Telangana IT Secretary Interview: Hyderabad Can Be a Global Innovation Hub
Jayesh Ranjan, special chief secretary of Telangana’s IT and industries and commerce departments, says Hyderabad can become a top start-up destination. Edited excerpts
How have the Telangana government’s policies boosted Hyderabad’s start-up ecosystem?
The Telangana government’s strategic policies, such as the Industrial Policy Framework, Innovation Policy, ICT [information and communication technology] Policy, AI [artificial intelligence] Framework and Social Innovation Policy have had a very positive impact.
The Web3 sandbox and Robotics Framework provide similar impetus. The recently launched Mega Master Plan-2050 for Industrial Development, 2024, focuses on industrial development, promoting sectors like food processing, sports, automobile, organic clusters, IT [information technology], pharma and health industries and is a game changer.
At the same time, there is an opportunity to refresh some policies and introduce newer ones.
With emerging sectors like deep tech, biotech and space tech, how do you plan to expand sectoral diversification?
At a broad level, sectoral focus will be guided by the vision and mission of T-Hub [an incubation centre] as well as the government’s key focus areas. A three-pronged approach will be adopted to maintain and expand sectoral diversification.
Sector selection will be based on the strengths of our state such as deep tech, defence, manufacturing, including MSMEs [micro, small and medium enterprises], life sciences, fintech. The focus will build on T-Hub’s Centres of Excellence, such as AI (MATH) [machine learning and AI technology hub], health care, semiconductors, space tech and sustainability.
What measures are you taking to attract more international investors and collaborations?
T-Hub has launched the T-Bridge programme to facilitate international market access for start-ups. To attract global investors and foster collaborations, a country-specific approach is being implemented.
For France, T-Hub is leveraging partnerships with the Consulate General of France and France’s trade office to position itself as an innovation partner, with programmes planned around the India-France Year of Innovation in 2026. For the UK, collaborations with UKRI [UK Research and Innovation] and Innovate UK in clean energy and net-zero sectors are benefiting start-ups.
For Japan, partnerships with the Japan International Cooperation Agency and companies like Panasonic and Suzuki are advancing innovation in EV [electric vehicle], agritech and supply-chain solutions. Collaboration with Israel is focused on defence and security.
Additionally, T-Hub is in discussions with Australia, Sweden and West Asia to expand its global footprint, with Swedish firms like Epiroc and Hexagon already establishing innovation centres at T-Hub.
"A study has to be undertaken to understand successful funding models from other states and countries and provide replicable solutions"
How is the state working to retain and nurture local talent for start-ups in Hyderabad?
Our state is focusing on creating the right ecosystem to ensure that talent can be retained and nurtured locally by way of offering a vibrant social environment and opportunities for personal and professional growth. The GCC [global capability centre] ecosystem in Hyderabad is a good example.
GCCs are also providing opportunities for start-ups with pilots, PoC [proof of concept] projects and work orders. T-Hub’s engagements with GCCs are focused on hiring the right talent. A case in point is the talent hunt that T-Hub conducted for HSBC and Epiroc.
T-Hub’s bi-annual job melas extend significant support to start-ups to hire the right talent. Another shift being observed is that leadership roles are shifting to Hyderabad, which can anchor larger teams.
There is also a challenge of limited late-stage funding. How is the state planning to ensure that start-ups can scale up?
The current challenge is due to limited VC [venture capital] presence, top-tier start-ups operating outside of Hyderabad and perceived limited talent and market access.
Strategies have to be laid out to address these issues—by galvanising angel and venture capitalists, CVCs [corporate VC] and family office ecosystems by connecting with them and highlighting start-up stories.
A study has to be undertaken to understand successful funding models and frameworks from other states and countries and provide replicable or better solutions. A policy framework by the government will immensely help.
What is your vision for Hyderabad’s start-up ecosystem? How do you see it compete with other hubs like Bengaluru and Pune?
My vision is to position Hyderabad’s start-up ecosystem as one of the top three hubs in India. Today, our city is seen as an emerging hub. As part of this vision, the goal is to establish the city as a global innovation hub, fostering a thriving community of start-ups.
The innovation network [T-Hub and T-Works] created by the government of Telangana is unparalleled anywhere in our country. By combining this with a robust policy framework, world-class infrastructure, leveraging the presence of GCCs and strategic partnerships, the state and the city of Hyderabad can be positioned as a leader.
The areas that need continued focus are improving the funding ecosystem for start-ups, creating a strong talent pipeline and ensuring scale-up opportunities. ‘Brand Hyderabad’—as a top start-up destination—has to be created.