Lockheed Martin to invite innovative ideas from Indian startups

The US aircraft manufacturers Lockheed Martin will soon invite innovation ideas from startups through its annual scheme “India innovation growth programme,” meant for startups and university students

“The applications for this programme, launched in 2007, will be received from March 21. It looks for startups and university students, who have got innovative ideas. They may be allowed to take their ideas to the next stage, enabling them to enter the market,” said Phil Shaw, chief executive, Lockheed Martin India

Every year, the company has been getting around 1,500 applications, Shaw said while addressing the audience at the Kerala’s first ever national level hardware startup conclave conducted by Maker Village here on Saturday.

“People need exposure, investors or venture capitalists. The programme is set up to identify the innovation that is taking place in India. From the ideas, an expert panel will select the best 10 and they will be going to the States each year to be exposed to the innovation ecosystem in the US,” Shaw explained.

M Sivasanker, IT secretary , Kerala said at the event :“In the first week of April, along with Internet & Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), we are planning to have an international conclave of start-ups, in which around 2000 startups will participate,” he added.

In his address, Dr Saji Gopinath, director, Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Kerala , said: “Today around 48 companies have been incubated into Maker Village. Mechanical machining and plastic moulding facilities will be added to it, making it one of the largest incubators in the country

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