Telangana, carved out of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, has rapidly emerged as home to one of India’s leading startup ecosystems, primarily centred in its capital, Hyderabad. The state’s proactive government policies, robust infrastructure, and a vibrant community of entrepreneurs have made it an attractive destination for startups across various sectors.

Hyderabad serves as the primary hub for startups in Telangana, with notable areas contributing to its vibrant ecosystem such as:

T-Hub: This is India’s premier innovation hub and incubator, supporting over 2,000 startups and facilitating nearly $2 Bn in investments. T-Hub collaborates with various academic institutions and private sector leaders to provide resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

We Hub: As India’s first state-led incubator for women entrepreneurs, We Hub focusses on empowering women-led startups through funding and mentorship.

Telangana’s startup ecosystem has raised significant funding since 2014, contributing to the growth of over 7,500 startups currently operating in the state.

The capital of the state, Hyderabad, is home to two unicorns — Zenoti and Darwinbox. Some of the other notable startups in the region include Brightchamps, Smartron and Zenwork.

According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Telangana fostered over 7,300 registered startups until last year. This number reflects a significant increase from just 200 startups in 2014, showcasing the rapid growth and potential within the ecosystem.

The Government of Telangana has implemented several initiatives to nurture its startup ecosystem:

Startup Telangana Portal: This official portal integrates with the national startup portal to provide resources and support for entrepreneurs.

T-Fund: A financial assistance programme aimed at early-stage startups.

Innovation Policy: Launched in 2016, this policy promotes entrepreneurship across various sectors without sector-specific restrictions.