Support DeskSET UP A COMPANY
Types of Spaces
Smart Business Centres (SBC’s)
The SBC business model that operates in the non SEZ areas let
out office space ranging from 450 to 1600 sq.ft and offers fully
Plug & Play, Ready to move in facilities which includes common
reception, pantry area, washrooms, dedicated housekeeping
services, 24*7 security etc. SBCs are created to support
start-ups who requires space to kick start their businesses.
These spaces are intended for short term use of the companies
during their initial business days. This facility is available
only in the Thapasya Building at Infopark Kochi Phase 1.
Plug and Play Offices
These are fully furnished offices offered in all the Infopark
owned Buildings. Office modules ranging from 800 sq.ft up to
7000 sq.ft available. Fully done modules with minimum seating of
10 to maximum of 100+ with dedicated cabin spaces for managers,
small discussion rooms, server room etc. Common shared
facilities like washrooms, conference rooms, pantry etc. are
provided in each floor for the use of the people working here.
Co-working Space Formats
Infopark also offers Co-working spaces for Companies, where they
can hire desk spaces to seat their employees. This format of
work spaces in which multiple companies’ seat their people by
sharing one office. Common facilities like washrooms, meeting
rooms, pantry etc. can be availed on a shared basis. Cost per
seat will be charged from the companies which include rental,
electricity and AC charges.
Bare shell Layouts
The Bare shell business model puts forward unfurnished space for
clients who look for large office layouts. Depending on the
technical feasibility partitioned area is provided as well. The
minimum area offered starts at 3500 sq.ft up to 60,000 sq.ft in
a single floor. In this model clients can build office to suit
their customized requirements.
Custom Built Offices/Managed Offices
Infopark support Companies with Custom Built/Managed Offices.
Those companies who wish to set up offices to suit their custom
requirements will be given Project Management support and
execution services to build an office matching Client
preferences. Also Infopark offers Managed offices in which the
Park supports in design and execution of the offices and
provides complete office management solutions for managing the
operations of the company.
Land for long term lease
Infopark offers land for long term lease of 90 years for setting up of IT Office infrastructure by experienced Infrastructure developers and for setting up of exclusive IT campuses for IT/ITES Companies. The park will create all the common basic infrastructure like wide internal roads, power stations, water supply infrastructure, drains etc. and the marketable plots will be earmarked with minimum size of the land extend starts from 1 acre up to 25 acres contiguous land parcels available. In the leased land, the client could then bring in the required infrastructure and set up their business. Infopark also offers land for commercial developments like Hotels, Schools, Shopping Zones, Convention centers, Hospital etc.
How to Apply for space at Infopark?
How to set up a service entity of IT/ITES Category inside Infopark
Infopark offers various types of business spaces for IT/ITES companies for operations inside Infopark. A company wish to set up office at Infopark should submit a Letter of Intent in their company letter head addressed to the CEO of Infopark requesting for space. Infopark follows a queue system in which the request from the company will be recorded and offer space based on the availability. Companies can view the queue list in the website itself. Upon getting the offer, the IT/ITES Company will should submit the following documents:
- Company profile
- Detailed Project Plan of the Proposed Business activity includes estimated employment, revenue projections for the first 5 years, Domain area, details of the ongoing projects, clientele etc.
- Copy of the documents of the company incorporation
- Copy of the PAN of the company
- Copy of GSTIN registration
- Self-attested copies of the Photo ID proofs of the Directors with passport size photographs
- Audited balance sheet of the company for the last 3 years if the company is in existence for more than 3 years or the copy of the IT returns filed by the Directors
All the above documents should be sealed and signed by the authorized signatory. The above documents are for obtaining spaces inside the Government owned Buildings inside Infopark.
Upon submission of the documents, Infopark shall verify and issue the Letter of Allotment/Consent granting space. Within 30 days from the Letter of Allotment, Companies can occupy space by executing final lease agreement.
If the proposed space is located inside the Special Economic Zone notified (SEZ) area of the campus, then the company should apply with the Office of Development Commissioner Cochin SEZ for obtaining unit approval before the commencement of operations. Infopark shall hand over the possession of the space only after the submission of a copy of the Unit approval from the office of SEZ.
The Steps involved in setting up an IT/ ITES Company in India can be broadly outlined as follows:
Setting up/Register the Company
The first thing you need to do to set up a software project or call center, or in fact any business, in India is to form a company. The Companies Act 2013, sets down rules for establishing public and private companies. The most common corporate form is the limited one, and not the unlimited company. It is formed only after registering the Memorandum and Articles of Association with the ROC (Registrar of Companies) of the state in which your company’s main office will be located. These are the most important documents that you will submit to the ROC. The Memorandum sets out the constitution of the company (name of the company, the nature of liability of its members), and includes its objects (the purpose for the formation of the company, the parameters within which it has to carry out its activities). The company cannot do any act that is outside the object of the company even if all the shareholders approve it unanimously. The Articles of Association are the rules and regulations for managing the company’s internal affairs and for achieving its specified objects and purposes.
Getting the Company Name approved You then send your company’s name to be approved by the ROC in the state/Union Territory in which you will maintain its registered office. The approval is subject to certain conditions no existing company should have the same name, and the name must incorporate the words Private Ltd at the end, if a private company, and Limited if public.Pay a registration fee Next you pay a registration fee, scaled according to the company’s share capital, which is stated in its Memorandum. Once you obtain all the documents described in Step 1 and the registration fee, the ROC grants the certificate of incorporation to you (the applicant).
Once you get the certificate of incorporation, if yours is a private company, you can start business. If yours is a public company, you can invite the public for subscription to your share capital. In accordance with the Companies Act, you must issue a prospectus, giving information about your public company. The prospectus must be filed with the ROC before issuance to the public. But if you decide to obtain capital privately, you can file a Statement in Lieu of Prospectus with the ROC. You can start business after attaining a Certificate of Commencement of Business from the ROC. Seeking FDI and Foreign Technology Collaboration (Optional) For both private and public companies, you look for FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) and investment from NRIs (Non Resident Indians), including OCBs (Overseas Corporate Bodies), predominantly owned by NRIs, to complement and supplement domestic investment. You also seek foreign technology collaboration agreements. FDI and foreign technology collaboration are are approved either through the automatic route (no prior government approval is necessary) under powers delegated to the RBI (Reserve Bank of India), or the government (government approval is necessary).
Automatic approval FDIWith the government committed to an early implementation of the second phase of reforms and further liberalizing the FDI regime, all items/activities are under the automatic route for FDI/NRI and OCB investment, except the following: Proposals that require an Industrial Licence, including items requiring Industrial Licence under the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951; more than 24% foreign investment in the equity capital of units manufacturing items reserved for small-scale industries; and items requiring an Industrial Licence under the locational policy notified by the Government, in the New Industrial Policy, 1991 •
- Proposals where the foreign collaborator has a previous venture/tie-up in India
- Proposals relating to share acquisition in existing Indian companies, by a foreign/NRI/ OCB investor
- Proposals falling outside the notified sectoral policy/caps or under sectors where FDI is not permitted and/or where the investor chooses the FIPB and not the automatic route.
- Proposals for investment in public-sector units, or EOU/EPZ/EHTP/STP units, would be in the automatic route, subject to the above parameters.
The RBI also gives automatic permission for foreign technology agreements in all areas of electronics provided the technology price does not exceed $2 million and royalty payments don’t exceed 5% of domestic sales and 8% of exports. Payments are subject to an overall ceiling of 8% of total sales, over a 10-year period from the date of agreement, or a 7-year period, from the date of starting production, whichever is earlier. Investment applications under the automatic process are made to the RBI and approved within three weeks. However, automatic route for technology collaboration is not available to those who have, or had any previous technology transfer/trade-mark agreement in the same or allied field in India.
Government approvalThe FDI/foreign technology collaboration agreement proposals, which don’t conform to the automatic-approval guidelines, require government approval through the FIPB. The government has set up a special FIPB as a fast track mechanism to invite and facilitate foreign investment in large projects, considered beneficial for India, but are not covered by the automatic-approval process and norms under which SIA (Secretariat for Industrial Assistance) is authorized to grant investment approvals.
Investment proposals outside the purview of the RBI Other proposals including those in the services sector that don't conform to the guidelines for automatic approval, or seek higher foreign equity investment are approved by SIA (Industry Ministry).
- Indian Company / Individual
- Overseas Company / Individual
Indian Company / Individual
An Indian citizen can set up IT software and services operations in India through the following.
- As an Individual / Proprietor
- As a Partnership / Firm / Trust
- As a Company registered under the Companies Act, 1956
No prior permission of the Government of India is required to set up IT / software units in India.
Overseas Company / Individual
A foreign company or individual planning to set up business operations in India can do so as:
- a foreign company through a Liaison Office / Representative Office, Project Office or a Branch Office
- an Indian company through a Joint Venture or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary
- Register the Company
Liaison Office / Representative Office
A liaison office is not allowed to undertake any business activity in
India and earn any income here. The role of such offices is limited to
collecting information about possible market opportunities and providing
information about the company and its products to prospective Indian
customers. The Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) regulates the
opening and operation of such offices. Also, approval of Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) is required for opening of such offices.
- Expenses of such offices are met entirely through inward remittances of foreign exchange from Head Office abroad.
- These offices do not undertake any trading or commercial activities. Commercial activities should be limited to collecting and transmitting information between its overseas Head Office and potential Indian customers.
- Liaison offices should not charge any commission or receive other income from Indian customers for the provision of liaison services.
- Permission for such offices is initially granted for a period of three years and may be extended from time to time.
Foreign companies planning to execute specific projects in India can set up temporary project / site offices in India with the approval of RBI. Such approval is generally accorded in respect of Government approved projects.
Branch OfficeForeign companies engaged in manufacturing and trading activities abroad may set up Branch offices in India, with the permission of RBI, for the following purposes:
- To represent the parent company / other foreign companies in various matters in India e.g. acting as a buying / selling agents in India.
- To conduct research work in the area in which the parent company is engaged provided the results of the research work are made available to Indian companies.
- To undertake export and import trading activities.
- To promote possible technical and financial collaborations between Indian companies and overseas companies. A branch office is not permitted to carry out manufacturing activities on its own but is permitted to sub-contract these to Indian manufacturers.
A foreign company can commence operations in India through incorporation of a company under the provisions of Indian Companies Act 1956. Foreign equity in such Indian companies can be up to 100 percent depending upon the business plan of the foreign investor, prevailing investment policies of the Government and on receipt of requisite approvals.
Joint Venture with an Indian PartnerForeign companies can set up their operations in India by forming strategic alliances with Indian partners. Setting up of operations through a Joint Venture may provide the following advantages to a foreign investor:
- Already established distribution / marketing set up of the Indian partner.
- Available financial resources of the Indian partner.
- Already established contacts of the Indian partner that help ease the process of setting up operations. Foreign investments are approved through two routes as under:
- Automatic Route: Approvals for foreign equity up to 50 percent, 51 percent and 74 percent are given on an automatic basis subject to fulfilment of prescribed parameters in certain industries as specified by the Government. RBI accords automatic approval to all such cases.
- Government Approval: Approval from Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) in all other cases where the proposed foreign equity exceeds 50 percent, 51 percent or 74 percent in the specified industries or if the industry is not in the specified list.
The foreign investor has the option of setting up a wholly owned subsidiary, wherein the foreign company owns 100 percent of the Indian company. All such cases are subject to prior approval from the FIPB. Some of the criteria for setting up wholly owned subsidiary include:
- Only a "holding" operation is involved and all subsequent / downstream investments need prior approval of the Government.
- Where proprietary technology needs to be protected or sophisticated technology is to be brought in.
- At least 50 percent of the production is to be exported.
- Proposals for consultancy.
- Proposals for infrastructure like roads, industrial model towns, industrial parks or estates.
Steps in incorporating a private limited company
| Steps in incorporation of a private limited company | Expected Time Frame |
|---|---|
| Name application The preferred names for the company along with the proposed objects are submitted for approval. Once approved, the name is available for a period of 20 days. Within this period, the remainder of the incorporation documents need to be filed. | Four working days |
| Digital Signature All applications in connection with the incorporation process is filed online and so the documents have to be digitally signed by the directors. Digital signatures will have to be applied for all the directors. A digital signature is a unique code for an individual in a USB token. Copies of the passport (and PAN in the case of Indian citizens) and any address proof will be the required documents for a digital signature application. A video verification will be required to be completed by the applicants. | One working day from receipt of signed documents |
DIN and preparation of memorandum & articles of association For the incorporation of a private limited company, there has to be a minimum of two directors. Each of the proposed directors has to obtain a ‘Director’s Identification Number’ (DIN).
The memorandum and articles of association will have to be prepared, following which they are to be signed by the first shareholders and notarized by a notary public (in case of Commonwealth countries) and apostilled (in the case of most other countries). Alternatively, the first shareholders will have to come to India and execute the documents. The signed and attested documents will then have to be submitted to the RoC along with certain forms, following which the company will be incorporated. Documents generally required are:
|
Four working days from receipt of signed and attested documents |
Incorporation of a private limited company
| Steps in incorporation of a private limited company | Expected Time Frame |
|---|---|
| PAN All companies are required to have a ‘Permanent Account Number’ or PAN which is a registration with the Income Tax Department. PAN is allotted along with the incorporation of the company | Simultaneously along with incorporation of the company |
| TAN Companies are also required to have a ‘Tax deduction Account Number’ or TAN which is used for remittance of withholding taxes on salaries and certain vendor payments. TAN is allotted along with the incorporation of the company. | Simultaneously along with incorporation of the company |
| Bank account A current banking account will have to be opened once the company has been incorporated with any bank in India | Depends on the bank, but typically 7 working days |
| I/E Code Every company engaging in import or export of goods or services will have to apply for an ‘Importer / Exporter Code’ from the Director General of Foreign Trade. The application to be submitted will have to be digitally signed by one director and supported by a certificate from the company’s bankers. | 3 working days |
| Shops & Establishments and other labour registrations Registrations such as shops and establishments, provident fund, employees’ state insurance, etc. will have to be applied for once operations have commenced and depending on the number of employees | Various depending on the registrations required and the locality.s |
Steps in incorporating an LLP
| Steps in incorporation of a private limited company | Expected Time Frame |
|---|---|
| Name application The preferred names for the LLP along with the proposed objects are submitted for approval. Once approved, the name is available for a period of 20 days. Within this period, the remainder of the incorporation documents need to be filed. | Seven working days |
| Digital Signature All applications in connection with the incorporation process is filed online and so the documents have to be digitally signed by the directors. Digital signatures will have to be applied for all the directors. A digital signature is a unique code for an individual in a USB token. Copies of the passport (and PAN in the case of Indian citizens) and any address proof will be the required documents for a digital signature application. A video verification will be required to be completed by the applicants. | One working day from receipt of signed documents |
DIN and preparation of LLP agreement
For the incorporation of an LLP, there has to be a minimum of two partners. Each of the proposed designated partners has to obtain a ‘Director’s Identification Number’ (DIN).
The LLP agreement will have to be prepared, following which they are to be signed by the first partners and notarized by a notary public (in case of Commonwealth countries) or apostilled (in the case of most other countries). Alternatively, the first shareholders will have to come to India and execute the documents. The signed and attested documents will then have to be submitted to the RoC along with certain forms, following which the company will be incorporated. Documents generally required are:
|
Seven working days from receipt of signed and attested documents. |
Incorporation of an LLP
| Steps in incorporation of an LLP | Expected Time Frame |
|---|---|
| PAN All LLPs are required to have a ‘Permanent Account Number’ or PAN which is a registration with the Income Tax Department. | 7 – 10 working days |
| TAN LLPs are also required to have a ‘Tax deduction Account Number’ or TAN which is used for remittance of withholding taxes on salaries and certain vendor payments. TAN is allotted along with the incorporation of the LLP. | 7 – 10 working days |
| Bank account A current banking account will have to be opened once the LLP has been incorporated with any bank in India | Depends on the bank, but typically 7 working days |
| I/E Code Every LLP engaging in import or export of goods or services will have to apply for an ‘Importer / Exporter Code’ from the Director General of Foreign Trade. The application to be submitted will have to be digitally signed by one director and supported by a certificate from the company’s bankers. | 3 working days |
| Shops & Establishments and other labour registrations Registrations such as shops and establishments, provident fund, employees’ state insurance, etc. will have to be applied for once operations have commenced and depending on the number of employees | Various depending on the registrations required and the locality. |
Taxation
| Direct Taxes | Indirect Taxes |
|---|---|
| Income Tax Private limited companies with a turnover of below Rs. 250 crores are subject to income tax at the maximum rate of 26% | GST Services provided and goods sold to Indian customers may be subject to Goods & services tax. GST rates vary depending on the product or services sold, but typically, most goods and services are taxed at 18%. |
| Exports are zero rated. |
Other statutory registrations
SEZ
If the Company is opting to set up its business in a Special Economic Zone, it is required to obtain permission from the SEZ authorities. Obtaining SEZ permission involves submission of an application along with a detailed project report. Other formalities involve acceptance of the terms of the letter of approval received, execution of a bond-cum-legal undertaking and also obtaining registration with NDML which manages the SEZ portal.| Steps in obtaining a SEZ registration | Expected Time Frame |
|---|---|
| Letter of intent from SEZ developer After selecting the SEZ space in which business is to function, the entity needs to approach the SEZ developer for a letter of intent or a no objection letter confirming that the SEZ developer is prepared to offer the entity space | Depends on the SEZ developer, but typically 7 working days |
| Filing of application with the SEZ authorities
An application is filed with the SEZ authorities which is supported by a detailed project report and details of the promoters. The detailed project report includes details such as expected turnover, net foreign exchange that will be generated, expected employment generation, etc.
The application will be placed before a Unit Approval Committee which briefly interviews the promoters before issuance of a letter of approval |
Preparation and submission of application takes 7 working days.
The issue of letter of approval is dependent on meeting of the Unit Approval Committee which generally takes place once a month. |
| Acceptance of letter of approval and execution of bond-cum- legal-undertaking
The entity will have to accept the letter of approval. A formal bond-cum- legal-undertaking will have to be executed through which the entity agrees to abide by the rules and regulations of SEZ.
Once the entity submits the acceptance of the letter of approval, it can proceed with setting up of the unit in the SEZ. The execution of bond- cum-legal-undertaking and other formalities can be done side by side. |
1 working day for the submission of acceptance of letter of approval.
7 working days for execution of bond-cum- legal-undertaking. |
| Intimation of commencement of commercial operations Once the entity has commenced commercial operations, it needs to intimate the SEZ authorities along with a copy of its first invoice. | 1 working day |
| Registration on the NDML portal SEZ units are expected to report their activities including exports to the SEZ authorities which is done through a portal hosted by NSDL Database Management Ltd. The entity needs to register on this portal. | 7 working days |
Other statutory registrations
GST- The services provided by the Company to domestic customers will be subject to GST. If the Company is serving overseas customers, GST will not apply, but the Company is still expected to file returns declaring such exports
Profession Tax
- The Company will have to obtain registration under the Shops & Establishments Act and remit profession tax which it deducts from the salaries of employees. Registration is dependent on the place where the Company is conducting its business.
Provident Fund
- Once the Company has more than 20 employees, it is required to contribute to the Employees’ Provident Fund for all employees earning below the statutory limit of Rs. 15,000 per month. The Company’s contribution will be 13% of the employees’ salaries.
Employees’ State Insurance
- Once the Company has more than 10 employees, it is required to contribute to the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme for all employees earning below the statutory limit of Rs. 21,000 per month. The Company’s contribution will be 4.75% of the employees’ salaries
Ongoing compliance
Statutory audit
- The Company / LLP will liable to get its financial statements audited by a chartered accountant in each financial year. The Company must follow the financial year from April 1st to March 31st for both taxation and company law purposes.
Company law compliances
- Each year, the Company is required to hold an annual general meeting of its shareholders and file the associated returns with the RoC.
- The Company will also have to maintain the necessary statutory registers such as minutes book, register of shareholders, directors, etc.
- Compliances for LLPs involve filing of an annual return and statements of account.
Tax Return
- The Company / LLP is required to file a tax return in each financial year. The annual deadline for filing the tax return is September 30th of each year. In case of LLPs with turnover of less than Rs. 10 million, the due date is July 31st. However, if there are any international transactions with associated enterprises, the deadline for filing the return is November 30th.
Tax audit
- If the annual turnover of the Company / LLP exceeds Rs. 10 million in a financial year, the Company will be liable to get a separate tax audit done by a Chartered Accountant.
Transfer pricing
- If the Company / LLP has entered into international transactions with associated enterprises, it will be required to obtain a certificate from a chartered accountant as to the arm’s length price for the said transactions.
Withholding tax compliance
- The Company / LLP is required to deduct withholding tax from certain payments to vendors and employees and remit it within the prescribed time limit to the government.
- Each quarter, the Company / LLP will have to file withholding tax returns with the income tax department.
- The Company / LLP also has to issue quarterly certificates of tax deducted to its vendors.
GST
- GST collected on its invoicing to customers will have to be remitted to the government on a monthly basis.
- GST returns will have to be filed with the authorities on a monthly basis.
SEZ
- SEZ units are required to file Form SOFTEX on the NDML portal for all their exports.
- Form SERF needs to be submitted on a monthly basis.
- A monthly performance report needs to be submitted to report monthly activities such as exports and employment.
- Once in a year, the entity is required to submit an annual performance report certified by a chartered accountant.
Provident Fund and Employee State Insurance / Workers’ Welfare Fund
- The Company’s / LLP’s contribution to provident fund, Employee State Insurance and Workers’ Welfare Fund will have to be remitted on a monthly basis.
- Various returns will have to be filed on a periodic basis.
Profession tax
- The Company / LLP is required to remit profession tax and file the necessary returns on a half yearly basis.
Special Economic Zones
Infopark is notified as IT/ITES Sector Specific Special Economic Zone (SEZ) by the Ministry of Commerce, Govt.of India. The purpose of SEZs is to promote Export oriented Business units, generation of employment opportunities, development of infrastructural facilities etc. A major land area of Infopark across the campuses is notified as SEZ’s.
- A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a "specifically delineated, duty-free enclave and shall be deemed to be foreign territory for the purposes of trade operations and duties and tariffs" (EXIM Policy 2000, Chapter 9, Para 30).
- All trade inflows into the SEZ are treated as imports and all outflows from the SEZ are treated as exports.
- The concept of SEZ was introduced by the Indian Government in the EXIM Policy 2000. Since then the SEZ Act has been passed in 2005 and the rules and regulations governing the same have been notified in 2006.
- The preferential policy framework within which an SEZ functions is designed to give an impetus to exports and provide the necessary supporting environment to make these export hubs an attractive investment destination point for global players with multi-lateral trade dimensions.
Facilities and Incentives
The incentives and facilities offered to the units in SEZs for attracting investments into the SEZs, including foreign investment include:-
- Duty free import/domestic procurement of goods for development, operation and maintenance of SEZ units.
- Exemptions from customs and excise duties, central sales tax and local taxes on construction material, capital equipment , raw material, spares, and consumables. These have now subsumed into GST and supplies to SEZs are zero rated under IGST Act, 2017.
- Exemption from State GST.
- Other levies as imposed by the respective State Governments.
- Exemption on stamp duty and land registration charges.
- Single window clearance mechanism for approvals.
- On-site customs and self-certification processes.
- Repatriation of profits without dividend balancing permitted.
- 100% foreign direct investment permitted.
All the benefits are as per the SEZ Act 2005 outlined by the Government of India. However local taxes / duties which are under the purview of the State Government are governed by the respective State Governments.
The major incentives and facilities available to SEZ developers include:-
- Exemption from customs/excise duties for development of SEZs for authorized operations approved by the BOA.
- Exemption from Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) under Section 115 JB of the Income Tax Act. (withdrawn w.e.f. 1.4.2012)
- Exemption from Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) under Section 115O of the Income Tax Act. (withdrawn w.e.f. 1.6.2011)
- Exemption from Central Sales Tax (CST).
- Exemption from Service Tax (Section 7, 26 and Second Schedule of the SEZ Act).
The SEZ Rules provide for:-
- Simplified procedures for development, operation, and maintenance of the Special Economic Zones and for setting up units and conducting business in SEZs.
- Single window clearance for setting up of an SEZ.
- Single window clearance for setting up a unit in a Special Economic Zone; For approvals of units establishing inside Infopark SEZ, A Window clearance Board in place chaired by the Development Commissioner, Cochin Special Economic Zone.
- Single Window clearance on matters relating to Central as well as State Governments.
- Simplified compliance procedures and documentation with an emphasis on self-certification.
Administrative set up
- The functioning of the SEZs is governed by a three tier administrative set up. The Board of Approval is the apex body and is headed by the Secretary, Department of Commerce. The Approval Committee at the Zone level deals with approval of units in the SEZs and other related issues. Each Zone is headed by a Development Commissioner, who is ex-officio chairperson of the Approval Committee.
- Once an SEZ has been approved by the Board of Approval and Central Government has notified the area of the SEZ, units are allowed to be set up in the SEZ. All the proposals for setting up of units in the SEZ are approved at the Zone level by the Approval Committee consisting of Development Commissioner, Customs Authorities and representatives of State Government. All post approval clearances including grant of importer-exporter code number, change in the name of the company or implementing agency, broad banding diversification, etc. are given at the Zone level by the Development Commissioner. The performance of the SEZ units are periodically monitored by the Approval Committee and units are liable for penal action under the provision of Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, in case of violation of the conditions of the approval.
For more details on SEZs, Please visit www.sezindia.nic.in
START-UP OPTIONS
Infopark offers spaces to support the requirements of Start-ups. The objective of the park is to create infrastructural facilities for the use of IT/ITES Companies, thereby generating employment opportunities for the youth of the state. Kerala has a good Start-up ecosystem. There was a big revolution happened in the Start-up development over the last few years. Government of Kerala is very focused on building a favorable start-up ecosystem. Kerala possess a unique model of connecting academics, industries, R&D institutions and startups, apart from other Startup Ecosystems in the country. Kerala Start-up Mission (KSUM) is formed with the objective of creating a favorable environment for start-ups in Kerala. Initiatives by KSUM over the past few years have gained wide recognition from various parts of the world. Many successful startups from Kerala have emerged with many socially innovative ideas to drive the socio economic growth of our nation.
Infopark, in all the Government developed buildings reserved few floors for Plug and play modules of smaller layout sizes to accommodate the space requirements of start-ups. Also a Non Resident Indian Technology Business Incubator (NRI-TBI) is located at Infopark to facilitate the start-up initiatives by NRI’s.
NRI TBI
NRI-TBI is a Technology Business Incubation centre focusing solely on NRI’s and the aim is to create a perfect ecosystem for NRI’s ventures. NRI-TBI is a joint initiative of Technopark- TBI, NORKA & Diaspora Incubator designed specifically to incubate NRI start-ups and is constituted as a Not for Profit Society.
Electronic & Embedded systems, Telecommunications and Mobile Technology, Green & Clean Energy Technology, Technology application & Services for Oil & Gas Industry, Tourism, Logistics, Future Farming Technology, e-Commerce, e-Branding, e-Tailing, E-learning etc. are the thrust areas of NRI-TBI and NRI-TBI will be supporting NRI’s start-ups in the above mentioned domains.
NRI-TBI provide incubates with necessary infrastructure support, technology/prototype development support, research assistance, business consulting assistance and do whatever is necessary to make the start-up a success.
Furnished air-conditioned office modules from 1-Seat to 10-Seat capacity, Mentors and consultants in various domains, Telephones and Leased line Internet cabling, Single Window Clearance for NRI’s, Electric Power with Back-up DG/UPS supply, Reception and Maintenance services, Discussion/conference Room Facilities, Web Hosting Services and Common Security are the facilities provided in NRI-TBI.
NRI-TBI has evolved into a multi-functional and multi-disciplinary organization offering a wide range of consultancy and advisory services to the business & infrastructure sector over the years. Raycast Technologies, Netstratum Technologies, St. Albans Technologies Pvt Ltd, Extra Slice, Authentic Journeys Se- Mentor, Flipcare Meditours Pvt Ltd, Tecque Solutions etc. are some of the companies at NRI-TBI.
Located inside the Smart Business Centre at the First Floor of Thapasya Building, Infopark Kochi Phase 1
For enquiries relating to NRI-TBI:
Email: info@nritbi.in
Tel: 0484 4015951
Mob: +91-98953 55311
Web: www.nritbi.in
KERALA START-UP MISSION (KSUM)
Kerala Start up Mission (formerly Technopark Technology Business Incubator) has been driving the start-up saga in the State of Kerala from the year 2002.The reflections in the mind-set of the youngsters to become entrepreneurs have been greatly influenced by the vision of Kerala Start up Mission formerly (T-TBI).Since its inception the drive to boost up the technology business incubators have been successfully fulfilled.
In 2006 T-TBI formulated as an independent society supported by DST, GOI.
In 2012 T-TBI designated as the Nodal Agency for start-ups supported by GOK.
In 2015 T-TBI rebranded as Kerala Start-up Mission
KSM have various schemes which will help the budding entrepreneurs to excel well. The schemes implemented by KSM are as follows:
Start-up Incubation Programme
- Pre-incubation
- Incubation
- Business Accelerator
Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programmes
- Start-up Boot camps
- Start-up Box Campaign
- Learn to Code: Raspberry Pi Programme
- Start-up Leadership Training & Workshops
- International Exchange and Training Programme
- Web portal and Video Library for entrepreneurs
- Technology Innovation Fellow Programme
- Entrepreneurship Driving Programme
- Technology Innovation Zone
- MIT FABLABS
- Entrepreneurship Development Programmes in Schools
- Student Entrepreneurship Policy
- Kerala Technology Start-Up Policy
The proposed incubation stages comprised of
- Pre-incubation Stage (3-6 months)
- Incubation Stage (6-12 months)
- Accelerator Stage (3-6 months)
Business Model
For more details on the Business Model and other support provided by Kerala Start-up Mission, Please visit: https://startupmission.kerala.gov.in
Support services - Chartered Accountants
Land mark Enclave,
Valanjambalam, Kochi
Contact person : S Venugopal
Ph: 0484-2359776; 9895623799 ; 9447001568
Email: venugopalg8@hotmail.cu.uk | sureshna2007@gmail.com
Poineer Tower, Marine Drive, Kochi
Contact person : P N Ramachandra Kamath
Phone: 0484-410999
Mobile: 9447134244
Email: asakochi@asa.in
website: www.asa.in
Contact person : Mr. Reuben Joseph
Phone: +91 484 2207411
Mobile: +91 98952 09307
Email: reuben.joseph@gja.co.in ; mail@gja.co.in
Website: www.gja.co.in
Panampilly Nagar, Cochin
Contact person : P M Veeramani
Phone - 0484-2312960,2316538 ; 9995895342
Email:- priceco@rgnprice.com
76, Ratnajyot Indi.estate, Irla Lane
Vile Parle(W), Mumbai-400056
Office : (022)26716414,26707771
Mg.partner : Mr. Sandeep Parikh
Mobile : +91 982012264
Email : sandeep@pparikh.com
Pearl House,seaport-airport Road
Vallathol Junction, Thrikkakkara.P.O
Kochi-682021
Office : 0484-4039000
Partner : Mr. Mathew Stephen
Mobile : +91 9567858357
Intellectual Property Rights Consultants
Tel: +91-484-4010802/ Mob: +91-98471 82002
Mail: jolly.john@bizandlegis.com Website: www.bizandlegis.com
Mail: murti@vsnl.com / mail@murtiandmurti.com
Mobile: 91-9447011151
Tax Laws, Labour Laws, Contracts, Arbitration Laws,
Intellectual Property Laws & Documentation
Tel No: +91 484 2390374; 2395631
Email: info@pnklaw.com