Kerala flaunts startups, innovation and IT strength at IITF

A range of IT startup innovations, including an underwater surveillance drone, wearable health gadgets and DIY robotics kit, join the lineup of products and services showcased by Kerala at the ongoing India International Trade Fair (IITF), signaling both the strength of the state’s IT sector and the government’s relentless push towards a digital economy.

The Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), which spearheads the movement in the state, has also helped model the hi-tech Kerala Pavilion at the IITF, bringing in a host of successful startups with innovations that are both socially relevant and marketable, in line with this year’s theme “Startup India Stand up India”.

Among them is EyeROV, an underwater drone, which can be used for surveillance and rescue purposes, and has applications in several areas like marine surveying, navy, oil and gas, shipping industry, research institutes and nuclear power stations. Its developers are conducting live demos of the product at the IITF.

Robo Invention is showcasing DIY electronic kits for children to aid learning, that it has supplied to more than 3,000 schools in Kerala.

In the tourism sector, the travel app Yantra mantra has brought out a digital travel guide for God’s Own Country; and has a platform to help SMEs and corporate create their own app at very low cost.

Healthcare startups at the pavilion have displayed innovations including Biocalculas, a wearable ECG device and Perfit Fitness, an interactive virtual assistant that manages fitness workouts and offers fashion advice!

Another startup product Traffitizer helps ambulances navigate heavy traffic to transport patients in emergencies. The developers claim the product has helped save the lives of more than 80 patients in medical emergencies so far.

The Kerala Pavilion is also highlighting the state’s much-acclaimed entrepreneurship model that has been designed to drive startup culture right from schools and colleges and its startup ecosystem, with illustrations of the infrastructure facilities, funding, mentorship, and industry connect offered by the government.