STPI AND TiE Delhi-NCR along with the Govt of Andhra Pradesh bring the LEAP AHEAD STARTUP SUMMIT to Vijayawada
Telugu super news,Vijayawada, December 7, 2023: The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE Delhi-NCR), in continued partnership, extended the LEAP AHEAD Initiative to Vijayawada. TiE Delhi-NCR further collaborated with TiE Vijayawada to organize the LEAP AHEAD STARTUP SUMMIT, a virtual event for the Vijayawada chapter. Following the phenomenal success of the summits in Delhi and Bhubaneswar, the SUMMIT at Vijayawada aimed at providing substantial support and acceleration to tech startups across India and in particular in the emerging hubs across Andhra Pradesh.
A pan India initiative to select tech startups, LEAP AHEAD (Launchpad for Tech Entrepreneurs towards Accelerated Growth and Pioneering AHEAD) was recently launched by STPI, in collaboration with TiE Delhi-NCR, and a prestigious group of Investors. The Leap Ahead startup summits across cities are being held to invigorate the startup ecosystems in the region & promote this initiative . The objective of LEAP Ahead is to select 75 startups and provide them with mentorship and business guidance culminating in potentially raising to 1cr of funding. The Initiative offers an intensive three-month mentorship program. This unique initiative combines virtual and in-person sessions to provide startups with a holistic learning experience. It also grants startups access to an expansive network and one-on-one mentorship sessions with seasoned investors and industry experts.
The Inaugural Session at the LEAP Ahead Startup Summit proved to be a beacon of inspiration. The event witnessed an address by Chief Guest Bhuvnesh Kumar, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Govt. of India, addresses by C V D Ramprasad, Director of STPI Hyderabad, Ravi Eswarapu, CEO of ā hub & President, TiE Vizag, Subodh Sachan, Director, STPI & Dasari Ramakrishna, Managing Director, Efftronics Systems Private Limited & Chief Mentor for NGIS Vijayawada. They shared insights about how STPI &TiE are working towards nurturing startups in the state while setting the stage for a day of innovation.
Bhuvnesh Kumar, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Govt. of India, speaking at the event said “Acknowledging the heart of our progress lies beyond the familiar, our focus extends to the unsung heroes—the startups rooted in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. These budding talents face unique hurdles but harbor immense potential. Our commitment to them drives schemes like TIDE 2.0, NGIS, SAMRIDH, and GENESIS, catalysing their dreams into reality. STPI stands tall, seeding entrepreneurship through its Centres of Entrepreneurship nationwide, while OCTANE CoEs beckons innovation in the northeastern frontiers. As we tread this transformative path, we invite all to join hands in sculpting an entrepreneurial landscape where every idea finds wings to soar with the LEAP AHEAD programme.”
C V D Ramprasad, Director, STPI Hyderabad, said, “I am glad to welcome all the investors and Startups to the summit. LEAP AHEAD Startup Summit is an initiative to revolutionize tech startups, driving growth, diversification, and expansion in the startup ecosystem. STPI’s visionary moves generated 7.64 lakh jobs in 6 years, elevating the IT sector through strategic schemes. The ‘Leap Ahead Pan India’ collaboration with TiE Delhi empowers 75 startups with intensive training, mentoring, and up to 1 crore funding for 15 standout ventures. Seize the moment, let’s shape India’s innovation and entrepreneurship future together.”
“Amidst India’s dynamic startup landscape boasting 114,000 registered ventures, a sweeping global transformation distinctly favors Indian startups. With 60+ centers nationwide, 23 Centres of Entrepreneurship , Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS) being implemented from 12 cities are pivotal in nurturing 800+ startups pan-India. Through ‘Leap Ahead,’ STPI is poised to identify the first LEAP AHEAD cohort, addressing real issues and looking to scale up. The program’s unique collaboration with TIE Delhi-NCR, offering a 3-month mentoring initiative, fortifies the support ecosystem, positioning ‘Leap Ahead’ as the go-to program for those pursuing focused growth. The global connect with TIE Silicon Valley Chapter is aimed to amplify the current vibrancy.” said Subodh Sachan, Director, STPI HQ
Select investor partners, including Harsh Choudhary of Indian Angel Network &RathnakarSamavedam – CEO, of Hyderabad Angels, addressed the audience, shedding light on the opportunities that lie ahead. The summit also featured an address by Dasari Rama Krishna, Managing Director of Efftronics Systems Pvt. Ltd. and Chief Mentor for NGIS Vijayawada. A symbolic exchange of MoUs also took place with select Investor Partners featuring Srinivas Savaram – Director, Alcove Business Advisory Private Limited (Alcove Partners) & Pranav Visvesh – Investment Associate, Anicut Capital . The LEAP AHEAD summit in Vijayawada transcended mere discussions and served as a melting pot for diverse ideas.
The agenda featured two insightful panel discussions delving into critical themes: “Empowering Startups: Access to Funding and Resources” and “Building a Sustainable Ecosystem: Government, Industry, and Academia Collaboration.” Esteemed panelists Kumar Saurabh – Ecosystem Manager, Venture Catalysts; DeenanathHarapanahalli – Founder & CEO, Ontropi& ISF Angels; Vamsi Krishna, Founder – Julien Innovations India Private Limited; Radhav Tandon – Sr. Associate, Pontaq Ventures India LLP; RathnakarSamavedam – CEO, Hyderabad Angels; Dr. Ameet Chavan – CEO, VIT AP; T Anil Kumar – CEO, AP Innovation Society & many more lend their expertise to these discussions.
The summit also witnessed 15 Startups Pitching their innovative ideas to a clutch of investors. The next LEAP AHEAD STARTUP Summit after Delhi, Bhubaneshwar, and Vijayawada, will take place in Chandigarh on December 13.