Telangana state building a global deep-tech hub: Sridhar Babu

Hyderabad : Telangana's industrial sector grew 8.1% in 2025–26, taking its Gross State Value Added (GSVA) to ₹3.04 lakh crore, while merchandise exports rose 39.3%. IT and Industries Minister Sri D. Sridhar Babu shared these figures on Wednesday at the FICCI Centenary Celebrations and Telangana Deep-Tech Leadership Summit at ITC Kakatiya. He said the state is building infrastructure for research, innovation and skilling in AI, quantum technology, robotics, cybersecurity, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, as part of its goal of a $3 trillion economy by 2047.

Congratulating FICCI on its centenary, Sri D. Sridhar Babu said, "FICCI has been a great source of inspiration for businesses and has been instrumental in shaping policies at both the national and state level. As of December 2025, 13 lakh people were working across the state's industry ecosystem. We believe Telangana's current 5% contribution to national GDP can be doubled to 10%, as we have the strength, energy and demographics. We invite technology leaders, innovators and policymakers to help us achieve this target. Through this Deep-Tech Summit, we want high-value products to be made in Telangana and exported at scale."

Deputy Chief Minister Sri Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu and Minister Sri D. Sridhar Babu released the FICCI-EY report, "Telangana DeepTech Blueprint: A strategic blueprint for positioning Telangana as a global DeepTech innovation hub." The report recommends that Telangana move from a services-led economy to an innovation-led one, in which deep tech enables advanced manufacturing and drives exports. It finds the state strong in research, development and talent, but sees a wide gap in its global innovation presence. It identifies opportunities in AI, quantum computing and cybersecurity, and flags funding as a constraint. To close these gaps, it recommends greater investment in R&D, improved technology readiness and a dedicated deep-tech policy.

Dr. Sangita Reddy, Past President, FICCI and Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise, said, "Telangana will be the next crucible of India's development. With major companies headquartered or operating large facilities in Hyderabad, and most of India's population under 30, this is India's moment to capitalise on its demographic strength and stability amid global conflict. Telangana's development should be big and ambitious but humane, focusing on eliminating poverty and hunger and providing healthcare.