Asia's Next Generation Business School
Asia's Next Generation Business School
So, you’ve got a brilliant idea and the fire to make it big? Whether you’re sitting in a small town in Kerala or the heart of a buzzing tech city, the good news is this: you don’t need to do it alone.
Kerala has become one of India’s most vibrant startup ecosystems, thanks to the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) — a government initiative that’s empowering entrepreneurs with funding, mentoring, infrastructure, and more.
If you’re a startup founder or an aspiring one, this guide is for YOU. We’ll break down exactly how to get started and unlock all the resources available to you.
Before anything, your startup needs to exist legally.
Register as a Private Limited Company or LLP (Limited Liability Partnership)
Start here: MCA – Company Registration Portal
This step ensures your business is recognized legally, and it unlocks access to tax benefits, grants, and investment opportunities.
To be eligible for national-level benefits and schemes:
Create a profile on Startup India Portal
Apply for DPIIT Recognition through the National Single Window System (NSWS)
(Note: You’ll need a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for this step.)
Once recognized, you get:
Tax exemptions
Faster patent application processing
Eligibility for Startup India Seed Fund
Access to international events & bootcamps
This is your golden ticket into Kerala’s startup ecosystem.
Apply at: KSUM Startup Registration
Your KSUM Unique ID gives you access to funding, mentorship, workspaces, and more from the Kerala Startup Mission.
Once you’re in the ecosystem, here are the top resources that can supercharge your journey:
Get early-stage funding to bring your product idea to life.
Apply here: Innovation Grant
Get your product or service listed for procurement by government departments!
Explore GAAM: Govt. as Market Place
Affordable, well-equipped workspaces across Kerala.
Find one near you: Leap Co-working
Raise early capital to scale your startup.
Apply here: Seed Fund
Collaborate with businesses for pilot projects, POCs, or partnerships.
Explore here: Business Platform
Connect with seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and domain experts.
Join the network: Mentor Connect
Get discounts, partner benefits, and exclusive invites to events and programs.
Apply here: Leap Card
File patents with financial support from the government.
Apply here: Patent Reimbursement
A safe space to pivot, restart or shut down your startup with dignity.
“Failure is part of the journey.”
Learn more: FFS Program
Need help with legal, marketing, or branding? Connect with verified partners.
Find your partner: Service Providers
Government-led programs for women founders, students, innovators, and more.
Browse all schemes: KSUM Schemes
For startups ready to go global. Structured mentorship, investor connects, and access to global markets.
Apply here: LeapX
A treasure trove of learning material, funding updates, and networking events.
Visit Portal
Guides, policies, and updates for Indian entrepreneurs.
Visit Website
School and college students can pitch ideas and get mentored.
More on YIP
KSUM helps select startups expand to the Middle East, EU & USA.
Check updates on KSUM News
Investor-Pitch-Deck-Template-by-Kerala Start Up Misson
The total innovation grant amount is upto Rs.15 lakhs for startups and
Rs.20 Lakhs grant for Women Startups. Visit this link to know more about Innovation Grant Schems.
The road to entrepreneurship isn’t easy, but with the right support, it is possible.
KSUM and Startup India have created a startup-friendly launchpad — all it takes is your courage to begin.
Whether you’re building the next health-tech innovation, a sustainable fashion brand, or a new AI tool — Kerala wants to help you build it right here.
So why wait? Start today. The ecosystem is ready for you.
👉 Need help navigating this journey? Feel free to ask me anything — from incorporation to funding! misab@dibs.edu.in
Dr. Misab PT COO, Duxford Edupark Programme Chair, Duxford International Business School (DIBS)
