Hyderabad Economic Forum 2026 Overview
The inaugural Hyderabad Economic Forum (HEF) 2026 was held under the theme “One City. One Vision. Infinite Possibilities” at SAS iTower, Khajaguda, Hyderabad. The event was hosted by SAS Infra in association with the Bower School of Entrepreneurship and attracted more than 500 business leaders, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, academics and industry experts.
Keynote and Government Announcements
Chief Guest Sri Sridhar Babu, the Hon’ble Minister for IT, Industries and Legislative Affairs, Government of Telangana, delivered the keynote address titled “Hyderabad: Becoming India’s Innovation Capital”. He highlighted India’s rise from 81st to 39th place in the Global Innovation Index over the past decade and noted Telangana’s status as a “Top Performer” in the Centre’s States’ Startup Rankings. He announced several flagship initiatives: the AIKAM platform, the Telangana Data Exchange (TGDeX), a Rs 1,000‑crore Fund of Funds for startups, the proposed AI University, a Skill University, and the establishment of 100 Advanced ITIs. Additionally, the AI Literacy Mission will equip nearly 20 lakh (2 million) government‑school students with AI‑related skills, embedding innovation across education, governance and entrepreneurship.
Programme Highlights and Sectoral Discussions
The day‑long programme covered economic growth and market outlook, future‑ready infrastructure, digital and AI transformation, Global Capability Centers (GCCs), innovation and entrepreneurship, investment and capital, as well as sector‑specific dialogues on life sciences, retail, real estate, wealth management, education, hospitality, entertainment, women’s leadership and sports infrastructure. A notable panel examined whether Hyderabad could become India’s first truly global real‑estate market.
Distinguished Speakers
More than 20 distinguished speakers participated, including:
- Dr. Ch. Preeti Reddy, Vice‑Chairman of Malla Reddy Vishwavidyapeeth
- Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Satish Dua, General Officer, Indian Army
- Mr. Sarvesh Singh, CEO of Life Sciences & Pharma, Government of Telangana
- Mr. Rahul Attuluri, Co‑founder and CEO of NxtWave
- Dr. Anil Lamba, Director of Lamcon Finance & Management Services
- Mr. Karthik Yanamandra, Founding Partner, 360D Sports
- Mr. Rehan Guha, Founder, Oxymorons & Half‑a‑Bawa Hospitality Consultants
- Ms. Mrunalini Rao, Founder & Creative Director (organisation not specified)
- Ms. Faye D’Souza, Founder of Beatroot News, who moderated several sessions.
Organiser Perspectives
Dr. G.V. Rao, Chairman of SAS Infra, emphasized Hyderabad’s multi‑sector strength across technology, life sciences, retail, real estate, sports and entertainment, and reiterated the Forum’s purpose of fostering continuous stakeholder dialogue.
Conclusions
The Forum concluded with a consensus that Hyderabad is uniquely positioned to lead India’s next phase of growth, innovation and global relevance, and it will serve as an ongoing platform for shaping the city’s long‑term economic vision.
About the Organisers
SAS Infra is a Hyderabad‑based premium real‑estate developer with projects such as SAS Crown (Kokapet) and SAS iTower (Khajaguda). Bower School of Entrepreneurship acted as the knowledge partner for the event.
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