Unlocking Kerala's Innovation Potential: Diagnosing ecosystem challenges and identifying high-growth opportunities for startups

Kerala's entrepreneurial landscape, vital for value creation and social impact, faces significant challenges including brain drain, inadequate industrial infrastructure, and regulatory delays, hindering its full potential despite progress through initiatives like the Kerala Startup Mission and growth in sectors like IT, tourism, agri-tech, and healthcare. This study examines the current state of innovation and entrepreneurship, analyzing these obstacles and potential solutions through policy review and environmental assessment. Key findings indicate that leveraging Kerala's educated workforce, global diaspora networks, and commitment to sustainable development, combined with focused interventions like digital transformation acceleration, enhanced public-private partnerships, and streamlined regulatory frameworks, offers a viable pathway to overcome existing barriers. The conclusion emphasizes that addressing these challenges through strategic action is crucial for unlocking sustainable economic growth and maximizing Kerala's innovation-driven entrepreneurial capacity.