Kerala startup scale-up mission aims to create more than 100 companies with annual revenues exceeding Rs 100 crore each.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan unveiled the plan at Huddle Global 2026 in Kovalam on Thursday. The initiative shifts the government’s focus from increasing startup numbers to supporting business growth and global expansion.
Inaugurating the eighth edition of the conference, Satheesan said Kerala needed a dedicated scale-up mission. He said the state must help startups become larger businesses with stronger market positions.
“Rather than merely aiming to launch 10,000 startups, our focus is on creating more than 100 startups with revenues of over Rs 100 crore,” he said.
Kerala to expand startup funding and debt support
The government plans to strengthen funding through an expanded Fund of Funds programme. Additionally, it will seek to attract more investors to the state.
Innovation grants, research and development grants, and seed loans will also increase. These measures aim to help entrepreneurs develop marketable products and commercialise research.
Furthermore, the government will introduce a new debt funding mechanism. It will bring together the Kerala Financial Corporation, KSIDC and banks.
The mechanism will help startups raise expansion capital without unnecessarily diluting their equity, Satheesan said.
TRICK and Gozip to strengthen innovation ecosystem
The government has approved the TRICK programme, or Translational Research and Incubation Centers of Kerala. It aims to strengthen the state’s incubation network through 10 world-class research incubators.
These incubators will focus on sectors including artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
Meanwhile, the Gozip initiative, or GenZ Innovation Program, will promote district-level innovation clusters. It will provide young entrepreneurs with sector-specific incubation facilities and growth-linked funding.
The government also plans to leverage the Vizhinjam International Seaport. Specifically, it wants to create opportunities in logistics and maritime technology while helping startups access global markets.
Huddle Global 2026 draws startups and investors
Industries, IT and AI Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty presided over the inauguration. He said Kerala was moving towards an economy driven by advanced technologies.
He also highlighted the state’s transparent policies, efficient administration and infrastructure. According to him, these strengths would help attract investments.
Furthermore, Kunhalikutty said the creation of a dedicated AI department sent a clear signal to investors.
Organised by the state-run Kerala Startup Mission, Huddle Global 2026 will continue until November 14. The event brings together around 4,000 startups, over 150 investors, 300 mentors and 200 corporate organisations.
It provides participating startups with opportunities to secure investment, mentorship and technical support.
