Ports & Shipping Ministry issues ‘Sagarmala Innovation and Start-up Policy’ draft

Draft Policy aims to harness new technology developed by Indian Start-ups and entrepreneurs.

In order to build a strong innovation ecosystem, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) issued draft on ‘Sagarmala Innovation and Start-up Policy’. This draft policy aims at nurturing start-ups and other entities to co-create the future of India’s growing maritime sector. This entails intensive collaboration of the organizations to build a strong eco-system facilitating innovation and Startups in the country that will drive sustainable growth and generate large scale employment opportunities. This enhances the cooperation and coordination between academic institutions, public sector, private sector and convergence of different schemes and programs to groom fresh ideas and approaches to resolve the issues and challenges to boost up the efficiency in the areas of operation, maintenance, and infrastructure development.

Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister, MoPSW stated that’ Sagarmala Innovation and Start-up Policy’ will surely promote innovation and entrepreneurship. Through this policy, MoPSW wants to enable start-ups to grow and prosper through innovations”.

The designed framework enables the distribution of responsibilities and benefits among the various stakeholders. This is not only limited to the existing stakeholders but also includes upcoming young entrepreneurs with innovative ideas.

Draft policy has identified several key areas for the startup to flourish including decarbonization, optimizing processes through data, maritime education, multi-modal transportation, manufacturing, alternate/ advance materials, maritime cybersecurity, smart communication and marine electronics.

Details of draft ‘Sagarmala Innovation and Start-up Policy’:

Digital Portal based selection of startups ensuring a transparent process

Grants to create a minimum viable product/ service (MVP), commercialization of proprietary technology including market entry or scaling up

Creation of ‘Launch pads’ at Ports for carrying out trials, facilitating pilot projects, establishing working space and adopting products and solutions

Annual Start-up Awards in the maritime sector recognizing distinguished efforts of innovation

Organizing Buyer-Seller Meetings and providing Technical Knowledge Support for VCs

Guidance to Non-Registered Start-ups and Individuals with promising ideas in Maritime Sector including registration of start-up and availing Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) recognition

Regulatory support in Tenders and Sub-contracting

Legal and accountancy back up to start-ups for IP-Patent filing, Company registration, annual filings and closures

The promotion of start-ups shall be through development of Maritime Innovation Hubs (MIH) which shall perform the following functions:

Develop incubators and accelerators with state-of-the-art facilities to cover all aspects of the startup journey from idea to scaled product.

Develop centralized repository containing all pertinent information to assist emerging entrepreneurs

Attract investment for eligible start-up businesses and innovative maritime technology

Entrepreneur development through ‘know-how’ sessions about the various aspects of the maritime industry and launching of innovation focused programs

Collaborate with national & international stakeholders for mentorship, knowledge sharing and facilitate access to global subject matter experts, serial entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors with the potential to get their entry and scaling in India.

Draft Policy aims to harness new technology