Kerala Startup Mission signs MoU with BPCL

Kerala Startup Mission, the state government's nodal agency for promoting entrepreneurship, has signed an MOU with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited to provide aid and investments in start-ups from various technology domains.
The MoU aims to spur the state government's efforts and derive long-term benefits from start-ups.
BPCL will provide financial support and exclusive access for start-ups to the company's R&D facilities, expertise and network.
BPCL General Manager (Strategy) Aravind Krishnaswamy and Kerala Startup Mission CEO Dr Saji Gopinath signed MOU in the at a function here yesterday, a release said here.
"Startup entrepreneurs and students in the state are driven by good ideas, but face a dearth of business models," IT Secretary Sivashankar said.

"The backing that they receive from trade and industry is a great source of encouragement for them", he said.

Kerala Startup Mission will identify and work on ideas with start-ups, shortlist and curate a selection with which technology companies can work, Gopinath said.
The selected start-ups can use the technical facilities and domain expertise offered by the industry, he said.
BPCL will utilise selected products from start-ups on chargeable basis in its business verticals. BPCL will also conduct workshops to promote start-up culture", he said.