Startup culture gaining momentum across AP

A Centre of Excellence will be established through industry collaboration in emerging technology domains. APIS has found there is a gap in mentoring, innovation and startup activities. Industry leaders have stated the problem statements that startups could work on to address real time challenges and demand, says CEO of APIS, T Anil Kumar

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh Innovation Society (APIS) in collaboration with National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) has organised the "incubators-industry innovation connect" at Innovation Valley here.

The initiative was very well supported by industries association like Confederation of India (CII), IT Association of AP (ITAAP) and AP Chambers.

During daylong event, over 75 representatives from Central and State governments, industries, incubation centres and startups participated. The objective of the programme was to outline the needs and expectations of the key stakeholders to strengthen the innovation ecosystem by providing mentorship, handholding support, exploring technology transfer opportunities, business intelligence, funding, market orientation and freedom to operate.

Among others, T Anil Kumar, CEO, APIS, Dr B K Sahu, Senior Regional Manager and Head (IPFC-TISC), NRDC, Suresh Batha, Additional Director and Head Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Sreedhar Kosaraju, president, ITAAP, Mouli, CII Head, Leela Rani from AP Chambers, Ravindra Nath Reddy, Deputy CEO of AP Maritime Board, Raghuram, ex-Director, MSME Visakhapatnam and Sreedhar Reddy, General Manager, APEITA were present.

During the deliberations, Anil Kumar emphasised the objective of the programme. He said they are establishing Centre of Excellence through industry collaboration in emerging technology domains like metaverse, autonomous energy and AV Gaming.

He said, "APIS found there is gap in mentoring innovation and startup activities. Hence, there is a need for creating structured and strong network of mentors for handholding support to the startups. Industry leaders have stated the problem statements that startups could work on to address real time challenges and demand."

Dr Sahu spoke on the role of NRDC in innovation promotion, handholding, technology transfer and IP management to all stakeholders. He emphasised the challenges and bottlenecks of industries, academia and startups in the present time.

The programme was successful in creating the buzz and made a significant contribution towards propelling the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the State, Dr Sahu stated.