TO learn from startup ecosystem Officials from Tanzania, Kenya visit Hyd

A delegation comprising officials from Kenya National Innovation Agency (KNIA) and Tanzania’s Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology on Monday visited Hyderabad to gain insights on successful public sector-led initiatives that nurture startup ecosystems in India.
The delegation visited two projects funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) – Telangana Startup and Innovation Ecosystem Strengthening Project implemented by Telangana State Innovation Cell (TSIC) and Campus Development Project of Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IITH).
During the two-day visit, the delegation interacted with key stakeholders and explored innovative solutions developed by startups and learnt about the role of government in effectively implementing these activities at the ground level. The delegation visited IITH campus and held discussions with IITH Director Prof. BS Murty and the Deans, and representatives from the Suzuki Innovation Centre (SIC), the Centre of Healthcare Entrepreneurship (CfHE), the Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation (TiHAN), the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SCIENT) and the Technology Research Park (TRP).
The delegation also visited innovation facilities in Hyderabad such as T-hub, T-works and We-hub that are supported by the Telangana Startup and Innovation Ecosystem Strengthening Project, and learnt about how India’s flagship programmes led by public organisations support the startup ecosystem. These interactions provided insights into building and sustaining a robust startup environment through public sector initiatives and contributed to triangular cooperation between India and Japan.
SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative of JICA India, said, “This cooperation among India, Japan, Kenya, and Tanzania marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to promoting startups and unlocking the entrepreneurial potential of people in India, Africa, and around the world. The role of startups in driving economic growth and advancing entrepreneurial innovation is crucial.
Our goal is for these initiatives to act as catalysts for innovation and to strengthen the entrepreneurial foundations of their nations’ futures.”