Hyderabad, October 31, 2025:The Hyderabad Entrepreneurship Summit (HES 2025) — a landmark two-day celebration of innovation, leadership, and collaboration — began this evening at Hitex Exhibition Centre, organized by the TiE Hyderabad Chapter in partnership with the Government of Telangana.

The summit was inaugurated collectively by HEEC – Hyderabad Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Collective Partners, a unique initiative of TiE Hyderabad Chapter.

Held under the theme “Transforming Tomorrow, Together”, HES 2025 aims to showcase Hyderabad’s evolution as one of India’s most dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems — connecting local innovation with global opportunities.

The summit has brought together over 1,500 entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, policymakers, and ecosystem enablers, featuring inspiring keynotes and fireside chats, sector-focused industry sessions, masterclasses by industry experts, startup pitches and expo showcases, and special recognitions and awards celebrating entrepreneurial excellence across sectors.

Building an Entrepreneurial Future

Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Pagadala, President, TiE Hyderabad, said the summit builds on TiE’s national mission “1x10x100” — to create 1 million entrepreneurs, 10 million jobs, and $100 billion in value over the next decade.

“This perfectly aligns with Telangana’s vision of becoming a global innovation powerhouse by 2047. TiE Hyderabad has mentored thousands of founders over the last 26 years — now it’s time to give back by shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs,” he said.

A highlight of the opening ceremony was the launch of the Hyderabad Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Collective (HEEC) — a strategic TiE Hyderabad initiative designed to foster collaboration, inclusivity, and shared growth among startups, investors, academia, industry bodies, and incubators.

The MoU was signed by leaders of TiE Hyderabad, HYSEA, FTCCI, COWE, ALEAP, Biome, Hyderabad Angels, Mahindra University, iCollab, Bala Vikasa CSRB, IACC, IIKP, T-Hub, RICH, TG10X, Wadhwani Foundation, and Founders First.

Initially led by TiE Hyderabad, the collective will operate on a rotational leadership model among partner institutions to ensure continuity and inclusivity.TiE Hyderabad President Rajesh Pagadala and Vice President Murali Kakarla facilitated the MoU with all ecosystem partners.

Government Partnership for SME Growth

Mr. Nikhil Chakravarthi, Director (Industries), Government of Telangana, announced a strategic MoU between TiE Hyderabad and the Department of Industries & Commerce to jointly scale 500 high-potential SMEs across Telangana by 2029 under the “500 to 5X Growth Mission.”

The mission will identify SMEs in the ₹25–₹50 crore bracket and help them achieve 5X growth through mentorship, market access, and capital linkage — potentially generating 3–5 lakh new jobs.

The MoU also provides for the establishment of a Telangana SME Acceleration Cell, SME Capital Access Clinic, and five regional mentoring hubs.

Mr. Nikhil added that Telangana is deregulating key Acts, such as the Factories Act and Labour Act, to further ease business operations and create flexible zones to boost industry competitiveness. He also highlighted that Telangana is actively implementing the District Reform Action Plan (DRAP) under the national Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) initiative.

Global Perspectives & Recognitions

Delivering the keynote, Murali Bukkapatnam, TiE Global Chair of Trustees, said,

He announced the upcoming TiE Global Impact Report and TiE Impact Dashboard, aiming to strengthen TiE’s 68-chapter global network and grow membership and revenues by 20%.

Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, Dean of Kautilya School of Public Policy, addressed the theme “Entrepreneurs & Global Uncertainty”, urging founders to build resilience amid geopolitical volatility and global interdependence.

The TiE Hyderabad Outstanding Entrepreneurship Awards 2025, chaired by Mr. Kali Prasad (Chairman, EThames Business School) and evaluated by a jury led by Mr. G.V. Prasad (Co-Chairman & MD, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories), recognized visionary founders, investors, and ecosystem builders.

Another major highlight was the launch of TiE50 Telangana, powered by Qualcomm, celebrating high-growth startups from the region.