A new platform focused on the startup space by Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) will be launched later than originally planned.

The platform is meant to encourage, support and entice startups by providing a listing space for companies in a variety of sectors ranging from technology to sciences.

“BSE has decided to postpone the split of the BSE startup sub-segment from BSE SME segment,” a statement by BSE said. “Startups will continue to list on BSE SME segment as usual. These startups will have the option to migrate to BSE startup segment once BSE startup segment is launched.”

The platform’s initial start date was set for July 9th, 2018. Robotics, artificial intelligence, big data, virtual and augmented realities and gaming are among some of the sectors the platform will serve startups within.

Other fields from which startups can list on the new platform include bio-technology, space technology, IT, 3D printing and ITES among others.

“The companies should preferably have investment by qualified institutional buyer (QIB investors)/ angel investors for a minimum period of two years at the time of filing of draft prospectus with BSE and such aggregate investment should be at least Rs 1 crore,” BSE had previously stated about startups eligible for the platform.

In addition, startups which can list on the platform are required to have a positive net worth, have never fallen under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code of 2016 to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), never been on a petition accepted by NCLT, have a minimum Rs 1 crore in equity share capital and been a company for a minimum of three years.

(Picture courtesy: http://newsmobile.in/)