Vijayawada: IT minister, Nara Lokesh launched the city’s first start-up ecosystem platform, ‘The Sedibus’ on Tuesday. The launch began with an engaging panel discussion on the ‘Emergence of Start-up Ecosystems in Andhra Pradesh’ that was moderated by Sedibus CEO Deepa Balasubramanian. Industry leaders and mentors from several spheres took part in the discussion and shared their thoughts about the need for a proper start-up ecosystem and how technology was transcending into every aspect of livelihood.
Several start-ups showcased their products and services in the stalls set up at the venue. The start-ups explained to Lokesh about their ideas and offerings. Some of the start-ups pitched their ideas and businesses on the stage, in the presence of students, mentors and start-ups.
Mr Lokesh later inaugurated The Sedibus and was delighted at such an initiative actively coming from the private sector. He spoke about the need for concrete ecosystems and how the government of Andhra Pradesh was playing an important role, by way of policy making, framework and convenient infrastructure. He shared that entities like AP Innovation Society from the state government were working actively towards handholding the regional start-ups so that there was no need for them to migrate to other metros in search of mentorship and investment.
He appreciated the efforts of the Malaxmi Group to create a sustainable start-up ecosystem for young innovators and entrepreneurs in the state. He said that mastering technology comes naturally to the people of Andhra and this has been constantly seen in the past.
Developing good infrastructure and platforms for start-ups in technology will help the state retain talent and make more contribution to the society at large. He said that companies like The Sedibus will become catalysts between the start-ups and the innovators in the state with industry leaders, mentors and potential investors.
Malaxmi Group, founder and chief mentor Harish Chandra Prasad, said that the primary motto of establishing an entity like The Sedibus was to build a viable ecosystem for start-ups from the ground, empowering young minds in the state to access rich mentorship and guidance from mentors. and thought leaders from across several industries.
The Sedibus has so far joined hands with reputed accelerators and start-up platforms like Yi Amaravati, The Entrepreneur Zone and 50K Ventures to bring their signature programs to Andhra Pradesh, beginning with Vijayawada and Amaravati.
While the main focus will largely be on start-ups in deep tech and automation, The Sedibus will also work with local Self Help Groups/SMEs/Women Entrepreneurs in Vijayawada and Amaravati and help them become digitally educated with several programs on digitization. This model would further be replicated in other parts of the state in a phase wise manner.
