THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Nearly 18 months after Kerala Tourism and Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) unveiled an ambitious partnership to transform the state’s tourism sector through startup-led innovation, the initiative has made little headway, with its two flagship projects -- Freedom Square and Workpods (startup pods) -- still awaiting final government clearance.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed in January 2025, proposes developing caravan parks, encouraging technology based tourism solutions, improving public amenities and identifying lesser-known destinations through startup innovation.
With a new government in office, KSUM is now preparing to approach the new tourism minister to revive the collaboration and secure long-pending approvals. Freedom Square aims to offer a dynamic 24x7 space for idea exchange, collaboration and innovation by youngsters. The project, planned in proximity to Technopark, in the state capital, is expected to offer an open environment with co-working spaces, free food, high-speed internet, and accommodation, where individuals with access can freely discuss ideas, develop products and projects, and network with like-minded peers.
Another much-hyped project, Workpods seeks to establish co-working spaces at select tourist destinations to position Kerala as a preferred workation destination for digital nomads and remote professionals.
KSUM chief executive officer Anoop P Ambika said the agency has completed the groundwork and is awaiting the tourism department’s approval to proceed further.
“Nothing has started yet. We are ready from our side, but we are yet to meet the new minister and brief him on the projects. We hope to take the proposals forward soon,” said Anoop.
According to him, project designs are already in place. “They now require the tourism department’s approval. Since they are proposed on its properties, the department has to identify the locations and grant the necessary clearances before implementation can begin. Funding is not a major issue as resources can be mobilised if required,” he said.
Tourism secretary Biju K confirmed that the projects have not yet moved beyond the planning stage. “We are still in the design stage. The MoU exists, but suitable spaces have to be identified first. Once the locations are finalised, we will take the projects forward,” he said. The agreement also envisaged startup-led interventions in caravan tourism, digital-tourism solutions, smart-visitor amenities, destination management and the promotion of lesser-known tourism destinations.
At a glance
The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed in January 2025, proposes developing caravan parks, encouraging technology based tourism solutions, improving public amenities and identifying lesser-known destinations through startup innovation.