Keralam unveils scale-up mission, targets 100 startups with ₹100 crore annual revenue each

Outlining the initiative at Huddle Global 2026 in Kovalam, Satheesan said the state, which has nearly 10,000 startups, must now shift its emphasis from creating new enterprises to building financially strong, internationally successful companies.

The Chief Minister said the new strategy would prioritise quality, scalability, innovation and global market access, marking a significant change in Keralam's approach to entrepreneurship.

A central component of the Scale-Up Mission will be a dedicated funding consortium involving the Kerala Financial Corporation (KFC), Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) and partner banks. The proposed arrangement is intended to provide startups with growth capital and institutional support, enabling promising businesses to expand their operations and compete internationally.

Satheesan emphasised that access to finance, business development opportunities and a supportive institutional environment would be crucial in helping local startups achieve global recognition.

"You don't have to leave Keralam to build something the world needs," he declared, highlighting the government's commitment to retaining entrepreneurial talent and creating opportunities within the state.

The Chief Minister said Keralam's next phase of economic development would focus on converting its expanding startup ecosystem into a network of sustainable, revenue-generating enterprises capable of creating employment and attracting investment.

The proposed mission reflects the government's ambition to position Keralam as a global destination for innovation, enterprise and technology-driven economic growth.

Inviting young entrepreneurs to participate in the state's transformation, Satheesan reiterated his government's commitment to building an ecosystem where innovative ideas can develop into globally successful businesses.