More than 80 startups shine at MSME Utsav in Vijayawada

Vijayawada: More than 80 startups and innovators showcased their products and ideas at the MSME Utsav-2026, organised at the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH) in Enikepadu on Saturday to mark International MSME Day.NTR district collector G Lakshmisha, who inaugurated the event, said the initiative aims to nurture innovation among youth by providing mentorship, technical guidance, market access and financial awareness. He said RTIH is helping convert innovative ideas into viable businesses under the “One Family-One Entrepreneur” vision.The exhibition featured over 80 stalls set up by startups, women entrepreneurs, and innovators, displaying products across sectors.

Startups, including Sthree Shakti Market Hub, Job Paper, Easy Slate, Glivee, Coolex Green India, Zest Eat, Parivarthan and Farm Steel Products, participated in the event.Lakshmisha said innovation hubs such as RTIH and Rise are conducting workshops and training programmes to help aspiring entrepreneurs, including women from self-help groups, establish MSMEs and generate employment. He said the centres are also functioning as research and development hubs to address challenges faced by startups and support industrial growth.

Addressing the gathering, AP Chambers of Commerce president P Bhaskar Rao said Andhra Pradesh’s startup ecosystem is expanding rapidly, with nearly 7,000 to 8,000 startups receiving support through RTIH. He noted that around 90 percent of industries in the state fall under the MSME category and stressed the need to further strengthen the sector. He also called for greater support for locally made products under the “Vocal for Local” initiative.An Industry 4.0 technical session was held as part of the programme, which was attended by more than 500 entrepreneurs, industry representatives and visitors.