Karnataka floats tender for 'Propel' platform aimed to help start-ups get first customers

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Karnataka government will soon launch Propel, an online platform that will help accelerate the adoption of solutions for startups and assist them in securing their first customer.

Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) recently floated a tender inviting eligible agencies to design, develop, implement, and maintain the Propel platform for the state.

"The platform will showcase innovative solutions developed by startups to government departments and interested private companies. These startups receive funding under the government's 'Start-up Policy,' and the Propel programme was announced in the Karnataka government's Department of Electronics, IT, Bt (GoK) budget for FY 2023-24," said state IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge.

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"Through Propel, the state government aims to connect start-ups directly with large tech multinational corporations (MNCs), global capability centres (GCCs), global innovation alliance (GIA) partners, and other organisations to enable them to offer their innovative solutions," said Kharge.

According to the IT department, Propel will provide direct opportunities for start-ups to collaborate with industries and state government departments, creating mutually beneficial partnerships between start-ups and MNCs/GCCs, and offering a platform for start-ups to present their solutions to government departments and potential customers.

Propel also aims to encourage start-ups to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges faced by state government departments and established corporations. "The platform also seeks to enhance the market access of start-ups in Karnataka through corporate collaborations, leading to mutually beneficial partnerships," said an official.

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"The platform's e-commerce-like design allows start-ups to showcase their products and services to industries, enabling industry partners to explore and connect with relevant solutions. It features reverse pitching, allowing industries to interact with start-ups online, pitch problem statements, and schedule pitching events", the official said. Under the 'Government as a Marketplace' feature, various government-related grand challenges under the startup policy 2022-2027 will be hosted. The selected firm will also develop a mobile application for start-up users to view products, engage in reverse pitching activities, etc.

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