Visakhapatnam: The state government is endeavouring hard to restore the state to the global entrepreneurship map through a two-day StartAP Fest, called ‘Andhrapreneurship’, scheduled from March 5 at the Sai Priya Resorts here.
The event is the first such startup fest on such a grand scale in the city. The fest was last conducted in Vijayawada. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will inaugurate the event via video conference. Successful startups from every field in India will participate.
"Besides providing exposure to startups in the state, the main goal of the fest is to build an entrepreneurship ecosystem, which is the need of the hour for AP, especially after its bifurcation," said StartAP CEO Siddharth Marupeddi.
"The aim is to establish a robust startup community and culture in AP by connecting passionate young talent and to make the state the startup capital of India. The fest will be run by a team of entrepreneurs, students and volunteers. It could be the largest conference for Andhrapreneurs," he added.
Startups in Vizag keep their spirits high Ramesh, co-founder of Red and Black, a gaming startup, said that he had applied for a stall at the event so that he could interact with investors and other clients.
"Though the government is setting up incubators and going all the way to promote a startup culture, many students are apprehensive. So, such events, that bring us and eminent speakers from everywhere together will encourage and build a positive attitude. Moreover, I can also pitch my product to investors," he said.
Roopesh from Spinup, an online laundry startup, pointed out that entrepreneurs like himself hardly got any exposure to investors and mentors in Vizag as the ecosystem was only gradually developing here.
“I hope this fest will help me network and also learn about the startup business from others,” he said.
Early stage startups can also pitch their products at the fest, the best pitches to be given a cash award of up to '1.5 lakh. They will also be able to showcase their ideas by setting up stalls at the fest free of cost, talk to investors and other attendees and also participate in sessions during the event.
