In the past decade, Telangana has emerged as a pioneer in fostering a robust startup ecosystem, drawing national and international attention for its forward-thinking policies and successful innovation models. The transformation began around 2014 when the government embarked on a mission to establish itself as a state that not only encourages but actively supports technology solutions, startups, and entrepreneurial growth.
The launch of the Telangana Startup Policy catalyzed this change, leading to the creation of impactful institutions such as T-Hub. This strategic move, combined with the government’s recognition that expertise often lies outside its corridors, laid the groundwork for a collaborative approach involving professionals and experts. This initiative has resulted in Telangana becoming a blueprint for other states aiming to strengthen their own innovation landscapes.
Speaking at a recent event, officials noted that when Telangana’s journey began, there was widespread belief that most startups would fail—an accepted statistic often quoted was that 90% of startups do not succeed. Yet, Telangana sought to challenge this “valley of death” notion. Through targeted support and professional management of its innovation centers, the state has significantly surpassed these expectations. Today, the state boasts a success rate of 60-70% for startups, showcasing that failure rates in entrepreneurship can be dramatically reduced with the right strategies.
T-Hub, among other institutions, has played a pivotal role by providing startups with comprehensive support systems. This includes professional mentorship, competitive analysis, guidance on technology, and access to a rich repository of knowledge and expertise from seasoned entrepreneurs. The “whole of the city” approach, launched around eight years ago, ensures that support is not siloed but shared across institutions to create a collaborative and resourceful environment. This strategy has made a tangible impact, demonstrating that with the proper infrastructure and guidance, a majority of startups can achieve sustained growth and success.
While the journey continues, Telangana’s model has become a national standard, with other states and institutions looking to emulate its success. The focus now shifts to refining the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure that the framework for supporting startups can be adapted and replicated effectively. The ultimate goal is to ensure that every aspiring entrepreneur receives the support needed to succeed unless faced with extraordinary external challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Telangana’s decade-long journey is a testament to how strategic policymaking and collaborative execution can reshape the narrative of entrepreneurship, proving that with the right ecosystem, success can be the norm rather than the exception.
