AP to be Innovation Valley of India: Lokesh

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh would be developed as the Innovation Valley of India with world-class support for startups and entrepreneurs, IT and industries, said electronics minister Nara Lokesh here on Wednesday.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the newly built Ratan Tata Innovation Hub near NH-16 at Mangalagiri.

The minister said resources do not impede innovation and it is creative thinking that matters. He urged students to cultivate the spirit of innovation right from their academic years so that “every household in Andhra Pradesh will have one entrepreneur,” as envisioned by the chief minister.

“This hub is not just a building, but a beacon of hope and a symbol of confidence for lakhs of youths in Andhra Pradesh. It reflects the timeless ideals and values of the late Ratan Tata,” the minister said.

Recalling his father and chief minister Chandrababu Naidu’s entrepreneurial journey, Lokesh noted that before the family’s Heritage Foods succeeded, Naidu had faced three business failures. “It is perseverance, commitment and patience that lead to extraordinary results,” he said.

He said Naidu’s ability to place Hyderabad on the global IT map should now be repeated in Andhra Pradesh with Amaravati as a growth centre.

“As ministers, working with the CM is not easy. He gives us deadlines and checks regularly on progress. His vision of industrial growth has attracted massive investments during the 14 months of the present government,” Lokesh said.

He thanked Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran for chairing the state’s Investment Task Force and guiding major industrial collaborations.

The minister said the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub was conceived soon after the industrialist’s demise, as a tribute to his values and contributions. “This initiative will provide transparent mechanisms and complete support for entrepreneurs. Innovation does not mean IT alone; it must emerge from villages to the global stage in every sector,” Lokesh said.

Citing opportunities in healthcare, biodegradable industries and new-age manufacturing, the minister said the state government would extend every possible assistance to young innovators. “Alongside education, innovation must be part of our culture. With the support of giants like Amara Raja Batteries, Tata Group, Greenko, Jindal and Adani, youths would receive mentorship to take their ideas to the next level,” he said.

Industrial leaders, including Chandrasekaran (Tata Group), Baba Kalyani (Bharat Forge), Galla Jayadev (Amara Raja Group) and senior bureaucrats, participated in the event.