If you have an innovative idea that is completely new or an idea that outdoes the existing product of its kind in the market, then Government is all set to lend a helping hand to motivate and help you make you realise your dream.

This is the Technopreneur Promotion Programme (TePP) introduced by the Central Government sponsored by Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to motivate and help innovators in general and small scale industry proprietors in particular.

Addressing a gathering at Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Wednesday, NITK Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Park (STEP) Director Dr P Suresh Bhat said that NITK STEP is the outreach centre for the programme in Mangalore. Though it was introduced at the national-level earlier, motivated by the response across the country, the scheme is now introduced in Mangalore.

Mr Bhat said that the innovation stands for anything that has improved feature than the existing product and accordingly the product needs to be original, tangible and must have commercial significance.

Any individual who has an idea or an entrepreneur who has an annual turnover of Rs 45 lakh can avail the benefits of the scheme. With the applicant fulfiling the requirement and NITK STEP being convinced by the innovation, the applicant can receive grants anywhere from Rs 75,000 to Rs 45 lakhs.

Mr Bhat said that the procedures do not demand any security while the quality of the proposal is the only security.

KCCI President K Narasimha Prabhu, Vice-President Srinvas S Kamath and other office bearers of the Chamber were present.