Hyderabad: Telangana is positioning itself to become a global innovation capital. It focuses on artificial intelligence, ethical technology use, and research-driven development, said IT and Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu.
Addressing the BITS Alumni Association Global Meet 2026 at the BITS Pilani–Hyderabad campus on Saturday, the Minister said innovation must extend beyond academic achievements. It should contribute directly to national development goals like Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Highlighting India’s model of Digital Public Infrastructure, including Aadhaar and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Sridhar Babu said these tools offer a contrast to private digital monopolies seen globally. Telangana, he noted, is advancing this approach. Initiatives like the Telangana Data Exchange (TGDeX) aim to boost research and innovation as India’s first AI-enabled data exchange platform.
AI, ethics, and rural impact at the centre of innovation
He said the planned Telangana AI Innovation Hub and AI University will set national benchmarks. They will focus on responsible artificial intelligence and serve as reference points for other States.
Stressing the need for ethical technology practices, Sridhar Babu said data privacy and responsible AI must be prioritised. He urged tech companies to increase their investment in research and development. They should look beyond traditional success metrics like scale and valuation.
The future of work, he said, would reward creative thinkers over professionals limited to technical coding skills. Sustainable business models, he added, will depend more on system integrity, data control, and public trust.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of inclusive innovation. “AI must not remain an urban privilege,” he said. He called for research that addresses rural needs in agriculture, education, and healthcare.
Inviting collaboration with BITS Pilani, Sridhar Babu urged alumni and institutional leadership to join the State’s “Telangana Rising” initiative. This initiative focuses on expanding AI-driven academic and industrial research.
BITS Alumni Association Chairperson Prem Jain, MapmyIndia Founder Rakesh Verma, BGM 2026 Chairperson Anita, and other dignitaries attended the event.
Telangana to Emerge as a Global Innovation Capital: IT & Industries Minister Shri. Sridhar Babu
Speaking at the BITS Alumni Association Global Meet 2026 at BITS Pilani–Hyderabad, Hon’ble Minister Shri. Duddilla Sridhar Babu @OffDSB said Telangana is building a global innovation… pic.twitter.com/FWNdCvuKBZ
— IPRDepartment (@IPRTelangana) January 10, 2026