Hyderabad: Telangana Irrigation, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Thursday inaugurated the St Ann’s incubation centre at St Ann’s College for Women, Mehdipatnam, stating that women empowerment will remain central to the state’s inclusive growth agenda.
Telangana’s first college-based registered incubation centre
With this launch, St Ann’s became the first degree college in the state to establish a government-registered incubation facility. The event saw participation from St Ann’s Superior General Mother Anthonamma, College Principal Dr Sr A. Vijaya Rani, NI-MSME Director Dr Vijaya Erandi, T-Hub CEO Sita Pallacholla, and Osmania University Registrar Prof. Gaddam Narayana Reddy.
Reddy described incubation centres as the “backbone of innovation-driven economies.” He said such platforms connect academic institutions with industries, helping students engage in real-world challenges. Emphasising the need for inclusivity, he noted that this initiative would help women entrepreneurs gain access to mentorship, funding, and business networks.
Government to provide full ecosystem support
The Minister added that the centre would support more than just startups. It would serve as a launchpad for social innovation in healthcare, rural development, education, and sustainability. He assured that the Telangana government would provide all necessary support through policies, funding, and partnerships.
“This centre fits seamlessly into our innovation ecosystem. Just as T-Hub and V-Hub support startups, this initiative will help women lead from the front,” he said.
He urged the college to involve alumni, industry mentors, and investors to transform the centre into a hub of research and entrepreneurship. The government, he said, would back the institution “at every step” of its journey.
Personal connection with St Ann’s institutions
Recalling his early education at St Ann’s School in BHEL, Reddy shared how the school’s values shaped his life as an Air Force officer and later as a politician. “The morals and discipline I gained there stayed with me,” he said.
He also spoke about his service as a MiG pilot on the China and Pakistan borders, and his tenure as an Air Force pilot to Presidents R. Venkataraman and Shankar Dayal Sharma. He said his education at St Ann’s played a key role in preparing him for those responsibilities.
Focus on NCC, skilling and job readiness
Congratulating the college’s NCC cadets on their ceremonial parade, Reddy promised to take up the strengthening of NCC activities with both the state and central governments. He also praised the welcome dance by the students, calling it a performance of exceptional quality.
Addressing employability, he said that passing out with a degree must lead to meaningful opportunities. He highlighted the state’s new Skill University, which aims to train youth in practical, industry-relevant skills for high-paying jobs in India and abroad.
Reddy said Hyderabad is being developed as a global city with strong infrastructure, cosmopolitan culture and robust law and order. He expressed confidence that students from the St Ann’s incubation centre would directly contribute to this growth.
Reaffirming commitment to women innovators
“Some of you will be torchbearers of women-led innovation. The government will stand by you,” Reddy said in closing. He thanked the faculty and management of St Ann’s for inviting him and assured ongoing government support for the institution’s academic and entrepreneurial missions.
