Telangana Govt, The Culinary Lounge Unveil India’s First Culinary and Experiential Tourism Accelerator at The August Fest 2025 held at HITEX

This initiative is a significant step in TGIC’s mission to foster a robust ecosystem for cultural enterprises and build ‘Brand Telangana’. The six-month program is designed to empower entrepreneurs in the high-potential sectors of food and beverage and experiential tourism. By shifting the focus from the preservation of culture and heritage to the promotion and prosperity of cultural assets, the program aims to help entrepreneurs create scalable, valuable, and branded businesses rooted in Telangana's rich cultural heritage.

This accelerator program provides cultural entrepreneurs with a robust support system built on three core pillars. Participants will receive valuable knowledge and mentorship from industry leaders through hands-on learning and cohort-based sessions. They will also gain crucial networking and market linkages by accessing the supply chains of major enterprises in the F&B and tourism sectors, helping them to better understand market requirements and foster future collaborations. Finally, the program offers access to capital, connecting participants with NICEorg’s network of angel investors and mentors to help them navigate fundraising and meet their working capital needs.

Speaking at the launch, Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary for Tourism & Culture, highlighted the program's strategic importance. “Telangana's identity is deeply intertwined with its rich culture and history. This accelerator program is a crucial step in transforming our cultural assets into economic opportunities. By supporting our cultural entrepreneurs in the F&B and experiential tourism sectors, we are not only creating jobs and wealth but also solidifying Telangana’s position as a global brand for unique and authentic experiences.”

Meraj Faheem, CEO of TGIC, emphasized: “This is the first initiative of its kind in the country. At TGIC, our focus is on identifying innovative startups and businesses that preserve local heritage and push it forward into the future. We are committed not just to sustaining our legacy within Telangana, but also to taking its rich cultural heritage beyond state borders.”

Sanjay Anandaram, Co-Founder of NICEorg, remarked, “This is a truly innovative initiative by the Telangana State Government. Leveraging culinary experiences and tourism to drive economic growth, create jobs, and build a strong ‘Brand Telangana’ is both visionary and impactful—a fantastic step forward for the state. NICEorg is proud to support endeavors that empower local communities and position Telangana as a model for sustainable development.”

This initiative is an indication of the power of collaboration and a new paradigm for economic development that leverages the state's unique cultural assets. By empowering talented entrepreneurs with the right tools, mentorship, and access to capital, TGIC and NICEorg are laying the groundwork for a new generation of cultural enterprises that will not only create jobs and wealth but also enhance Telangana’s soft power on a global stage.

The Telangana Innovation Cell remains committed to building a vibrant ecosystem for innovators and entrepreneurs across Telangana, and looks forward to continuing its partnership with NICEorg to create more such impactful programs in the future.

About Network of Indian Cultural Enterprises (NICEorg): NICEorg is a not-for-profit organization that works to build a vibrant ecosystem for cultural entrepreneurs in India. It provides a platform for education, mentoring, networking, and access to funding to help cultural enterprises thrive and scale.

About Telangana Innovation Cell:

Telangana Innovation Cell (herein referred to as TGIC Foundation) is an initiative by the Information Technology, Electronics & Communications Department, Government of Telangana. TGIC was set up in 2017 under the State Innovation Policy with a vision — to build and nurture the Culture of Innovation in the State of Telangana. Today, it acts as the first response of the State Government for identified innovators, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and innovation catalysts to foster an inclusive innovation ecosystem with State-as-a-whole-approach.