Hyderabad, July 30, 2024: A six-member delegation from Kenya and Tanzania, comprising government officials from Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) and Tanzania’s Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology visited Hyderabad to gain insights on successful public sector-led initiatives that nurture startup ecosystems in India. The delegation visited two projects funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)– Telangana Startup and Innovation Ecosystem Strengthening Project implemented by Telangana State Innovation Cell (TSIC) and Campus Development Project of India Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IITH).
During the two-day site visit, the delegation interacted with key stakeholders and explored innovative solutions developed by startups and learned about the role of government in effectively implementing these activities at the ground level. The delegation visited IITH campus and held discussions with the IITH Director Prof. B.S. Murty and the Deans, and representatives from the Suzuki Innovation Center (SIC), the Center of Healthcare Entrepreneurship (CfHE), the Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation (TiHAN), the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SCIENT), and the Technology Research Park (TRP).
Also, the delegation visited innovation facilities in Hyderabad such as T-hub, T-works and We-hub that are supported by the Telangana Startup and Innovation Ecosystem Strengthening Project, and learned about how India’s flagship programs led by public organizations support the startup ecosystem. These interactions provided insights into building and sustaining a robust startup environment through public sector initiatives and contributes to triangular cooperation between India and Japan.
Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative of JICA India, said, “This cooperation among India, Japan, Kenya, and Tanzania marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to promoting startups and unlocking the entrepreneurial potential of people in India, Africa, and around the world. The role of startups in driving economic growth and advancing entrepreneurial innovation is crucial. I hope that this visit, conducted in two innovative projects supported by JICA in Hyderabad, provided the participants with a wealth of ideas to encourage entrepreneurship, leadership, and to create a nurturing ecosystem. Our goal is for these initiatives to act as catalysts for innovation and to strengthen the entrepreneurial foundations of their nations’ futures.”
The delegation included Dr. Tonny Kerage Omwansa, CEO of the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA); Mr. Samuel Njehu, Principal Education Officer at KeNIA; and Mr. Nickson Temu, Principal ICT Officer at the Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology, Government of Tanzania. KeNIA and Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology, Government of Tanzania is now trying to formulate and strengthen start-up and innovation policy and regulatory framework and JICA Kenya and Tanzania Office are supporting the same.
Through this collaborative effort, India and Japan reaffirm their dedication to promote development of startup ecosystems not only in India, but with partners abroad.
