure, innovation programmes, workshops, and exposure to entrepreneurial thinking and startup processes.