Andhra Pradesh Innovation Society, in collaboration with Niti Aayog, STPI Visakhapatnam, NASSCOM CoE IoT, and Startup India, successfully organized a Two-Day Workshop & Pitching Event for Women Entrepreneurs. The event, held on October 5th and 6th, 2023, at the Radisson Blu, Visakhapatnam, aimed to empower and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among women in Andhra Pradesh.
Fostering Entrepreneurship Among Women
The Workshop & Pitching Event was a significant initiative aimed at providing crucial support and empowerment to women who aspire to develop their own businesses in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The event was meticulously crafted to span two enriching days, filled with inspiring workshops, insightful pitching sessions, and invaluable networking opportunities.
Distinguished Speakers and Dignitaries
Dr. T Anil Kumar, CEO of Andhra Pradesh Innovation Society, warmly welcomed all attendees to the workshop. He shared the event’s objectives, emphasizing the importance of creating an innovative ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh and nurturing entrepreneurship.
The event featured distinguished speakers who shared insights into their respective organizations and their contributions to women entrepreneurs:
Dr. Suresh Batha, Additional Director, O-I-C, STPI, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Sushil Kumar, Professor Indian Institute of Management, Visakhapatnam
Ms. Sri Sudha, Assistant Development Engineer, NRDC, Govt. of India
Sri. Sayan Ganguly, Analyst & Ecosystem Expert, Antennae Ventures Pvt. Ltd
Smt. G. Sashirekha, Director, EdVenture Pvt. Ltd
Smt. Ashwathi Venugopal, AP State Head, Head Start Network Foundation
Inauguration by Distinguished Guests
The inauguration session was graced by esteemed guests:
Shri. Gudivada Amarnath Garu, Hon’ble Minister of Industries, Infrastructure, Investment & Commerce, Information Technology, Government of Andhra Pradesh
Prl. Secretary, Shri. Kona Sasidhar, IAS, Department of ITE & C Dept., Government of Andhra Pradesh
Dr. T Anil Kumar, CEO, Andhra Pradesh Innovation Society
Ms. Yashodhara Bajoria, Member, Executive Committee, Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), NITI Aayog
Shri. Sanjeev Malhotra, CEO, Centre of Excellence for IoT and AI, NASSCOM
Ms. Lakshmi Mukkavilli, President, ITAAP & Chairwoman of CII Indian Women Network Southern Region
Shri. CVD Ramprasad, Director, STPI, AP & Telangana
Sri. T. Anil Kumar, CEO, AP Innovation Society, highlighted the significance of startups in achieving India’s goal of a 5 trillion-dollar economy by 2029. He emphasized the role of women change makers in AP’s journey of development and transformation and assured support from AP Innovation Society for women entrepreneurs.
Commitment to Empowerment
Shri. Gudivada Amarnath Garu, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Infrastructure, Investment & Commerce, IT, Handlooms & Textiles Government of Andhra Pradesh, praised the initiative for fostering inclusivity, innovation, and empowerment. He extended his gratitude to government officials, delegates, investors, and venture capitalists for supporting women-led startups. He encouraged women entrepreneurs to dream big and be architects of change.
Creating a Nurturing Environment
Sri Kona Sashidhar Garu, Secretary ITE&C, GoAP, shared the government’s commitment to creating a nurturing environment for women entrepreneurs. He emphasized the theme of “Empower. Elevate. Excel.” and urged women entrepreneurs to pitch and access funding.
Release of APIS e-Magazine
The event featured the official release of a special edition of APIS e-Magazine. This publication showcases APIS’s efforts in creating an innovative ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh and lists mentors and investors who supported women entrepreneurs.
MoU Signing for Investment
A MoU signing ceremony took place, aiming to bring in 100 crore of investment for startups in Andhra Pradesh over the next two years. The signatories included:
- M/s EdVenture Pvt. Ltd, represented by Smt. G Sashirekha, Director
- M/s Antennae Ventures Pvt. Ltd., represented by Sri. Rushabh Dedhia, Vice-president
- M/s Head Start Network Foundation, represented by Smt. Ashwathi Venugopal, AP State Head
- We Founder Circle Pvt. Ltd., represented by Smt. Bhawna, Director
Educational and Pitching Sessions
The event included technical sessions by Startup India team, Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), NITI Aayog, and a Capacity Building Session on GeM Portal.
On the first day, 25 startups pitched their ideas to prominent Indian startup investors, including M/s Antennae Ventures Pvt. Ltd., Head Start Network Foundation, We Founder Circle Pvt. Ltd, EEDC, Spain, and Majority Fund.
A total of 180 women entrepreneurs attended the workshop on the first day, followed by interactions and networking among the attendees. The industry meet concluded with a vote of thanks by Mrs. Lavanya Chimata, Joint Director, APIS.
A Bright Future for Women Entrepreneurs in Andhra Pradesh
The Workshop & Pitching Event marks a significant step towards empowering women entrepreneurs in Andhra Pradesh. With the support of government and industry stakeholders, it aims to create a thriving ecosystem for women-led startups and contribute to the state’s development.