T-Hub gets a major fillip

The UK Government assures Telangana of offering the best international incubation services for start-ups here

IT Minister K.T. Rama Rao interacting with UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Sajid Javid, at T-Hub in Hyderabad on Thursday.– Photo: Mohammed Yousuf

In a major fillip to its efforts to promote start-ups, the Telangana government has received assurance from the United Kingdom Government on entering into a partnership with the State government in offering the best international incubation services for start-ups here.

The London-based Ledmac Limited, a company that is into education services specialising in building/supporting incubators, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the T-Hub in the presence of IT Minister K.T. Rama Rao and UK’s Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Sajid Javid. The MoU, according to Ledmac CEO Sarfraz Hasan, would help plug the start-ups here with the London’s start-up eco system.

Mr. Sarfraz told

The Hindu that the start-up environment in the UK was more matured as compared to that of Telangana. Ledmac was looking at exchange of knowledge in some domains, giving international exposure to the start-ups based out of Hyderabad. At the same time, the company would offer accelerator programmes aimed at offering courses to start-ups which would be of commercial interest in some sectors.

“Hyderabad has the potential. It is all about getting the critical mass. We are hopeful of numbers to pick up soon,” he said. Ledmac, on its part, would arrange for mentors of international repute to the start-ups for making them investor/growth ready. In addition to visits from the start-ups of both sides, the company would facilitate live streaming of major events happening in London to enable the start-ups here participate in the programmes rather than travelling all the way to London.

Mr. Rama Rao said the focus of partnership with the UK would be primarily on healthcare, defence, gaming & animation and cyber security aspects. He explained to Mr. Sajid the initiatives launched by the Telangana government, including self certification process for giving speedy clearances to industry as well as penalties that would be imposed on officials if they delayed the process.