Andhra Pradesh Seeks WIPO Partnership to Boost Startups and Innovation

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has called for international cooperation to strengthen the state's startup ecosystem, encourage innovation and expand research opportunities. He urged the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to work with the state government in promoting entrepreneurship, protecting intellectual property and helping local products gain greater recognition in global markets.

The Chief Minister made these proposals during a meeting with WIPO Director General Daren Tang in Visakhapatnam on the sidelines of the CII Partnership Summit. The discussions covered several areas of potential collaboration, including the establishment of a WIPO–Andhra Pradesh Academy to develop expertise in intellectual property rights.

The proposed academy would provide specialised training to students, researchers, startup founders and representatives of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The training would focus on patents, trademarks, industrial designs, intellectual property rights (IPR) and the protection of technological innovations, helping entrepreneurs safeguard their ideas and commercialise their inventions.

Naidu also sought WIPO's assistance in obtaining Geographical Indication (GI) tags for Andhra Pradesh's traditional handlooms, handicrafts and other locally produced goods. He stressed the importance of taking existing GI-recognised products to international markets and improving their commercial potential through stronger global branding and recognition.

Highlighting the state's efforts to encourage entrepreneurship, the Chief Minister said the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub was providing necessary support to young innovators and aspiring business owners. He invited WIPO to collaborate with the government in expanding the startup network and creating a more supportive environment for emerging enterprises.

Naidu also explained the government's development strategy for the state's three regions and its efforts to prepare young people for future technological requirements. He said training programmes were being encouraged in Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum technology and other advanced fields. Andhra Pradesh, he added, had considerable investment potential in green energy, space technology, quantum computing and natural farming.

Women's entrepreneurship also featured prominently in the discussions. The Chief Minister said the government had set a target of transforming 10 lakh women into entrepreneurs. Products manufactured by women were being promoted under the 'Swayam AP' brand, and he invited WIPO to support these initiatives.