The Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) has launched an Expression of Interest (EoI) inviting individuals to serve as Innovation Ambassadors to strengthen the state’s social entrepreneurship ecosystem. This initiative, announced recently by KSUM officials, aims to identify and support emerging innovators, especially those addressing social, environmental and livelihood challenges across Kerala.
Under the programme, selected Innovation Ambassadors will play a voluntary but pivotal role in discovering and engaging with grassroots innovators and early-stage social enterprises. They are expected to help connect these innovators with KSUM’s broader support structures – including incubators, mentorship networks and funding opportunities – to convert promising ideas into impactful ventures.
The call is open to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those involved in community work, rural development, academic institutions and innovation ecosystems. KSUM has emphasised that Ambassadors should be ready to work closely with social and rural entrepreneurs, identify problems worth solving, and build bridges between innovators and resources available through the state’s startup ecosystem.
By leveraging a network of ambassadors, the mission seeks to deepen outreach beyond urban centres and technology hubs to ensure inclusive participation from across Kerala’s districts. Around thousands of startups and ventures already benefit from KSUM’s programmes that foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and this new initiative is seen as a boost to ensure that social impact ideas also get due visibility and support.
Interested candidates must submit their applications by January 31, after which KSUM will review submissions and empanel selected individuals as Innovation Ambassadors. This initiative reflects the mission’s continued efforts to build a strong, diverse and socially driven startup environment in Kerala.
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