Bring Your Ideas To Telangana, We Will Make Them Reality: IT Minister Sridhar Babu

The Hyderabad Economic Forum (HEF) 2026 began on a strong note at the SAS iTower in Khajaguda , bringing together policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, startup founders, academics and industry experts on a shared platform to discuss the future of growth and innovation in Telangana.

Organised jointly by SAS Infra and the Bower School of Entrepreneurship , the forum is themed “One City.. One Vision.. Infinite Possibilities” and has attracted over 500 participants from across sectors.

Inaugurating the event, Telangana IT and Industries Minister Sridhar Babu highlighted Hyderabad’s rising global profile, describing it as an emerging innovation capital of India . He underlined that in the 21st century, economic leadership is increasingly driven by ideas, talent, and innovation rather than traditional resources.

The Minister pointed out India’s significant progress in the Global Innovation Index , moving from 81st position a decade ago to 39th currently, calling it evidence of the country’s expanding innovation ecosystem. He also noted that India has become the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with Telangana playing a key role as one of its most dynamic hubs.

He detailed several government-led initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s innovation infrastructure, including TGDeX (Telangana Data Exchange) , a proposed AI University , a Skill University , a ₹1,000 crore Fund of Funds , and the rollout of 100 modern ITIs . These initiatives, he said, are designed to support entrepreneurs and convert ideas into scalable enterprises.

A major focus of his address was the integration of artificial intelligence into education. Through AI-enabled classrooms and a large-scale AI Literacy Mission , the government aims to equip nearly 20 lakh government school students with future-ready digital skills.

Delivering a strong message to innovators and startups, Sridhar Babu invited them to “bring your ideas to Telangana” , assuring that while every idea may not succeed, the state will ensure support, opportunity, and an enabling ecosystem for every genuine effort.

The day-long forum also featured discussions on economic growth, infrastructure development, digital transformation, AI adoption, Global Capability Centres, investments, life sciences, real estate, education, sports, and women’s leadership. Speakers collectively emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between government and industry to position Hyderabad as a world-class hub for economy and innovation.