“Hyderabad has emerged as India’s next start-up powerhouse, and ISBACON 2024 is the perfect platform to solidify that status by fostering key partnerships and driving innovation,” stated Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Government of Telangana, as he inaugurated the 16th edition of ISBACON 2024 at CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad.
The conference, jointly organized by the Indian STEP and Business Incubators Association (ISBA) and Atal Incubation Centre – Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (AIC-CCMB), aims to explore the latest trends in the startup ecosystem and promote collaboration among stakeholders. ISBACON 2024 is India’s largest gathering of startup incubators, drawing over 250 attendees, including investors, industry experts, government representatives, and thought leaders.
Pre-Conference Workshops at T-Hub
The three-day conference kicked off on October 17 with a series of pre-conference workshops at T-Hub, Hyderabad’s premier startup incubator. The workshops, co-led by ISBACON and T-Hub, attracted over 200 delegates and focused on best practices, funding opportunities, and the role of technology in scaling startups.
Importance of Nurturing Startups
Ranjan emphasized the city’s emergence as a startup hub, attributing Hyderabad’s growth to proactive policy frameworks and a conducive ecosystem. Dr. K. Suresh Kumar, President of ISBA, elaborated on the conference’s mission: “The goal of ISBACON is to enhance business incubation efforts in India by enabling the exchange of information, sharing experiences, and fostering networking among Business Incubators, Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Parks (STEPs), and other organizations.”
Building Global Innovation Synergies
Dr. Madhusudhana Rao, CEO of AIC-CCMB, stressed the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of startups. He remarked, “Industry 5.0 in India will be driven by startups of today. ISBA’s initiatives and network amplify the entrepreneurial spirit in India through enablers who are critical in nurturing and shaping these startups.”
The conference, scheduled from October 18 to 19, promises dynamic sessions addressing global innovation synergies, India’s advances in various domains, and policy frameworks crucial for the startup ecosystem. Experts and stakeholders are set to engage in discussions that will drive the future of India’s innovation landscape.
Strategic Collaborations & MoUs
During the inaugural session, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between key stakeholders to foster collaboration and support for the startup ecosystem. These agreements aim to bridge gaps between government, industry, and academia, providing startups with the resources they need to thrive.
Partners and Future Vision
Partners for ISBACON 2024 include the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of Telangana, Department of Biotechnology-Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (DBT-BIRAC), AIC-CCMB, T-Hub, and other prominent entities.
ISBACON 2024, held in Hyderabad, highlights the city’s rise as India’s startup powerhouse and underscores the importance of incubators and accelerators in driving national growth. With discussions on innovation, policy, and partnerships, the conference is set to leave a lasting impact on India’s startup ecosystem, positioning Hyderabad at the forefront of this movement.
- Balakrishna Pambala
