AI SummaryEntrepreneurship Development by SC - ST Women in Science Technology Engineering Mathematics is a Kerala government scheme for unemployed SC and ST women who hold qualifications in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) runs this scheme on behalf of the Science and Technology Department and announces fresh calls for applications through its website, social media pages, and print media.
The scheme helps selected women become techno-entrepreneurs. Candidates get fellowship money, three months of entrepreneur training, mentor support, and financial help for one year to turn a scientific idea into a working product or service. This gives unemployed SC and ST women in STEM a real way to improve their livelihood using science, technology, and innovation.
About Entrepreneurship Development by SC - ST Women in STEM Scheme
The programme runs for one year and starts with three months of entrepreneur training for SC and ST women in STEM. Selected candidates work with a host institution and a mentor to develop a product or technology that has commercial potential. Candidates selected for the programme are called KSCSTE Project Scientist ED/SC-ST-WISTEM and receive on-site evaluation during the project period.
The scheme gives priority to marketable products and technologies that have practical use in daily life. Common sectors covered under the scheme are:
- Indigenous and traditional knowledge practices that can be turned into saleable products.
- Agriculture, including bio-inputs, pest control methods, and value addition to farm produce.
- Food, nutrition, health, and pharmaceutical products.
- Waste management, recycling, and bioremediation technologies.
- Electrical and electronic utility items for households.
The support package covers most of the costs of testing and commercialising a new idea. Funds are released in phases, and the total support can go up to ₹20 Lakhs over the one-year project period.
Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Entrepreneurship Development by SC - ST Women in Science Technology Engineering Mathematics |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Kerala |
| Category | Business - Entrepreneurship, Women and Child |
| Nodal Department | Science and Technology Department |
| Implementing Agency | Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Official Website | KSCSTE ED/SC-ST-WISTEM page |
Benefits
The scheme gives a support package of up to ₹20 Lakhs to help candidates establish a startup over one year. This financial support is split into different heads as per the scheme guidelines.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship for M.Sc - M.Tech | ₹35,000 per month plus 10% HRA |
| Fellowship for Ph.D. | ₹45,000 per month plus HRA |
| Capital Cost | Up to 25% of project cost for minor equipment, infrastructure, and rent |
| Operational Cost | Up to 30% of project cost for consumables and outsourced services |
| Institutional Overheads | Up to 10% of project cost, maximum ₹1.00 Lakh |
KSCSTE releases the funds in three phases. Fifty percent of the capital cost along with six months of fellowship is released when the project starts, thirty percent is released after the six-month evaluation, and the final twenty percent is released on successful completion of the project. Generally 3 to 5 grants are awarded every year. Standard duration of the scheme is one year, and a no-cost extension of up to six months can be given only in exceptional cases.
Eligibility
Before applying, candidates should make sure they meet the conditions given below.
- Applicant must be an Indian citizen and a woman from the SC or ST community living in Kerala.
- Age should be 50 years or less at the time of applying.
- Applicant must hold a Ph.D. in science, technology, or engineering, or an M.Sc. in basic or natural science, or an M.Tech degree.
- A host institution and a mentor should be identified before applying. The candidate can also be nominated by the Head of an S&T institution.
- Host institution should be a recognized academic or R&D centre in Kerala, and the mentor should be a regular faculty member there.
- Selected candidate should join the host institute within 15 days of receiving the initial grant.
Application Process
Applications are invited through a call announced by KSCSTE. The application can be submitted directly or through nomination.
STEP 1 - Keep checking the official KSCSTE website at kscste.kerala.gov.in along with its social media pages and print media for the latest call for applications.
STEP 2 - Open the ED/SC-ST-WISTEM page on the KSCSTE website and download the guidelines, technical document format, biodata format, and other required forms.
STEP 3 - Prepare the proposal as a PDF. This includes the technical document of 3 to 4 pages, detailed biodata, endorsement letter from the Head of Institution, consent letters from the mentor and co-mentor, age proof, and the SC/ST certificate from the Tahsildar.
STEP 4 - Submit the application directly to KSCSTE using the weblink given in the notification, or get it sent through nomination from the Head of an S&T institution along with the required recommendation letters.
STEP 5 - An expert committee constituted by KSCSTE evaluates all proposals on the basis of need, social and commercial potential, technical viability, team strength, business plan, and technology readiness level, and then makes the final selection.
For queries, candidates can write to the team at meetwomen.kscste@gmail.com.
Documents
These documents should be kept ready while preparing the online application.
- Valid identity proof.
- Technical document of 3 to 4 pages explaining the proposed work.
- Detailed biodata in the prescribed format.
- Endorsement letter signed by the Head of the Institution.
- Consent letters from the Mentor and Co-Mentor.
- Undertaking signed by the Project Scientist after joining.
- Age proof certificate, such as Class X mark sheet or birth certificate.
- SC/ST certificate issued by the Tahsildar.
References
Entrepreneurship Development by SC and ST Women in STEM, KSCSTE official page
Guidelines, technical document, biodata, endorsement letter, and consent letter formats can be downloaded from the official programme page.
FAQ's
What is the main goal of this scheme?
The scheme helps unemployed SC and ST women in STEM fields in Kerala start technology-based enterprises, so they can earn from their scientific knowledge instead of remaining without work.
Who runs the scheme?
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) implements this scheme under the Science and Technology Department of Kerala.
What is the upper age limit?
Applicants should be 50 years of age or younger when applying.
Are there specific educational requirements?
Yes. Applicants need at least an M.Sc. in basic or natural science, or an M.Tech degree, or a Ph.D. in a relevant STEM field to apply.
How much fellowship money do selected candidates receive?
M.Sc or M.Tech holders get ₹35,000 per month plus 10% HRA, while Ph.D. holders get ₹45,000 per month plus HRA.
How is the winner selected?
An expert committee formed by KSCSTE reviews each proposal on the basis of need, social and commercial potential, technical viability, team strength, business plan, and technology readiness level before making the final selection.