Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) has introduced BRIDGE, an innovative corporate-startup convergence programme designed to facilitate large corporations and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in adopting, investing in, and acquiring technologies developed by startups.
Programme Overview
Applications are now open for the inaugural cohort of BRIDGE, which stands for Business Revolution through Innovation, Digital Growth & Enterprise. The programme is accessible to corporates and SMEs with annual revenues of at least Rs 50 crore.
According to KSUM, this initiative aims to close the gap between India's dynamic startup ecosystem and established industries by providing a structured platform for technology adoption, strategic partnerships, and business expansion.
CEO's Vision
Anoop Ambika, Chief Executive Officer of KSUM, stated that BRIDGE will offer a clear pathway for collaboration between startups and established enterprises, featuring measurable outcomes, fixed timelines, and comprehensive partnership support.
“By combining innovation with industry, BRIDGE intends to enable enterprises to access emerging technologies while assisting startups in scaling through market opportunities,” he explained.
Three-Year Targets
Over the next three years, the programme aims to facilitate more than 500 corporate-startup partnerships, enable over 100 technology adoptions, and catalyze more than Rs 250 crore in corporate investments into carefully selected technology-driven startups.
Opportunities for Participants
Participating businesses will have the chance to adopt startup-built technologies, invest in promising ventures, acquire startups or technologies relevant to their sectors, and accelerate innovation without developing extensive in-house research and development capabilities.
Focus Sectors
The programme will concentrate on sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, retail, BFSI, healthcare, agri-tech, professional services, and other technology-driven industries. It will include demo days, pilot frameworks, AI-assisted investment matchmaking, transaction support for partnerships and acquisitions, and networking opportunities with corporate and SME leaders.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted through the BRIDGE portal, via email at ksumcr@startupmission.in, or by calling 8047180470.
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