SCHEME

OVERVIEW

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centres (IEDC) are platforms set up in Engineering, Management, Arts & Science Colleges, Medical Institutions, Polytechnics and Universities with an aim to provide students with an opportunity to experiment and innovate. Kerala Startup Mission has set up IEDCs in higher educational institutions across the State which provide avenues for creative students to learn, collaborate and transform their innovative ideas into prototypes of viable products and services. IEDCs works as the first launch pad for a student’s entrepreneurial journey and provide them with access to cutting edge technology, world-class infrastructure, high-quality mentorship, early risk capital and global exposure.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IEDC) is a flagship initiative of Kerala Startup Mission to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among the student and academic fraternity in the educational institutions in the State of Kerala and considered as an umbrella programme that would play an instrumental role in fostering innovation culture in Academic institutions.

Programs

Schemes

Programs

Idea Box Pre Incubation Program

The Idea Box is a structured three-month pre-incubation program implemented by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) to support student innovators in transforming their ideas into a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or a well-defined MVP Plan. Through focused mentorship, expert reviews, and structured validation processes, the program enables participants to refine their concepts, validate problem statements, and build a strong foundation for further incubation and market entry.

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SALT

Startup Awareness and Leadership Training (SALT) is a programme designed for students of 9th and 11th standards to introduce them to entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. IEDCs may implement the programme in nearby schools with mentorship support from Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), giving preference to institutions with Tinker Labs. SALT aims to build entrepreneurial awareness and scientific temper among students, covering basics of entrepreneurship, leadership, and communication. Participants who successfully complete the programme will be awarded certificates and recognition.

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IEDC SMILE

Kerala Startup Mission has introduced a novel initiative, SMILE – Startup Mentorship for Innovation, Learning and Entrepreneurship, an innovator–mentor engagement program designed to facilitate structured one-to-one interactions between ideators/innovators and experienced mentors. The program offers a unique opportunity for participants to leverage the knowledge and expertise of industry leaders, seasoned founders, and subject matter experts from the startup ecosystem. SMILE is envisaged as a stage-specific mentorship platform, addressing the diverse needs of ideators and innovators at different phases of their entrepreneurial journey.

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IEDC Cluster

As part of strengthening grassroots-level innovation, KSUM has established district-wise IEDC clusters as collaborative networks of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Cells (IEDCs) within each district. These clusters facilitate coordinated activities, knowledge sharing, peer learning, and optimal utilization of resources, thereby advancing KSUM’s mission of fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological skill development across educational institutions.

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IEDC Nest

IEDC NEST is a dynamic platform within the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centres (IEDCs) dedicated to nurturing the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. Serving as the first launch pad for students beginning their entrepreneurial journey, IEDC NEST fosters a culture of creativity, leadership, and forward-thinking within educational institutions. Its mission is to empower students with the skills, exposure, and entrepreneurial mindset required to thrive in the innovation ecosystem, while building a strong community of passionate individuals who actively lead and contribute to IEDC activities at the state and cluster level.

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Schemes

Idea Fest

IDEA FEST provides innovators with an opportunity to present their ideas or college projects that have the potential to be developed into practical, real-world solutions before an expert panel. Based on the development stage, feasibility, and innovative value of the ideas, shortlisted teams are eligible to receive grants of up to ₹2 lakh to support further development and validation.

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LEAP Coworks in IEDCs

As part of strengthening the startup ecosystem, KSUM is transforming its incubation centres, partner incubation centres, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centres (IEDCs) into vibrant coworking spaces under the brand LEAP Coworks. LEAP, which stands for Launch, Empower, Accelerate, Prosper, reflects KSUM’s commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. KSUM is now extending this opportunity to IEDCs across the state to become part of the LEAP initiative. IEDCs that meet the prescribed minimum requirements, or are willing to establish the required infrastructure and standards, will be onboarded as LEAP Centres

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Accreditation of IEDCs

The accreditation of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centers (IEDCs) signifies a structured commitment to excellence in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within higher education institutions. IEDCs serve as dynamic hubs that nurture creativity, startup culture, and entrepreneurial mindsets among students and faculty, contributing significantly to institutional and economic growth. The accreditation process systematically evaluates key aspects such as leadership, infrastructure, programs, industry linkage, and measurable outcomes to ensure quality standards and effectiveness. Beyond recognition, accreditation functions as a framework for continuous improvement, strengthening the overall innovation ecosystem and enhancing the impact of IEDCs at regional and national levels.

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Unique ID for IEDCs

IEDCs are being introduced with a Unique ID system to ensure streamlined monitoring, efficient data management, and standardized institutional recognition. Each IEDC will be assigned an exclusive Unique ID upon fulfilling the prescribed mandatory criteria. The Unique ID certificate will be issued to the official IEDC email ID and will remain valid for one year. From this year onwards, the validity of the Unique ID will be linked to the accreditation status of the IEDC.

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