KOCHI: Waste management and illegal parking, the two major problems being faced by Kochiites, will soon have ‘smart’ solutions, with electronics startups in the State taking up the challenge.
Entrepreneurs accepted the challenge to devise smart plans to tackle the issues at the Bosch DNA Grand
Challenge held at KINFRA High Tech Park, Kalamassery, on Thursday.
‘Smart Waste Sensing’ and ‘Two-wheeler Parking Slot Status Detection’ were among the five problem statements given to the aspiring entrepreneurs at the event.
The best solutions will be selected and offered pre-incubation for three months at Maker Village for developing prototypes. Bosch will sponsor the pre-incubation. The teams can also choose to work from their own premises or make use of the facilities offered by the organisers.
“Bosch will offer prototype support of up to `50,000 for each team. Bosch and Maker Village will also extend support by providing ‘maker space’ and mentorship,” said Maker Village operations director Rohan Kalani.
Teams that successfully demonstrate the prototypes will be declared the winners. Each winning team will be offered a cash prize of `1 lakh and incubation facility at Maker Village for 12 months.
Earlier, IIITM-K director M S Rajasree and Bosch senior vice president R K Shenoy jointly inaugurated the event, which is envisaged to encourage innovation in electronic product design and development. Ernakulam District Collector K Mohammed Y Safirullah also spoke.
“According to a TRAI report, 38 per cent of Keralites have internet connection and 60 per cent of the citizens have access to internet. Kerala has pioneered the startup culture, and the State Government has been encouraging budding entrepreneurs,” said the Collector.