KSUM invites applications for National Research Innovation Challenge

Kochi : Going further with its efforts to translate research-centric ideas into products having commercial viability, Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) is organizing a National Research Innovation Challenge (NRIC) this summer in partnership with the Strategic Alliances Division, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India.

The applicants should be researchers at higher-education establishments of national or state level, recognized research institutes or universities. Those interested can apply by April 30 for the research incubation programme under KSUM’s Research Innovation Network-Kerala (RINK) that facilitates links between frontline research organisations, startups, industry, corporate houses and government agencies.

Applications can be made at https://startupmission.kerala.gov.in/pages/nric.

Fifteen applications carrying innovative ideas will be considered for the NRIC incubation programme, for which authorities have earmarked Rs 25 lakh. Those selected and ranked first, second and third will get respective grants of Rs 10 lakh, 8 lakh and 5 lakh.

The topper will get Rs 10 lakh in total: Rs 5 lakh for product development, Rs 3 lakh to set up office and Rs 2 lakh towards rent. The thematic areas include space science, agriculture, healthcare, life science, smart city, cyber security, cloud computing, consumer tech and Ayurveda.

The state government will be developing Translational Research Centres in the university campuses of Kerala. Startups and incubation centres will be set up along with these centres. The selected applicants will be encouraged to register startups and they will be supported by translational research centres to convert their research ideas into products.

The 2006-founded KSUM is the nodal agency for the promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship in the state.