Visakhapatnam City Innovation Cluster launched at GITAM University
The Visakhapatnam City Innovation Cluster (CIC) was launched at GITAM (Deemed to be University) on Tuesday, marking a significant step toward strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem. The initiative is supported by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Cyient Foundation, with the goal of transforming higher education institutions into hubs of innovation, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property creation.
The cluster was inaugurated by GITAM President and Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharath, along with Andhra Pradesh Innovation Society (APIS) CEO M. Suryateja Mallavarapu.
Speaking at the launch, Sribharath stressed the importance of “quality innovation over mere numbers” and called for synergy between platforms such as RTIH, a-hub, and APIS to avoid duplication. He announced that GITAM would roll out a Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship course across all cluster institutions, adding that the Visakhapatnam CIC could become a national model to be replicated in Warangal and Jaipur.
APIS CEO Suryateja highlighted the success of the state’s flagship Avishkarana Andhra programme, which entered the Guinness World Records with 1.67 lakh registrations in 24 hours. He also referred to a new Government Order that allows state departments to post real-world challenges for startups, with winning solutions awarded contracts and market access.
AICTE Innovation Cell Assistant Director Dipan Kumar Sahu said that students working on startup projects would now be eligible for academic credits and internships.
Dr. P. Sudhakar, CEO of SCIENT (Dr. B.V.R. Mohan Reddy School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship), said the cluster would strengthen mentoring and capacity-building efforts. Other participants included Krishna Mohan Devi, Director of CSR Programs at Cyient Limited, and Vikas Srivatsav, Deputy Director of GITAM’s Venture Development Cell.
The inauguration concluded with an Incubators and Pre-Incubators Meet, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss collaborative opportunities.