Thrissur, September 7, 2026: Kerala’s vibrant student innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem is set to take centre stage as Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) hosts the 11th edition of the IEDC (Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre) Summit 2026 on September 28 at Sahrdaya College of Engineering & Technology, Kodakara, Thrissur. Celebrating the theme ‘Innovation Beyond the Future’, the summit, recognised as Asia’s largest student-led startup and innovation summit, will bring together thousands of students, aspiring entrepreneurs, startup founders, investors, industry leaders, mentors and innovators on a common platform to explore new ideas, emerging technologies and opportunities in entrepreneurship.
As part of the build-up to the summit, a state-level meeting of district cluster coordinators of IEDCs will be held on September 26 to set the context for the event. Chief Minister Shri V D Satheesan and Minister for Higher Education Shri Roji M John are expected to attend the meeting. Minister for Industries, IT & AI, Shri P K Kunhalikutty, will inaugurate IEDC Summit 2026 at Sahrdaya College of Engineering & Technology on September 28.
The summit is expected to draw more than 10,000 participants, transforming the venue into a dynamic hub for innovation, startup ideas, knowledge exchange and meaningful networking. The event will highlight the growing strength of Kerala’s IEDC network, comprising 601 IEDCs across 14 districts and 14 clusters, supported by more than 1,000 nodal officers, 4,000 student leads, 40-plus WINGS and NEST members, over 250 startups and more than 5,000 ideas.
With more than 70 speakers and participation from a wide range of innovators and industry stakeholders, IEDC Summit 2026 will offer students an opportunity to engage directly with successful founders, entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts. Keynote sessions, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, learning stations, student project and technology showcases, mentorship sessions and networking opportunities will form the core of the summit, giving participants valuable exposure to the rapidly evolving startup and innovation landscape.
A key focus of the summit will be making entrepreneurship accessible to students at every stage of their journey. Specially designed workshops will cater to participants with different levels of experience, including those who are exploring entrepreneurship for the first time. Through practical examples, interactive sessions and direct engagement with experts, students will gain insights into idea development, technology, innovation, startup building and the skills required to turn concepts into viable ventures.
The summit will also provide an important platform for student entrepreneurs and innovators to showcase their startups, projects and ideas before industry experts and potential mentors. Participants will have opportunities to receive expert feedback, build connections with peers, explore collaborations and gain wider visibility within Kerala’s growing innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Continuing the focus on strengthening innovation in higher education, the Higher Education Innovation Leaders & Nodal Officers Conclave, organised by KSUM in collaboration with the Kerala State Higher Education Council, will be held on September 29. The conclave will focus on integrating innovation and entrepreneurship more effectively into higher education institutions and academic curricula, further strengthening the link between education, innovation and industry.
IEDC Summit 2026 is open to students and aspiring innovators who are passionate about entrepreneurship, creativity, technology and innovation. With its strong focus on student participation, practical learning and collaboration, the summit is expected to create new opportunities for Kerala’s young innovators to transform ideas into impactful ventures and shape the future of the state’s startup ecosystem.
For more details, visit iedcsummit.in or contact iedckerala@startupmission.in or iedcsummit@sahrdaya.ac.in.
