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In Thiruvananthapuram, on November 30th, Senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, praised Kerala’s startup ecosystem, calling it a shining example in India’s rapidly growing startup scene due to its innovation, creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Tharoor, a four-time Lok Sabha MP, made these remarks at the Huddle Global 2024, India’s flagship startup conclave organised by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), on its third and concluding day at Kovalam here, according to a statement issued by KSUM.
Tharoor, a renowned writer, former diplomat, and influential thinker, titled his speech “The Elephant That Is Becoming a Tiger: India’s Startup Ecosystem and Tech Entrepreneurship,” a clear reference to his book ‘The Elephant, the Tiger, and the Cellphone’, according to the statement.
While praising the achievements of Kerala’s growing startup ecosystem, Tharoor, also emphasised the need for the state to “streamline its regulatory compliances and procedures to enable the aspirational entrepreneurs to start enterprises, attract capital and grow faster”.
Tharoor added, “When it comes to Kerala’s startup ecosystem, there are a lot of reasons to be bullish about, considering its vibrancy and resonance with venture capital providers, across the verticals.”
Additionally, he pointed out that Kerala’s startups have successfully transformed concepts into real-world solutions for everyday problems, showcasing the ability to repurpose and rethink everything.
Tharoor also mentioned “The surge of entrepreneurial culture also helped to turn India from a country of job-seekers to a job-creating economy, though it is a paradox that increasing unemployment has sharpened the youth’s entrepreneurial spirit”.
He also praised Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) for transforming its flagship startup festival into a significant event that unites a wide range of stakeholders which will definitely promote more start-ups and innovation in Kerala.
“It’s amazing to see a wide range of products, including robotics, home automation, and medical technology, on display at the event,” he said.
Kerala Startup Mission partners with British Council to Enhance State’s Creative Economy
Recently, to boost Kerala’s creative economy, the British Council and the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) have signed a letter of intent to bolster the state’s cultural sectors. This partnership aims to speed up the development of important areas like tech art, festivals, and crafts, offering young artists and entrepreneurs chances to succeed both nationally and globally.
The agreement was finalized at Huddle Global, an event for startups and innovation organized by KSUM. The signing ceremony occurred in the presence of Kerala’s Chief Minister, PinarayiVijayan, with Janaka Pushpanathan from the British Council South India and Anoop Ambika, CEO of KSUM, signing the agreement. This collaboration aims to encourage innovation and cultural exchange, aiming to establish Kerala as a center for creative industries.
By concentrating on Kerala’s potential in creative fields like tech art, festivals, and crafts, the partnership is set to create opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs, equipping them with the necessary resources and support to succeed locally and globally. These efforts also seek to contribute to Kerala’s cultural, social, and economic progress, promoting innovation and sustainable livelihoods through the creative economy.
