AICTE–Cyient Foundation Partnership Advances Pilot Innovation Cluster in Andhra Pradesh

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Visakhapatnam, March 18, 2026: The third Visakhapatnam City Innovation Cluster (CIC) – Institute–Industry–Investors (I³) Conclave was successfully held at Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, marking a significant milestone in strengthening Andhra Pradesh’s regional innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Organised under the guidance of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), in collaboration with the Cyient Foundation, the CSR arm of Cyient Ltd., the conclave is part of the Visakhapatnam City Innovation Cluster Pilot Project. The initiative represents a pioneering public–private partnership between AICTE and the Cyient Foundation, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 11, 2025. The partnership aims to build a scalable, citycentric innovation cluster model that brings together academia, industry, investors, and government stakeholders to accelerate innovationled growth.

The conclave featured the launch of several key cluster initiatives, including the Phase1 Pilot Project Report on CIG Stakeholder Engagements, the Visakhapatnam Cluster Technology & IP Compendium, and a live demonstration of the Cluster IT Governance Portal. Throughout the day, dignitaries and participants visited CIG–Industry booths where students, faculty, and startups showcased innovations, IPled technologies, and working prototypes, creating a vibrant openhouse atmosphere. Cluster Interest Groups also presented promising startup ideas and breakthrough prototypes, underscoring the growing talent pool and collaborative innovation emerging from the Visakhapatnam cluster.

As the principal CSR partner, the Cyient Foundation is supporting the establishment of iCARE Centres (mentor institutions), iCAFE Centres (mentee institutions), and IPR–Technology Transfer Cells across the Visakhapatnam cluster. These initiatives are designed to strengthen institutional capacity, accelerate innovation outcomes, and foster industrylinked problemsolving among students, faculty, and researchers.

Speaking at the conclave as the chief guest, Dr. BVR Mohan Reddy, Founder Chairman of Cyient, underscored the critical role of startups in building an Atma Nirbhar Bharat. He 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.”

Addressing the gathering, Prof. G.P. Raja Sekhar, Vice‑Chancellor of Andhra University, said, “Andhra University and Visakhapatnam are making rapid strides in strengthening their innovation and startup ecosystem.” He announced a collaboration with Cyient Foundation and the launch of a Faculty Development Program on Entrepreneurship at AU, adding, “This initiative will equip educators with practical entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to nurture innovation and startup thinking among students.”

The I³ Conclave also featured panel discussions and interactive sessions focused on innovation capacity building, technology transfer, prototype and startup showcases, industry–academia collaboration, and investor engagement. The event brought together leaders from academia, industry, startups, and the investment community, providing a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and partnership development.

Faculty members, Institutional Innovation Council (IIC) officials, startup founders, industry representatives, and members of the organising committee participated actively, reinforcing Visakhapatnam’s growing role as a hub for innovationdriven growth in Andhra Pradesh.

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