Hyderabad, November 1, 2025: The Hyderabad Entrepreneurship Summit (HES 2025) — a landmark two-day celebration of innovation, leadership, and collaboration — began this evening at Hitex Exhibition Centre, organised by the TiE Hyderabad Chapter in partnership with the Government of Telangana.
It was inaugurated collectively by HEEC-Hyderabad Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Collective Partners, a unique initiative of TiE Hyderabad Chapter.
Held under the theme “Transforming Tomorrow, together”, HES 2025 is designed to showcase Hyderabad’s evolution as one of India’s most dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems — connecting local innovation with global opportunities.
The summit has brought together over 1,500 entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, policymakers, and ecosystem enablers, featuring inspiring keynotes & fireside chats, sector-focused industry Sessions, masterclasses by industry experts, startup pitches & expo showcases, special recognitions & awards celebrating entrepreneurial excellence across sectors.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Pagadala, President, TiE Hyderabad, said the summit builds on TiE’s national mission “1x10x100” — to create 1 million entrepreneurs, 10 million jobs, and $100 billion in value over the next decade.
“This perfectly aligns with Telangana’s vision of becoming a global innovation powerhouse by 2047. TiE Hyderabad has mentored thousands of founders over the last 26 years — now it’s time to give back by shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs,” he said.
A highlight of the opening ceremony was the launch of the Hyderabad Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Collective (HEEC) — a strategic TiE Hyderabad initiative designed to foster collaboration, inclusivity, and shared growth among startups, investors, academia, industry bodies, and incubators.
The MoU was signed by leaders of TiE Hyderabad, HYSEA, FTCCI, COWE, ALEAP, Biome, Hyderabad Angels, Mahindra University, iCollab, Bala Vikasa CSRB, IACC, IIKP, T-Hub, RICH, TG10X, Wadhwani Foundation, and Founders First. Initially led by TiE Hyderabad, the collective will operate on a rotational leadership model among partner institutions to ensure continuity and inclusivity.
Rajesh Pagadala and Murali Kakarla, President and Vice President of TiE fecilitated the MoU with all the ecosystem partners.
Mr Nikhil Chakravarthi, Director (Industries), Government of Telangana, announced a strategic MoU between TiE Hyderabad and the Department of Industries & Commerce. Through this partnership, TiE and the State will jointly scale 500 high-potential SMEs across Telangana by 2029, under the “500 to 5X Growth Mission.”
The mission will identify SMEs in the ₹25–₹50 crore bracket and help them achieve 5X growth through mentorship, market access, and capital linkage — potentially generating 3–5 lakh new jobs.
The MoU also provides for the establishment of a Telangana SME Acceleration Cell, SME Capital Access Clinic, and five regional mentoring hubs.
Mr Nikhil added that Telangana is deregulating certain Acts, such as the Factories Act and Labour Act, to further ease business operations and create flexible zones to boost industry competitiveness.
He also highlighted that Telangana is actively implementing the District Reform Action Plan (DRAP) under the national Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) initiative.
Delivering the keynote, Murali Bukkapatnam, TiE Global Chair of Trustees, said, “Hyderabad is no longer just the city of pearls and biryani — it’s a fountainhead of disruptive energy and a launchpad for visionary leaders.”
He announced the upcoming TiE Global Impact Report and TiE Impact Dashboard, aiming to strengthen the 68-chapter global network and grow membership and revenues by 20%.
Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, Dean of Kautilya School of Public Policy, addressed the topic “Entrepreneurs & Global Uncertainty”, urging founders to build resilience amid geopolitical volatility and global interdependence.
The TiE Hyderabad Outstanding Entrepreneurship Awards 2025, chaired by Mr Kali Prasad (Chairman, EThames Business School) and evaluated by a jury led by Mr G.V. Prasad (Co-Chairman & MD, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories), recognised visionary founders, investors, and ecosystem builders.
Another highlight was the launch of TiE50 Telangana, powered by Qualcomm, celebrating high-growth startups from the region.
Day 1 concluded with “Rhythms & Connections” — an evening of live music and networking for TiE Charter Members, CXOs, and investors.
Day 2 will feature 100+ speakers and 25+ sessions covering DeepTech, HealthTech, Defence & Aerospace, Artificial Intelligence, Family Offices, Innovation & Incubation, and TiE Women & TiE University Pitch Tracks. The concurrent Entrepreneurship Expo showcases 80+ startups and ecosystem partners from across India.