Innovation key driver of long-term growth, say experts

The two-day A.P. Innovators Summit concluded here on Saturday (January 11, 2026), according to a release issued on Sunday (January 10). The theme of the summit was “The New Age Innovator-AI, Agility, and Sustainable Growth”, it said.

The event organised by the A.P. Digital Technology Industry (APDTI) Network, with the support of the Government of A.P., witnessed the participation of over 800 delegates, including start-up founders, investors, incubator heads, academia, student start-ups, and career aspirants from across the State.

The event agenda featured speakers from Bharat Kumar (Microsoft), Vamsidhar Sunkari (Bosch Software Global Technologies), Ramesh Loganathan (SucSEED Ventures), Amit Mishra (Yotta), Kiran Korivi (Alcove Partners), Jignesh Talasila (Perspect AI), Kinjal Saxena (AIG Hospitals), Ravi Saripalle (GITAM) and Swayam Sodha (Swayamezon).

Sreedhar Kosaraju, chairman, APDTI Network, emphasised that innovation is the true driver of long-term growth, with skill acting as a strong foundation. He highlighted the importance of embedding AI from the design-thinking stage rather than treating it as a buzzword and reiterated alignment with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision of “One Family, One Entrepreneur.”

Indrajit Anne, president, ITAAP, spoke about the rapid acceleration of digital transformation across industries, noting that technology adoption today spans IT, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. He emphasised that sustainable unicorns are built by combining strong domain knowledge with technology-led transformation.

Kavitha C, director, STPI Hyderabad, highlighted the role of STPI as a key enabler of the innovation ecosystem. Drawing insights from the ‘India AI Impact Summit’ framework, she shared guiding principles for responsible AI adoption and introduced the concept of AI Chakras, focusing on human-centric AI, inclusion, sustainability, collaboration, democratisation of AI, and economic and social impact across sectors such as healthcare and agriculture.

Jitendra Sharma, Founder, MD and CEO, AMTZ, explained how meaningful innovation evolves into best practice, economic stability, and ultimately a way of life. He urged start-ups to focus on building strong capabilities, avoid jargon, and leverage technology for products and partnerships for customers.