The State government aims to encourage aspiring entrepreneurs, build a robust startup ecosystem and help innovators transform their ideas into successful enterprises, NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha said.

Inaugurating the MSME Utsav at the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH) in Enikepadu near Vijayawada on Saturday, on the occasion of International Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day, the Collector said the RTIH, a State government initiative to promote innovation and support startups, was proving to be a game-changer.

He said efforts were being made to bring together the creativity of young innovators and the practical experience of industrialists. “The RTIH provides a platform where innovators and established industrialists can interact, collaborate and help each other achieve their goals,” he said.

Mr. Lakshmisha said even a small idea, when nurtured with the right support, could grow into a successful enterprise and contribute significantly to economic development.

He said MSME Utsavs play a vital role in providing startups with guidance, technical support and marketing opportunities. The Collector later visited the exhibition stalls, where more than 80 exhibitors, including several young innovators and women entrepreneurs, showcased their products.

A.P. Chamber of Commerce president P. Bhaskara Rao said Andhra Pradesh was steadily emerging as an industrial hub. He said around 7,000 to 8,000 startups had received support from the RTIH and noted that nearly 90% of the State’s industries belonged to the MSME sector. He stressed the need for further strengthening the sector to drive industrial growth.

More than 500 industrial representatives and visitors participated in the festival. Among those present were AP MSME Industries Association president D. Durgaprasad, JRD Tata ILA Chairman T. Srinivasa Rao, District Industries Officer M. Madhu and RTIH Vijayawada CEO Raviteja.