AU Start-Up Centre Closure Decision Sparks Concern

Andhra University’s decision to close its start-up incubation centre has triggered concern among entrepreneurs and academics, who argue that the move could undermine the spirit of the National Education Policy-2020 and weaken the university’s innovation ecosystem.

Established in 2000 through a tripartite agreement with NASSCOM and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the centre was created to promote technological innovation and entrepreneurship with an investment of about ₹27 crore. Over the past four years, it has incubated around 40 ventures across diverse sectors, providing infrastructure, technical support, mentorship and guidance to young entrepreneurs.

Sources said the Vice-Chancellor had directed the centre to vacate its premises and notices were issued to start-ups operating from the facility.

Faculty members, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed concern over the decision, pointing out that universities across the country were trying to attract investments to establish and expand incubation hubs. They said dismantling an existing ecosystem contradicted NEP-2020’s emphasis on research, innovation, industry-academia collaboration and entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurs and experts said a functioning incubation centre within a university gives students, researchers and start-ups access to infrastructure, mentorship and industry linkages. Such facilities, they said, should be strengthened rather than discontinued to build a sustainable innovation culture.

Stakeholders urged Andhra University authorities to reconsider the decision and evaluate the centre’s contribution before taking a final call. They warned that its closure could disrupt opportunities for young innovators, discourage entrepreneurship and weaken the university’s role in developing the regional start-up ecosystem.