| IKP supported over 1,500 startups across India in 25 yrs. |
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| Deepanwita Chattopadhyay, CEO of IKP Knowledge Park, elaborates on the organization’s remarkable journey over 25 years, supporting more than 1,500 startups across India. Inspired by her passion for science and technology innovation, she transitioned from various roles in research and education to leading IKP, which emerged as a vital hub for innovation in life sciences and technology. |
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| Chattopadhyay recalls the pivotal moment when ICICI Bank selected Hyderabad to host the new research park, under the leadership of then-Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. This decision led to the establishment of Genome Valley, a once desolate area that now thrives with innovation. IKP’s founding aimed to create an industry-led science hub, and Chattopadhyay’s leadership has been instrumental in transforming it into a center of excellence, learning from global benchmarks. |
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| Despite its successes, Chattopadhyay candidly discusses the challenges of developing IKP into a leading innovation hub. She describes the initial phases as “sculpting fog,” emphasizing the difficulties in creating a model without existing benchmarks in India. Engaging with industry and academia was challenging, requiring significant effort to attract initial customers to the remote location. Establishing shared research facilities and developing policies to prevent poaching among resident companies added to the hurdles faced by the organization. |
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| Securing government funding to set up an incubator was another significant challenge. In 2006, IKP became the first private incubator to receive government support, which marked a turning point in its development. Since then, it has flourished, with tailored approaches to mentorship, guidance, and funding that meet the unique needs of startups. |
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| Collaboration remains a cornerstone of IKP’s mission, and Chattopadhyay highlights the importance of partnerships with the state government, the Department of Science and Technology, and organizations like BIRAC. These collaborations enable the translation of academic innovations into market-ready technologies, ensuring that breakthroughs reach their full potential. For example, the Grand Challenges Exploration program, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, has further strengthened IKP’s ties with academic institutions and expanded its network. |
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| Chattopadhyay outlines IKP’s broader economic impact, noting that major multinational corporations and successful contract research organizations (CROs) have contributed to a dynamic environment for innovation. IKP has directly created around 15,000 jobs, with an additional 60,000 in indirect employment. Startups originating from IKP, such as Laurus Labs and GPS Renewables, showcase its role as a significant economic driver. |
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| For young entrepreneurs, Chattopadhyay emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and engaging directly with potential users to ensure product-market fit. Her vision for the future of innovation in India revolves around leveraging talent and developing a robust bio-manufacturing hub to support startups in scaling their innovations. |
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| As IKP celebrates its 25th anniversary, its commitment to fostering innovation and global collaboration positions it as a key player in shaping the future of entrepreneurship in India and beyond. The upcoming conference, “IKP@25: An Epic Rhapsody and the Next Symphony,” aims to further cultivate a culture of innovation and position India as a leading global innovation hub. Through impactful advancements and productive collaborations, IKP seeks to create a sustainable future for startups and contribute significantly to the innovation ecosystem. |
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| World Trade Center Shamshabad |
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| 2nd Floor Kapil Kavuri Hub, Nanakramguda, Rangareddy District, Telangana 500032, India |
| Tel: +91 905 905 1954 | Email: info@wtcshamshabad.org |
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| Copyright by World Trade Center Shamshabad |
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