From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Sep 14: Karnataka’s Tourism Department in association with the Karnataka Startup Cell, KBITS, Department of IT and BT, is conducting an open challenge to crowd-source innovative solutions and products from startups working in the area of Tourism to mark the World Tourism Day celebrations on September 27.
Bengaluru is the only Indian city to figure in the top 15 startup ecosystems in the world and the State Government intends to use the vibrant startup environment to drive innovation through use of technology to find workable and scalable solutions to challenges faced in governance as well.
The State Government announced India’s first multi sector startup policy last year and has since launched several initiatives to promote innovation-led entrepreneurship in the State.
Keeping with the tradition of being a pioneer in technology adoption, the State Government has invited proposals from early stage startups to present their products/ solutions for adoption and roll out in the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka.
The Startups with products and applications that facilitate and promote Tourism may sign up and apply online at the Startup Karnataka portal http://www.startup.karnataka.gov.in/events.
The last date for submission of applications is September 22. Preliminary screening shall be done and applicants shall be informed by September 23 to be present for the “Pitch to the Government” event that will be conducted on September 24 at the Auditorium, BMTC office, BMTC Central Offices Building, 4thFloor, K.H. Road, Shanthinagar, Bengaluru 560027.
The jury shall consist of eminent members of the startup ecosystem along with senior officials of Department of Tourism and IT & BT.
Karnataka’s IT & BT, Tourism Minister Priyank Kharge said: ``This is a first of its kind initiative in the country and a It is a great opportunity for startups in tourism sector to showcase their technology solutions and pitch to the government and a panel of industry experts directly on the occasion of World Tourism Day. I hope we can adopt a few ideas to boost tourism or tourist experiences in the State and Bengaluru. The Idea2POC grant of Rs 50 Lakhs for the winning startups will also provide a boost to take their idea to the next level.’’
The winners shall have to register with Karnataka Startup Cell to be eligible for such funding, he said explaining that the startups are eligible for MoA that shall be signed with the Department and the applications/solutions developed will be deployed in collaboration with the objective of greater inward Tourism promotion in the State.
The funds shall be released over a period of one year in tranches based on business plan of the project and the progress made in supervision of Tourism Department. Since the intent is to deploy the solution within a short period, priority will be given to startups with products which are at a fairly advanced stage of development. Government of Karnataka reserves the right to reject all / any entry based on quality of application and pitch, he said.
Website : http://startup.karnataka.gov.in/
Twitter : @Startup_Kar
Facebook : www.facebook.com/StartupKarnataka
e-mail : startupcell@karnataka.gov.in