Telangana Minister Sridhar Babu Outlines Growth Strategy at Hyderabad Economic Forum 2026
At the Hyderabad Economic Forum 2026, Minister Sridhar Babu invited global innovators to Telangana, announcing major investments including a ₹1,000-crore startup fund and plans for new AI and Skill universities to solidify the state's role as India's innovation capital.
Highlights
- •Minister Sridhar Babu officially invited innovators to Telangana, pledging state support for new business ideas.
- •Key initiatives include a ₹1,000-crore Fund of Funds for startups and the development of an AI and Skill University.
- •The Hyderabad Economic Forum 2026 gathered over 500 industry leaders to discuss the state's innovation and economic future.
- •Focus areas for growth include life sciences, AI transformation, infrastructure, and advanced technical education.
The state of Telangana is actively positioning itself as a premier destination for innovation and economic growth. During the inaugural Hyderabad Economic Forum (HEF) 2026, Sridhar Babu, the Minister for IT and Industries, extended a formal invitation to entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators to bring their ideas to the region, promising robust institutional backing to help transform those concepts into reality.
Emphasizing the importance of a knowledge-based economy, the minister noted that the 21st century is defined by the ability of regions to attract top-tier talent and creative ideas. By highlighting India’s improved standing in the Global Innovation Index, the government underscored Telangana's strategic commitment to becoming a primary leader in this nationwide technological transformation.
Driving Innovation and Future Infrastructure
The Hyderabad Economic Forum served as a high-level stage to outline the state's ambitious roadmap. Sridhar Babu highlighted several transformative initiatives designed to bolster the local ecosystem, including the establishment of AIKAM, the Telangana Data Exchange (TGDeX), and a dedicated ₹1,000-crore Fund of Funds specifically allocated for startups. Furthermore, the state has finalized plans for specialized educational facilities, including an AI University, a Skill University, and the development of 100 advanced Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
Addressing the gathering, the minister encouraged the professional community, stating, “Come to Telangana with an idea. We may not guarantee success for every idea, but we assure support, opportunity and confidence for every sincere effort.” This sentiment reflects the administration's proactive approach to fostering a culture of risk-taking and entrepreneurship within the state.
Building a Global Economic Hub
The day-long Hyderabad Economic Forum 2026, hosted by SAS Infra in collaboration with the Bower School of Entrepreneurship at SAS iTower, Khajaguda, served as a collaborative venue for over 500 industry leaders, policymakers, and global investors. The event facilitated in-depth discussions surrounding the future of the local economy, spanning critical sectors such as life sciences, real estate, education, sports, and artificial intelligence.
Industry experts at the forum reinforced the narrative that Hyderabad holds a unique competitive advantage, positioning the city to emerge as a dominant global economic and innovation hub. This event marks the beginning of a sustained platform intended to refine the city’s competitiveness, foster investment, and accelerate long-term economic development. As the region continues to prioritize infrastructure and talent development, the impact of these initiatives on the broader economic landscape remains a focal point for stakeholders invested in the state's industrial trajectory.
