AP Showcases 45 MSME Innovators At CII Summit
The Andhra Pradesh government has showcased 45 innovative micro, small and medium enterprises: Reports
VISAKHAPATNAM: The Andhra Pradesh government has showcased 45 innovative micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the 31st CII partnership summit here, highlighting the state’s focus on decentralised industrial development and entrepreneurship.
Organised by the state MSME department, the dedicated expo features entrepreneurs from eight sectors, including precision engineering, marine robotics, aerospace and defence, agri-tech, med-tech and women-led enterprises. The initiative aims to connect grassroots innovators with international buyers, investors and technology partners attending the summit.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal, civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu and state MSME minister Kondapalli Srinivas visited the pavilion and interacted with the participants.
The CM took a round of the stalls to learn about the products, technologies and business models developed by local entrepreneurs. He appreciated their innovations and assured them of governmental support to scale up their ventures.
Among the exhibitors were Kakinada-based Enlight Horizon Solutions, which makes LED solar lighting solutions; Visakhapatnam-based Oceanatics Pvt Ltd specialising in marine robotics and autonomous underwater vehicles; Pylon Agrifresh that has developed patented compostable packaging; Acrivis Healthcare that manufactures medical devices and cosmeceuticals; and Tirupati-based V-Kola, which showcased Srikalahasti Kalamkari products.
The pavilion also had facilitation desks offering guidance on regulatory approvals, credit access, quality certification and export promotion. Delegates watched demonstrations of indigenous robotics, diagnostic equipment and eco-friendly construction materials.
GI-tagged products, including Araku Coffee, Bandaru Laddu and Athreyapuram Pootharekulu, were also displayed.
Several entrepreneurs said that high research and development costs remained a major challenge for MSMEs and sought greater government support for innovation and product development.
In response, Naidu said the government was focusing on creating common infrastructure to reduce the burden on MSMEs. He said several participating enterprises were being mentored by the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub and outlined plans to build a stronger innovation ecosystem linked to universities.
“We are envisioning a Ratan Tata Innovation Hub where common R&D infrastructure, along with forward and backward linkages, will be developed. The output of one MSME can become the input for another. We want to integrate the entire ecosystem and ensure product perfection," he said in reply to questions from Deccan Herald.
Naidu said the government was also developing the ‘Swayam’ brand, under which hundreds of products and stock-keeping units (SKUs) developed by self-help groups and that MSMEs would be promoted. Packaging units, consultants and other stakeholders would be brought together to improve product quality and market readiness.
"Our goal is to ensure that products made by SHGs and MSMEs reach international markets and become globally recognised brands," he added.
The expo is being organised in line with the CM’s vision of ‘one family, one entrepreneur’ and aims to encourage students, aspiring entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders.
