Visakhapatnam, March 19, 2026: The third Visakhapatnam City Innovation Cluster (CIC) – Institute–Industry–Investors (I³) Conclave was held at Andhra University, marking progress in strengthening the region’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Organised under the guidance of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in collaboration with the Cyient Foundation, the conclave is part of the Visakhapatnam City Innovation Cluster Pilot Project. The initiative is based on a public–private partnership formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 2025, aimed at developing a scalable, city-centric innovation model linking academia, industry, investors and government stakeholders.
The event saw the launch of key initiatives including the Phase-1 Pilot Project Report on stakeholder engagement, the Visakhapatnam Cluster Technology & IP Compendium, and a live demonstration of the Cluster IT Governance Portal. Participants also visited exhibition booths where students, faculty and startups showcased innovations, prototypes and IP-led technologies, highlighting the growing innovation ecosystem in the region.
As the principal CSR partner, the Cyient Foundation is supporting the development of iCARE Centres (mentor institutions), iCAFE Centres (mentee institutions) and IPR–Technology Transfer Cells. These initiatives aim to strengthen institutional capacity, promote industry-linked problem solving and accelerate innovation outcomes across the cluster.
Speaking at the conclave, Dr. BVR Mohan Reddy, Founder Chairman of Cyient, said, “This pilot initiative in Visakhapatnam is an important step toward strengthening regional innovation capacity in Andhra Pradesh. By supporting the City Innovation Cluster through the Cyient Foundation, we aim to nurture young talent, encourage entrepreneurship, and build stronger linkages between academia and industry. Innovation thrives when institutions, industry, and government work together, and this model has the potential to create lasting impact across the state.”
Prof. G.P. Raja Sekhar, Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University, highlighted the university’s focus on innovation and startup development. He said, “Andhra University and Visakhapatnam are making rapid strides in strengthening their innovation and startup ecosystem.” He also announced a collaboration with Cyient Foundation and the launch of a Faculty Development Program on Entrepreneurship, adding, “This initiative will equip educators with practical entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to nurture innovation and startup thinking among students.”
The conclave featured panel discussions and interactive sessions on technology transfer, startup development, innovation capacity building and investor engagement. The event brought together faculty members, startup founders, industry representatives and Institutional Innovation Council officials, creating a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The initiative underscores Visakhapatnam’s emerging role as a regional hub for innovation-driven growth, with a focus on strengthening linkages between education, industry and investment ecosystems.
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