BENGALURU: Karnataka is funding eight tech-based startups in the tourism sector to develop ideas and products which can enhance the tourism experience in the state.
In a first of its kind initiative, winners of ‘Pitch to Government - Tourism Challenge’ have received cheques of the first instalment from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during an event here.
Selected under IDEA to Proof of Concept Grant Scheme (Idea2POC) of the Karnataka Startup Policy 2015-20, the winners from 127 online registrations will receive funds ranging from `5 lakh to `50 lakh.
IT, BT and Tourism Minister Priyank Kharge said, “Idea2POC offers entrepreneurs a support system to explore, develop and launch their best ideas. The scheme is designed to identify, mentor and fund enterprising tourism startups in Karnataka who can create a deeper, immersive experiences around the state’s manifold riches.”
‘Idea2POC’ initiative is part of the multi-sector startup policy launched by the Government of Karnataka in November 2015.
The contest was organised by the Karnataka Startup Cell, Karnataka Biotechnology and Information Technology Services (KBITS), Department of IT and BT and the Department of Tourism.