Kerala Startup Incubators: Complete List & Contacts

Kerala's Thriving Startup Ecosystem

Kerala has rapidly evolved into one of India's most dynamic startup ecosystems, driven by strong government support, a highly educated workforce, and robust digital infrastructure. The state's startup-friendly policies, led by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), have attracted entrepreneurs from across the country.

As of 2026, Kerala is home to over 5,000 registered startups, 80+ incubators and accelerators, and has witnessed multiple successful exits. The Ledger Company presents a comprehensive guide to the top startup incubators in Kerala, their offerings, and how to access them.

Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM)

Kerala Startup Mission is the nodal agency of the Government of Kerala for entrepreneurship development and incubation activities. KSUM operates under the Department of Electronics and Information Technology and plays a central role in the state's startup ecosystem.

Key Programs by KSUM

• Innovation Grants: Up to ₹10 lakh for early-stage startups for product development
• Scale-Up Grants: Up to ₹50 lakh for growth-stage startups
• Seed Fund: Up to ₹25 lakh as convertible debentures for startups with market-ready products
• KSUM Fellowship: Monthly stipend for student innovators working on technology projects
• IPR Reimbursement: Reimbursement of patent and trademark filing costs

Top Startup Incubators in Kerala

1. Startup Village (Kochi)

Startup Village, located in Kochi, is India's first PPP (Public-Private Partnership) technology business incubator. Established in 2012 under the aegis of the Department of Science and Technology, it focuses on technology startups, particularly in telecom, mobile, and IoT.

• Location: Ernakulam, Kochi
• Focus: Technology, Telecom, IoT
• Capacity: 100+ startups at any time
• Support: Coworking space, mentorship, investor connects, demo days
• Website: startupvillage.in

2. Maker Village (Kochi)

Maker Village is a hardware incubator established by KSUM in partnership with the Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management - Kerala (IIITM-K). It is South Asia's largest electronic hardware incubation facility.

• Location: Kalamassery, Kochi
• Focus: Hardware, Electronics, IoT, Embedded Systems
• Facilities: PCB prototyping lab, 3D printing, testing equipment, assembly line
• Support: Technical expertise, fabrication support, industry connects

3. Kerala Technology Innovation Zone (KTIZ, Kochi)

KTIZ operates under the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) and focuses on deep-tech and research-driven startups.

• Location: CUSAT Campus, Kochi
• Focus: Deep Tech, Biotech, Advanced Materials, AI/ML
• Support: Access to university labs, research collaboration, faculty mentorship

4. TBI at NIT Calicut (Kozhikode)

The Technology Business Incubator at NIT Calicut supports technology startups with a focus on software, AI, and manufacturing technologies. It is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

• Location: NIT Calicut Campus, Kozhikode
• Focus: Software, AI/ML, Robotics, Manufacturing
• Support: Mentorship from NIT faculty, lab access, seed funding connections

5. KSUM Integrated Startup Complex (Thiruvananthapuram)

The Integrated Startup Complex at Kazhakuttam, Thiruvananthapuram, is KSUM's flagship facility with over 1.8 lakh sq ft of space for startups, incubators, and innovation labs.

• Location: Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram
• Focus: Multi-sector (IT, Social Impact, EdTech, HealthTech)
• Capacity: 300+ startups
• Facilities: Coworking, meeting rooms, prototyping labs, event spaces

6. Brinc IoT (Kochi)

Brinc, the Hong Kong-based accelerator, operates an IoT program in Kochi in partnership with KSUM. The program focuses on IoT and connected device startups.

• Location: Kochi
• Focus: IoT, Smart Devices, Connected Hardware
• Program Duration: 12 weeks
• Support: Equity investment, manufacturing access in China, global mentor network

7. UL Technology Business Incubator (Thiruvananthapuram)

The University of Kerala-backed incubator supports student and faculty entrepreneurs with commercialization of research projects and innovative ideas.

• Location: University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram
• Focus: Research Commercialization, Social Innovation
• Support: Lab access, prototyping funds, industry connections

8. NASSCOM 10,000 Startups Warehouse (Kochi)

NASSCOM's warehouse program in Kochi provides coworking space, mentorship, and access to the broader NASSCOM startup network for tech startups.

• Location: Infopark, Kochi
• Focus: SaaS, FinTech, AI, Cloud Computing
• Support: 10,000 startups network, investor pitches, hackathons

Incubator Comparison Table

How to Apply for Incubation in Kerala

1. Register on KSUM Portal: Visit ksum.kerala.gov.in and register your startup. Obtain your KSUM recognition certificate.
2. Choose an Incubator: Based on your sector, stage, and location preference, identify the right incubator.
3. Submit Application: Apply directly through the incubator's website or through the KSUM portal's incubation application feature.
4. Pitch / Interview: Shortlisted startups are invited for a pitch to the incubator's selection committee.
5. Onboarding: Selected startups receive an offer with terms including seat allocation, mentorship assignment, and access to resources.

Eligibility for KSUM Recognition

• Entity registered under Indian law (Pvt Ltd, LLP, Partnership, or Sole Proprietorship)
• Incorporated not more than 10 years ago
• Annual turnover not exceeding ₹100 crore in any financial year
• Working on innovation, development, or commercialization of new products or services
• Entity should not have been formed by splitting or restructuring an existing business

How The Ledger Company Can Help

Starting a business in Kerala? The Ledger Company helps entrepreneurs with company registration, LLP formation, GST registration, KSUM startup recognition, compliance management, and investor-ready financial documentation. Our team understands the Kerala startup ecosystem and can guide you from ideation to incorporation to incubation. Schedule a free consultation to launch your Kerala startup the right way.