Huddle Global 2023: Nurturing Kerala’s Startup Ecosystem
For the past three days, Thiruvananthapuram Adimalathura has been buzzing with entrepreneurial energy as more than 5000 startups, 400 High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs), 300 mentors, and 200 corporates converged for the 5th Huddle Global organized by Kerala Startup Mission. This event has not only showcased the vibrant startup ecosystem in Kerala but has also positioned the state as a fertile ground for innovative ideas and budding enterprises.
The Huddle Global event served as a dynamic platform, bringing together a diverse range of startups representing modern fields such as Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Life Science, Space Tech, E-Governance, FinTech, Blockchain, Health Tech, AgeTech, Agri Tech, IoT, Software and Service, and more. The exhibition witnessed a convergence of minds from across the country and beyond, highlighting Kerala’s growing influence in the global startup landscape.
Startups thrive on ideas, and Huddle Global provided the perfect stage for idea exchange. Tiger’s Claw, a segment of the event, allowed selected startups to pitch their concepts to an expert panel of judges, opening doors of opportunity for young entrepreneurs. The event hosted 100 coders who benefited from mentorship and world-class facilities, showcasing that anything can be transformed into a startup in today’s dynamic business environment.
The legendary cricketer Jonty Rhodes added a unique flavor to the event by sharing his experiences and views on the parallels between cricket and entrepreneurship. Rhodes emphasized the importance of qualities like forgiveness, patience, and authenticity in both startups and sports. His insights resonated with the audience, emphasizing the human elements that drive success in diverse fields.
A significant panel discussion explored the ‘Role of Startups in bridging the gap between Academia and Industry.’ Experts highlighted the need to strengthen linkages between academic and industrial institutions in Kerala to foster entrepreneurship and encourage startups. The event also delved into untapped opportunities in the defense and aerospace sectors, urging startups to explore the potential unleashed by the Atmanirbhar Bharat scheme.
Experiences shared by industry leaders provided valuable insights. Rajaguru Nathan K, founder of the space medicine startup Astromedia Space Private Limited, shared his journey initiated through the IDEX scheme of the Ministry of Defense. However, the discussion also shed light on the untapped potential of the IDEX scheme for Kerala’s startups.
German Consul General Akim Burkhardt emphasized the increasing importance of learning the German language for Kerala’s youth seeking job opportunities in Western Europe. The need for innovative products from startups to address social problems was underlined, and collaboration between educational institutions and industries was advocated for developing impactful solutions.
The event facilitated networking through initiatives like the Founders Meet, creating valuable business connections among startup founders. Kerala Startup Mission’s CEO Anupam Ambika highlighted the support provided to startups, while components like Investor Connect, Mentoring Master Class, Product Exhibition, and Pitching contributed to making the three-day Huddle Global summit a global attention-grabber.
In conclusion, Huddle Global 2023 has not only showcased Kerala’s potential in the startup ecosystem but has also provided a fertile ground for collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of transformative ideas. The event reflects the dynamic spirit of entrepreneurship in Kerala, positioning it on the global map as a hub for innovation and emerging enterprises.
