Future for startups in North Andhra bright: RTIH-Visakha CEO
The targetted turnover is estimated to be $1 billion in 5 years
The speakers at the second edition of AP Digital Technology Summit in Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam: Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH)--Visakhapatnam CEO Ravi Eswarapu has outlined ambitious goals for North Andhra, targeting $1 billion in turnover, 5,000 startups, and 50,000 jobs over the next five years.
He was speaking at the second edition of AP Digital Technology Summit and the first of its kind AP Innovators' Summit organised by AP Digital Technology Industry (APDTI) Network with the support of the State Government and Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) here.
The summit was held under the overarching theme “The New Age Innovator – AI, Agility, and Sustainable Growth.
The event witnessed participation from over 800 delegates, including startup founders, investors, incubator heads, academia, student startups, and career aspirants from across Andhra Pradesh.
Eswarapu detailed structured initiatives such as SPARK, Future Founders, and Catalyst, creating a clear pathway from ideas to funded startups.
He highlighted the role of inclusive innovation, particularly across rural and tribal regions, with RTIH now covering six districts. Dr Jitendra Sharma, Founder, Managing Director & CEO, AMTZ (Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone) attended a special session graced by the
Kavitha C, Director, STPI Hyderabad. The inaugural proceedings also featured distinguished guests including Indrajit Anne, President, ITAAP (IT Association of Andhra Pradesh).
Dr Sharma urged startups to focus on building strong capabilities, avoid jargon, and leverage technology for products and partnerships for customers.
The summit agenda featured expert speakers from leading global organisations, Bharat Kumar–Microsoft, Vamsidhar Sunkari–Bosch Software Global Technologies, Ramesh Loganathan–SucSEED Ventures, Amit Mishra–Yotta, Kiran Korivi–Alcove Partners, Jignesh Talasila–Perspect AI, Kinjal Saxena–AIG Hospitals and Dr Ravi Saripalle--GITAM.
Awards presented to startupsYoung Disruptor & Changemaker Prodigy Award went to Swayamezon Technologies.
Best Healthcare Innovator Award was given to Genesis Sanjeeva. DeepTech Innovation Award was received by Vahini Technologies and Student Innovator/Campus Startup Award to Ambigo. Social Impact Innovation Award was bagged by Blue Connect and Innovator/ lStartup of the Year 2025–26 went to Vinda Energy Private Limited. Edge AI Innovation Award was received by Fixpoint Technology.
The AP Innovators Summit 26 successfully reinforced Andhra Pradesh’s position—and Visakhapatnam’s growing role—as a hub for innovation-driven, AI-led, and sustainable digital growth in India’s intelligent era, according APDTI Network Chairman Sreedhar Kosaraju.
He emphasized that innovation is the true driver of long-term growth, with skilling acting as a strong foundation and highlighted the importance of embedding AI from the design-thinking stage rather than treating it as a buzzword and reiterated alignment with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision of “One Family, One Entrepreneur.”
ITAAP president Indrajit Anne spoke about the rapid acceleration of digital transformation across industries, noting that technology adoption today spans IT, manufacturing, and industrial sectors.
