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Trivandrum: Kerala can become a global hub of innovation by nurturing a culture of innovation in schools and colleges and showcasing successes of a growing minority of young innovators. This was one of the key takeaways from a discussion today with young innovators and mentors from Kerala organised at a Chevening and UK alumni engagement event hosted by the British High Commission in association with Innovation eXperience and the Association of British Scholars (ABS) in Thiruvananthapuram.

In his remarks, Sir James Bevan, British High Commissioner to India said, “I have seen numerous examples of India’s innovation. India and the UK are so good at innovation because of the quality of our talent, the free environment in which creativity can thrive and the diversity that encourages the development of ideas.”

Five young innovators from Kerala showcased their burgeoning projects at the event. ASIMOV Robotics displayed their robotics project ISRA - Intelligence Service Robotic Assistance while Mashinga Tech showed their human computing solutions where a large touch screen using infra red grid has been developed mainly targeting the hospitality industry. Startup Village based Profoundis Labs, RHL Vision and Sreevas Sahasranamam were the others who presented their on-going innovation projects and research.

The panel discussion on ‘Innovation in the Kerala context’ saw the mentors from the Industry, Government and NGO sector coming up with some key recommendations. Kerala should focus on youths and on social entrepreneurship. Innovation should be encouraged at grass root level especially in schools. Innovators need space for making mistakes while giving them a good ecosystem which showcase their innovation and recognizes their contribution as well as their effort for growth.

Increased industry-academic collaboration can significantly sharpen scientific innovation in Kerala. Scholarships to visit the overseas should target administrators of schools and colleges as much as they target students so that there is a more holistic transformation in exchange of ideas across countries. Kerala’s tradition of inclusive innovation in delivering low-cost, high quality health and tourism is a strong foundation for more high-tech innovation in knowledge sectors.

Earlier, Mike Nithavrianakis, British Deputy High Commissioner, Chennai encouraged companies from Kerala to participate in a contest hosted by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) as UKTI is looking to introduce India’s most promising innovative technology company to the best of UK.

Janice Oommen
Kerala IT News