HYDERABAD, June 11, 2024 — The SU Knowledge Hub Foundation (SUKHF), an academic start-up incubator by the Sultan-Ul-Uloom Education Society, hosted the “Innovators Fest 24” at Ghulam Ahmed Auditorium, SUES Campus, Banjara Hills. The event, held in collaboration with associate partner Emiratiyo Investments, aimed to provide a platform for budding entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas.
Chief Guest Speech: Shri. Srinivas Rao Mahankali, CEO of T-Hub, Hyderabad
Shri. Srinivas Rao Mahankali, in his inaugural speech, highlighted the crucial role of academic institutions in fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem. He emphasized the following key points:
- Importance of Entrepreneurship in Academia:
- He stressed the need for academic institutions to go beyond traditional education and actively encourage entrepreneurial activities. By doing so, they can cultivate a new generation of innovators who are equipped to tackle real-world problems.
- Focus on Problem-Solving:
- Shri. Mahankali urged budding entrepreneurs to prioritize solving meaningful problems over solely seeking financial gains. He illustrated how successful startups often emerge from identifying and addressing pressing issues rather than chasing profits from the outset.
- Fundraising Avenues:
- He elaborated on various fundraising avenues available to entrepreneurs, including venture capital, angel investors, crowdfunding, and government grants. He emphasized the importance of understanding each funding source’s unique requirements and aligning them with the venture’s goals.
- Promising Sectors for Investment:
- Highlighting the future trends, Shri. Mahankali pointed out several promising sectors for investment, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, renewable energy, and agri-tech. He encouraged participants to explore these areas, which are ripe with opportunities for innovation and growth.
- Building a Supportive Ecosystem:
- He emphasized the role of a supportive ecosystem in the success of startups. He shared insights on how T-Hub, as a leading incubator, provides a comprehensive support system for startups through mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources.
Event Highlights:
- Guest of Honour: Shri. Joginder Tanikella, CEO of T-Works, Hyderabad, shared examples of how T-Works supports entrepreneurs and announced the decentralization of T-Works to ensure every district in Telangana will have its own center.
- Mr. Zafar Javeed, Honorary Secretary of Sultan-Ul-Uloom Education Society and Director of SU Knowledge Hub Foundation , emphasized the growing importance of entrepreneurship over traditional campus placements. He highlighted the critical role entrepreneurship plays in today’s economy, stating, “Entrepreneurship is now more crucial than ever, offering greater opportunities and growth than conventional campus placements.” He also mentioned that the Government of India has sanctioned Rs. 24 lakh for SUKHF, which will significantly boost the support and resources available to budding entrepreneurs.
- Dr. Mohd. Abdul Muqeet, CEO of SUKHF, emphasized the foundation’s efforts in promoting the entrepreneurial ecosystem and mentoring young entrepreneurs.
- Rehan Algaari, CEO of Emiratiyo Investments, inspired students with his success in the UAE real estate market and encouraged them to pursue their dreams.
Inaugural Guests Included:
- Chief Guest Shri. Srinivas Rao Mahankali, CEO, T-Hub, Hyderabad
- Guest of Honour Shri. Joginder Tanikella, CEO, T-Works, Hyderabad
- S.A Wahab, Vice Chairman SUES
- Mr. Zafar Javeed, Honorary Secretary, SUES and Director of SUKHF
- Mr. Masood Abdul Qader, Joint Secretary and Director of SUKHF
- Dr. Mir Akbar Ali Khan Treasurer, SUES
- Ibrahim Ali Siddique, Aamir Javeed, SUES Board Member
- Rehan Algaari, CEO, Emiratiyo Investments
- Dr. Mahipal Singh Rawat, Principal, Muffakham Jah College of Engineering and Technology, Other principals of constituent colleges were also present
Showcase and Participation:
- 82 innovative models across various domains including software, hardware, LawTech, EdTech, AgriTech, and DroneTech were showcased.
- Participants included students from CBIT, MGIT, Methodist Lords, law colleges, pharmacy colleges, and B.Ed colleges in and around Hyderabad.
“Innovators Fest 24” successfully fostered a collaborative environment for budding entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and academicians to nurture innovative ideas and ventures.
