HYDERABAD: Tier-two cities in the two Telugu states are fast emerging as tech hubs, according to a report by Deloitte and Nasscom. These cities include Warangal, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Tirupati.
The findings by Deloitte and Nasscom in their joint report ‘Emerging technology hubs of India’, state these cities, though new entrants in the tech market, have picked up rapidly owing to their large and highly-educated workforce that has attracted a wide range of companies and industries.
Among these four emerging hubs, the report states, Warangal serves as an ideal satellite city to the thriving hub of Hyderabad, with various domestic service providers already establishing their operational offices.
Warangal has two incubators, marking the city’s foray into technological innovation. Currently, it fosters 208 start-ups that receives support from entities such as TiE, investor network Kakatiya Angels, and SR Innovation Exchange (SRiX). Additionally, KITS Warangal has built an incubation centre for product development on its campus specialising in Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning.
“Warangal is an attractive destination for companies due to the availability of cheaper land and infrastructure and several professional colleges, including engineering colleges such as NIT, which ensure quality tech and fresh talent essential for budding tech industry,” the report said.
Vijayawada is gaining prominence, especially in hardware, IoT, foodtech, and software/data startups. Government-backed initiatives, premier institutes, and investments in SEZs have propelled Vijayawada onto the technology map.
Similarly, Tirupati is swiftly becoming a business process management hub, particularly excelling in medical transcription and revenue cycle management. The city’s startup growth is influenced by premier educational institutions, including IIT with in-house incubators.
The report highlights Visakhapatnam asa vital port and logistics hub. The city accommodates development centres for various e-commerce and logistics companies, capitalising on its location and connectivity to major markets.