Latest news with #SoftwareTechnologyParksofIndia
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
ET Make in India SME Regional Summits: Punjab's next growth story must be innovation-led
Live Events From leading India's Green Revolution to building a thriving manufacturing base, Punjab has been a cornerstone of the country's economic progress. But as the global economy shifts into a new, digitally-driven era, the state now faces a crucial question: will it follow, or will it lead?Speaking at the ET Make in India SME Regional Summit in Chandigarh, Shailendra Tyagi, Director of the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Ministry of Electronics & IT, made a compelling case for the latter. 'The time has come for Punjab to script its next success story: a story of innovation-driven resurgence, startup-led growth, and MSME inclusivity,' he said in his opening keynote, 'From Policy to Prosperity: A Roadmap for MSME Success'.This edition of the ET SME Summits, which took place on August 7, had IDBI as banking and lending partner, and Canon as the tech numbers reveal both strengths and challenges for Punjab, Tyagi added. Over the past decade, Punjab's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) nearly doubled to ₹7.44 lakh crore in 2023-24. Yet, with an average annual growth rate of 4.6%, which lags behind the national average of 5.7%, the state's industrial output has stagnated at around 24% of GSDP. Agriculture still contributes a hefty 27%, while manufacturing struggles to gain new pointed to the state's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector, home to over 160,000 registered units, as both a key driver and a sector in need of transformation, especially in adopting new technology, accessing markets, and ensuring financial sustainability. Encouragingly, Punjab's startup count has soared from just seven in 2016 to over 800 today, thanks to initiatives such as Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) too is getting a boost through the PM GatiShakti plan, with projects like the Amritsar-Jamnagar Corridor and Ludhiana-Ajmer Expressway promising better connectivity. Meanwhile, export-oriented industries are benefitting from schemes like RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products).At the heart of Tyagi's vision is innovation, and STPI is playing a leading role. Its Mohali centre offers plug-and-play incubation, high-speed connectivity, cloud access, and AI-focused entrepreneurship support through the 'Neuron Centre'. Currently, 162 STP and ESDP (Science and Technology Park, Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme) units in Punjab export goods and services worth ₹4,100 crore, with more being nurtured under the Next Generation Incubation stressed that Punjab's transformation will require coordinated action: industrial diversification, high-value manufacturing, digital MSME adoption, skill development, ease of doing business, and investment facilitation. 'The framework is in place. What we now need is relentless execution, data-driven governance, and continuous stakeholder collaboration,' he closing message at the ET Make in India SME Regional Summit - Chandigarh was clear and urgent: the next decade must be one of strategic action. 'Let us move decisively from policy to prosperity,' Tyagi ET Make in India SME Regional Summits, ET MSME Day, and ET MSME Awards are flagship initiatives to celebrate the versatility and success of India's MSME sector. If you lead or are part of a micro, small, or medium enterprise, register for the ET MSME Awards 2025 before August 31, 2025.
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
ET Make in India SME Regional Summits: Punjab's next growth story must be innovation-led
From leading India's Green Revolution to building a thriving manufacturing base, Punjab has been a cornerstone of the country's economic progress. But as the global economy shifts into a new, digitally-driven era, the state now faces a crucial question: will it follow, or will it lead? Speaking at the ET Make in India SME Regional Summit in Chandigarh, Shailendra Tyagi, Director of the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Ministry of Electronics & IT, made a compelling case for the latter. 'The time has come for Punjab to script its next success story: a story of innovation-driven resurgence, startup-led growth, and MSME inclusivity,' he said in his opening keynote, 'From Policy to Prosperity: A Roadmap for MSME Success'. This edition of the ET SME Summits, which took place on August 7, had IDBI as banking and lending partner, and Canon as the tech numbers reveal both strengths and challenges for Punjab, Tyagi added. Over the past decade, Punjab's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) nearly doubled to ₹7.44 lakh crore in 2023-24. Yet, with an average annual growth rate of 4.6%, which lags behind the national average of 5.7%, the state's industrial output has stagnated at around 24% of GSDP. Agriculture still contributes a hefty 27%, while manufacturing struggles to gain new pointed to the state's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector, home to over 160,000 registered units, as both a key driver and a sector in need of transformation, especially in adopting new technology, accessing markets, and ensuring financial sustainability. Encouragingly, Punjab's startup count has soared from just seven in 2016 to over 800 today, thanks to initiatives such as Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Infrastructure too is getting a boost through the PM GatiShakti plan, with projects like the Amritsar-Jamnagar Corridor and Ludhiana-Ajmer Expressway promising better connectivity. Meanwhile, export-oriented industries are benefitting from schemes like RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products).At the heart of Tyagi's vision is innovation, and STPI is playing a leading role. Its Mohali centre offers plug-and-play incubation, high-speed connectivity, cloud access, and AI-focused entrepreneurship support through the 'Neuron Centre'. Currently, 162 STP and ESDP (Science and Technology Park, Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme) units in Punjab export goods and services worth ₹4,100 crore, with more being nurtured under the Next Generation Incubation stressed that Punjab's transformation will require coordinated action: industrial diversification, high-value manufacturing, digital MSME adoption, skill development, ease of doing business, and investment facilitation. 'The framework is in place. What we now need is relentless execution, data-driven governance, and continuous stakeholder collaboration,' he closing message at the ET Make in India SME Regional Summit - Chandigarh was clear and urgent: the next decade must be one of strategic action. 'Let us move decisively from policy to prosperity,' Tyagi urged. The ET Make in India SME Regional Summits, ET MSME Day, and ET MSME Awards are flagship initiatives to celebrate the versatility and success of India's MSME sector. If you lead or are part of a micro, small, or medium enterprise, register for the ET MSME Awards 2025 before August 31, 2025.
Indian Express
19-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
I sent India's first email, and that excitement has not faded: BV Naidu, Chairman, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission
BV Naidu is the Chairman of the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), an organisation working as a knowledge bridge between the Karnataka Government, IT industry, and tech sector in the state. One of KDEM's initiatives is the 'Beyond Bengaluru' programme, which aims to tap into the potential of emerging cities outside the state capital. By nurturing growth and attracting investments, it drives the tech economy in these emerging clusters. He is also the founder of StartupXseed Ventures, funding deeptech, B2B, early-stage startups, and the founder of The GAIN, a non-profit accelerator focused on innovation. A former director of the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), an organisation under the Government of India, established to promote software exports from the country, BV Naidu has been a pivotal figure in the growth of the IT industry in Bengaluru. BV Naidu spoke to on his journey through the IT industry in India, the challenges incubators and startups face, and the role of governments in promoting tech clusters in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Edited excerpts: Venkatesh Kannaiah: What were some highlights of your journey in India's IT industry? BV Naidu: My career began in 1987 when I joined the then Department of Electronics, now the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. One of my proudest moments was sending India's first email from my PC, an achievement marking the start of digital communications in the country. I was part of the founding team of ERNET (Education and Research Network of India), which connected universities and research institutions, laying the foundation for India's internet infrastructure. The project was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). One unforgettable moment was demonstrating the working of an email to then Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar. It is possible he was the first Indian prime minister to engage with this technology, and I still recall the excitement as we showcased this new tool. In 1992, I moved to Bengaluru as part of the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) to tackle the software industry's biggest bottlenecks. At the time, companies faced delays of up to a year to secure a 64 kbps line, essential for global connectivity. Companies like IBM and Wipro needed reliable communication to compete internationally. I helped establish India's first commercial internet service in Bangalore's Electronic City and provided instant connectivity to small and medium-sized companies. I also broke the monopoly of the then Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL) by setting up an international satellite gateway in Bengaluru's Electronics City to connect Bengaluru directly to the US, bypassing traditional barriers, and also established a multi-access radio network to link software firms' offices in the city to this infrastructure. This helped them communicate seamlessly with overseas markets. In 1993, I facilitated India's first video conferencing, connecting Bengaluru with WorldCom's CEO in New York. These early initiatives were about building trust in India's capabilities. Venkatesh Kannaiah: You have been with Software Technology Parks of India for 15 years. Can you tell us the changes you brought about and their impact? BV Naidu: As the head of STPI Bangalore, I saw an opportunity to redefine the organisation's role. STPI was tasked with promoting software exports and monitoring compliance. But I had a vision of it as a proactive enabler, removing barriers to industry growth. One of my key interventions was helping streamline customs processes. Software companies needed duty-free imports, but delays and inefficiencies were common. I took responsibility for bonding and debonding imported goods, ensuring my team handled these processes efficiently. This shielded companies from customs-related hassles, allowing them to focus on the core business of software exports. From 1998-2001, I expanded STPI's reach beyond Bengaluru, establishing centres in Mysore, Mangalore, and Hubli. From 2004-2006, I expanded the footprint of STPI to Tirupati, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Kakinada. These centres provided communication infrastructure, regulatory support, and incubation facilities. Beyond infrastructure, I helped draft Karnataka's first IT policy in 1998 and launched in 1998, an event that showcased the city's tech capabilities. As a founding trustee of the International Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore (IIIT-B), I helped establish a model for industry-academia collaboration. These initiatives transformed Bengaluru into a global tech hub and set a precedent for other cities. Venkatesh Kannaiah: What are your thoughts on the effectiveness of different incubation models? BV Naidu: Over the years, I have closely observed the strengths and weaknesses of incubation models in India. They are of three types: academic-led, government-supported, and corporate, each with different challenges. Academic incubators, hosted by institutions like IITs and IIMs, struggle to translate research into market-friendly products. Professors, while brilliant in their fields, often lack a commercial outlook needed to guide startups to scale. Despite significant government funding, the return on investment is low. There are exceptions like IIM Ahmedabad, IIT Chennai, and IISc Bangalore, but overall, academic incubators fall short of their potential. There is a certain disconnect between theoretical research and practical applications. Government-supported incubators and some backed by industry organisations have substantial budgets and infrastructure. However, many turn into co-working spaces or event management hubs, losing sight of their core mission to nurture startups. They offer good facilities, but the focus often shifts to branding rather than fostering entrepreneurial success. This dilution of purpose limits their impact. Corporate incubators run by multinational firms have deep pockets and brand recognition. But some of these incubators are partly corporate branding initiatives, and there may not be sufficient commitment to innovation. While some corporate incubators perform well, many prioritise their parent company's image over tangible outcomes. We need more and more tech practitioner/entrepreneur-driven incubators for passion to take centre-stage and make a difference. Venkatesh Kannaiah: Tell us about your accelerator, The GAIN, and how it is different? BV Naidu: Our approach at The GAIN, which was started in 2019, has been different. We ran a cohort programme with the Government of India, supporting 29 companies without taking equity, a rarity in the incubation space. Our acceleration support outperformed larger, better-funded programmes, earning recognition from the Startup India Seed Fund. We also pioneered cross-border acceleration, bringing Korean and Israeli startups to Bengaluru. These startups, often tech-savvy but lacking market access, found joint venture partners in India. I believe the key to effective incubation lies in passion and professionalism, unlike academic or corporate models, where external priorities often dominate. Venkatesh Kannaiah: As the Chairman of the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, what is your focus? BV Naidu: You must understand the logic behind the founding of the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM). Technology moves at a breakneck speed, and government officials often struggle to keep pace with the changes. Moreover, their job roles keep changing. KDEM is a unique industry initiative with the participation of various industry associations working with the support of the government. This has attracted corporate talent to work alongside the government, bridging the gap between industry needs and support policy implementation. It is like a knowledge bridge, and the goal is to sustain Karnataka's leadership in the digital economy. KDEM drives innovation across three verticals: IT/Global Capability Centres (GCCs), Electronic System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM), and startups and innovation. We also focus on two horizontals: talent development and the mission of 'Beyond Bengaluru'. Startups in regions like Mysore, Mangalore, and Hubli often feel that they are not up to the mark. To change this perception, we identified over 400 startups in these clusters and launched initiatives to energise them. Through the Karnataka Accelerator Network, we established a mother accelerator in Bengaluru that supports regional accelerators in smaller cities. This network has been a game-changer, with over 40% of participants in the Elevate programme — a government-backed startup initiative — coming from Beyond Bengaluru clusters. We also organise tech shows to showcase these startups, much like the events, which began in 1998 and have now transformed into the Bangalore Tech Summit, a large global event. These events at these clusters put regional startups in the spotlight, attracting investors and partners. We also promote global tech centres, similar to Bengaluru's ITPL, to draw anchor companies to these regions. For instance, we helped IBM establish a presence in Mysore, where they now employ 600 people, with plans to scale to 2,000 by next year. This creates a snowball effect, encouraging other companies to follow suit. We are helping create a cluster seed fund under KITVEN (Karnataka IT fund). This fund combines government contributions with investments from local industry leaders, ensuring that regional startups have the capital and mentorship needed to compete. By focusing on these emerging tech clusters, we are democratising and decentralising innovation. Our approach is industry-driven, with senior corporate leaders guiding each vertical. This ensures that our initiatives are grounded in real-world needs. Venkatesh Kannaiah: Should the development of tech clusters at Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities be left to market forces, or should the government play a role? BV Naidu: I firmly believe that markets alone cannot drive the development of emerging tech clusters, what others call Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The government must act as an enabler, creating the conditions for growth. I have stopped using the terms Tier-2 and Tier-3 because they demean these regions. Instead, I call them emerging tech clusters, emphasising their potential. Take Mysore as an example. We attracted IBM by crafting a value proposition of lower operational costs, reduced attrition rates, and access to talent. My team at KDEM worked closely with IBM to demonstrate the return on investment. This sparked a ripple effect, drawing other companies to the region. The government is also creating a two-lakh square feet Global Tech Centre in Mysore, and it has generated a lot of interest in the industry. The Mysore cluster is also bringing in US companies to the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, which is generally considered a backward district. In Mangalore, we have encouraged local entrepreneurs to build high-quality co-working spaces. These outcomes do not happen by chance. Governments must show the path by providing infrastructure, attracting anchor companies, and fostering talent. In Hubli and Belagavi, we are replicating this model, creating global tech centres and co-working spaces to drive growth. Small incentives like rental reimbursement, reimbursement of PF, power tariff concession, and stamp duty exemptions on land are helpful, but companies do not come for incentives alone. They look at long-term ROI — lower costs, stable talent, and market access. Without government intervention to seed these ecosystems, progress would be slow. Venkatesh Kannaiah: How do you see Bengaluru's tech ecosystem evolving over the next 10 years? BV Naidu: I am optimistic about Bengaluru's future as a tech hub. The city contributes over 35-40% of India's tech output, and despite infrastructure challenges, like any other growing city, its talent pool and growing domestic market will sustain its growth. Initiatives in emerging fields like quantum computing and robotics, such as the ARTPARK at IISc, are positioning Bengaluru at the forefront of innovation. Beyond Bengaluru, clusters like Mysore, Mangalore, and Hubli are adding to this momentum. Together, Karnataka will maintain its leadership in India's tech landscape. Venkatesh Kannaiah: What are your thoughts on AI and its impact on jobs? BV Naidu: When it comes to AI and jobs, I am not concerned. I have seen the industry navigate disruptions like Y2K in 2000, the Dotcom bust in 2001-2002, and the Lehman Brothers crash in 2008. Each time, people feared the end of tech jobs. Each time, new opportunities emerged. AI will follow a similar path, creating new roles and skills if we embrace change. Moreover, it provides a bigger platform for our startups to perform. I am of the school of thought that sees AI as a catalyst for innovation, not a threat. Some worry about job losses, but I believe reskilling is the key. By equipping our workforce with AI-related skills, we can turn this disruption into an opportunity. Venkatesh Kannaiah: How has the government-industry-academia relationship evolved, and what makes Karnataka unique? BV Naidu: In Karnataka, the government-industry-academia relationship is a model for others. I've been part of this transformation, starting with my time at STPI, when we requested Narayana Murthy in 1997 to be the chairman of the STPI Executive Board. We had ensured that industry voices shaped our strategies. Now, all the vision groups of the Government of Karnataka are driven by industry leaders, and initiatives like KDEM have cemented this collaboration. Unlike other states, where government, industry, and academia often operate in silos, in Karnataka, it is a tight-knit partnership. Other states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra are looking to replicate KDEM's model, showing that we are doing things right.
NDTV
18-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
PM Modi To Launch Rs 12,000 Crore Projects In Bihar, Bengal Today
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Bihar and West Bengal on Friday, where he will launch a range of developmental projects worth over Rs 12,000 crore. After giving a major thrust to infrastructure development in both states, PM Modi will also address public gatherings in Motihari (Bihar) and Durgapur (West Bengal), respectively. The projects, amounting to over Rs 7,200 crore for Bihar and over Rs 5,000 crore for Bengal, aim to elevate the region's connectivity and overall infrastructural growth, while boosting employment, rural livelihoods, and digital innovation. In Motihari, PM Modi will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for projects across rail, road, IT, fisheries, and rural development sectors. He will flag off four Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting Patna, Motihari, Darbhanga, and Malda Town to major northern cities, including Delhi and Lucknow. Key railway projects in Bihar include the inauguration of automatic signalling on the Samastipur-Bachhwara line and the doubling of Darbhanga-Thalwara and Samastipur-Rambhadrapur sections worth Rs 580 crore. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for rail infrastructure projects, including a Vande Bharat maintenance facility at Patliputra and doubling of the Darbhanga-Narkatiaganj line, amounting to Rs 4,080 crore. In road infrastructure, PM Modi will launch the four-laning of the Ara bypass and Parariya-Mohania section of NH-319 with a combined investment of Rs 820 crore, improving access to the Delhi-Kolkata Golden Quadrilateral. To foster Bihar's digital economy, the Prime Minister will inaugurate a Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) facility in Darbhanga and an incubation centre in Patna, boosting start-ups and IT/ITES exports. Under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, he will launch new fisheries infrastructure, including hatcheries, aquaculture units, and fish feed mills. PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd (BPCL) City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Bankura and Purulia districts of West Bengal, worth around Rs 1,950 crore, to give a boost to Oil and Gas infrastructure in the region. It will provide PNG connections to households, commercial establishments and industrial customers and provide CNG at the retail outlets. PM Modi will also dedicate to the nation the Durgapur to Kolkata section (132 Km) of Durgapur-Haldia Natural Gas Pipeline and Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline, also known as Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga (PMUG) Project.
New Indian Express
18-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Modi to inaugurate major development projects in Bihar and Bengal today
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stones and inaugurate major projects worth over Rs 12,000 crore in West Bengal and poll-bound Bihar on Friday. He will flag off four Amrit Bharat trains from different parts of Bihar. He will visit Motihari in Bihar and Durgapur in West Bengal for this purpose and will also address public meetings at both venues, according to a statement from the PMO. In Bihar, Modi will inaugurate a new Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) facility in Darbhanga, alongside a state-of-the-art Incubation Facility at STPI in Patna. He will flag off four Amrit Bharat trains between Rajendranagar Terminal (Patna) and New Delhi, as well as between BapudhamMotihari and Delhi (Anand Vihar), and between Darbhanga and Lucknow via Bhagalpur. The projects worth Rs 7,200 crore for the state form part of a broader initiative across the oil and gas, power, road, and rail sectors. He will dedicate several railway projects to the nation, including the automatic signalling system between the Samastipur-Bachhwara rail lines to enhance efficiency in train operations.
