Startup Kadapa Hub Initiative to Boost Innovation, Create Jobs

KADAPA: In a major push to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, a national-level startup hub titled “Startup Kadapa” is being set up in YSR Kadapa district. The initiative aims to nurture local startups, encourage entrepreneurial thinking among youth, and contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Officials said the hub is envisioned as a nationally recognised centre that will facilitate innovation, accelerate business growth, and build a comprehensive startup ecosystem in the region.

“The objective is to create a strong platform for startups and entrepreneurs by providing incubation support, thereby expanding employment opportunities and boosting economic activity,” said an official from the industries department.

As part of the initiative, a dedicated incubation centre will be established to support early-stage startups. The hub will offer essential infrastructure, mentorship, and financial assistance, particularly for ventures in the IT and services sectors, while attracting investments and enabling business expansion.

“By setting up this hub, we are opening doors for micro, small, and large industries. It will act as a catalyst for industrial growth in the region,” the official stated.

Kadapa has already been witnessing industrial growth, particularly around Kopparthi, where hundreds of industries have been established, generating employment for over 10,000 people.

A dedicated building complex is currently under construction in Kadapa to house the startup hub, which will function as a full-fledged incubation centre. “This project is expected to facilitate the establishment of over 50 startups and generate employment for more than 500 people, both directly and indirectly,” authorities said.

“It is targeted to attract investments exceeding ₹100 crore, with at least 30 per cent of startups led by women entrepreneurs.”

As part of the Startup Kadapa project, several companies have already shown interest in investing. These include Tirumala Engineering Works (repairs for agricultural harvesters), Nutrio Agro Foods Private Limited (agriculture), RDP Food Products (food products), Altumera Solutions Private Limited (food and beverages), Mahesh Edutech Services (education), TMR Mall India Private Limited (retail), Vandana Constructions (construction), JK Constructions (construction), and Prahlada Sujitha Technologies (IT services), among others.

“These firms have already registered under the Startup Kadapa project,” an official said.

YSR Kadapa district collector Dr. Cherukuri Sridhar expressed confidence that the initiative would transform the region into a hub for entrepreneurs. Startup Kadapa will be a haven for aspiring entrepreneurs. We will extend all necessary support to ensure they build a strong foundation in the business ecosystem.” “The construction, which began six months ago, is progressing at a fast pace and is expected to be completed by the end of July,” the collector added.

The hub will organise hackathons and student innovation challenges to promote idea development. Early-stage startups will be provided workspace, mentorship, and prototyping facilities. A shared hub model will be adopted, enabling efficient use of resources, while improving operational capabilities for entrepreneurs.

Further, a triple helix model bringing together government, industry, and academic institutions will be implemented to strengthen collaboration. An anchor-based approach involving leading organisations will also be used to guide startup development.

A board of directors chaired by the district collector will oversee the initiative, with representation from government, industry, academia, and financial institutions. An advisory committee comprising experts from IT, industry, and startup sectors will provide strategic inputs, while day-to-day operations will be managed by a CEO and programme managers.

Officials believe that with the right ecosystem in place, Startup Kadapa could emerge as a key driver of innovation-led growth in the region.