Keralam positions itself as a value-driven launchpad for deeptech startups

Keralam wants to build its startup ecosystem and lead from the front, espcially in deeptech and AI.

At the inaugural of Huddle Global 2026, a beachside startup festival of the Keralam government, Chief Minister V D Satheesan said, “Our next task is to take Kerala's companies to the world. Kerala does not need the most startups. It must be the place where startups grow stronger.”

The state which had about 300 startups in 2016 now has around 9,200 such young companies with a combined valuation of $1.7 billion. The startup segment of Keralam has attracted over Rs 8,500 crore of funding.

Huddle Global has been positioned by the Keralam government as a showcase of its startup ecosystem and the inaugural edition was held in 2018.

The chief minister said there will be a shift in its approach for its startup ecosystem where the first phase was all about a mission and the second phase is to scale this mission.

He also highlighted that the state government has been supporting the startups through a fund of funds programme and is looking to strengthen this initiative by increasing the limits of its innovation grants, R&D support and seed funding.

“Our aim is simple. In Kerala, a good idea should never fail for the lack of capital,” Satheesan remarked.

The Chief Minister also stressed on the role of future technologies coming into play and the State government is looking to strengthen its incubation network through stronger partnerships with academia.

P K Kunhalikutty, Minister for Industries, IT, Future Technology and Startups, Keralam said, “Our focus will also be on emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.” He further added that the government will bring in more initiatives in this segment to attract investments.

“Kerala is entering an important phase of economic transformation. We are focusing on attracting domestic and international investment, promoting emerging industries and creating new opportunities for sustainable growth,” the minister said.

S Suhas, Special Secretary, Electronics and IT Department, government of Keralam, highlighted the progress made by the startup ecosystem in the State. This includes building an edge AI chip, a satellite launch along with SpaceX, a mechanical manhole cleaning machine that has bagged in contract in Singapore etc.

“In Keralam one no longer has to ask whether it can build startups. The question today is how big they can grow,” he remarked.

The official said the government has taken numerous steps to encourage the startups in the State, especially becoming the first customers for these young companies.

He also stressed the growth of innovation centres in Keralam with over 600 colleges having such facilities with 63 incubators and over 10 lakh square feet of startup space.

The target of the Keralam government is to have around 100 deeptech startups valued at Rs 100 core and above.