The State Government’s initiative to promote entrepreneurship among students of 104 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) has yielded remarkable results, as evidenced by the recent LEAP initiative summit held in Thiruvananthapuram. Out of 100 innovative business projects presented by students, three outstanding ventures were selected for their entrepreneurial excellence. These winners will now represent their ideas at the prestigious Sarvo Udyam National Entrepreneurs Challenge in Delhi.
Top Achievements:
- Atul Manoj and Harikrishnan J. from Ernakulam Kalamassery Government ITI secured the first prize for their Agarbathi Production Business Project.
- Sminurath P.A. from Government ITI, Kottayam Pallikamthod, clinched the second position with the Multi-Lock Compressing Soil Bricks project.
- Abhiram M. of Government ITI, Kuttikol, Kasaragod, won the third position for his Nalikera Chiratta Handicrafts business project.
The two-day State Summit of LEAP Entrepreneurs in Thiruvananthapuram also honored four ITIs and eight faculty members for their exceptional contributions to fostering entrepreneurship among students. The event, organized jointly by the State Industrial Training Department and Bengaluru-based Udyam Learning Foundation, supported by Amazon, aimed to nurture an entrepreneurial mindset among ITI students.
The summit featured workshops on design thinking, pitching, mentoring sessions, and expert talks. Participants benefited from interactive learning sessions covering finance, marketing fundamentals, brand management, communication skills, and confidence building. Veena N. Madhavan, Director of the Industrial Training Department, graced the occasion as the chief guest.
The State Government continues to emphasize the creation of 1,000 student entrepreneurs from ITIs through its ongoing Entrepreneurship Mindset Scheme. Launched in 2022-23, the program has been instrumental in empowering students across government-run ITIs, encouraging autonomy, and fostering ownership in learning and entrepreneurial activities.
The LEAP initiative underscores Kerala’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and equipping the next generation with essential skills for success in the business world.
