How KTR’s support and mentoring shaped innovators into entrepreneurs, in their own words

Telangana innovators Ashok Gorre and Mupparapu Raju credit former IT Minister KTR for guidance and support that helped them scale innovations into startups. Projects include agricultural tools, multipurpose sprayers, streetlight sensors, and eco-friendly products, benefiting farmers and villages.

Hyderabad: A word of encouragement and timely support helped many young innovators transform their ideas into startups. Former IT and Industries Minister KT Rama Rao’s mentoring not only boosted their morale but also guided them in upgrading their innovations into viable entrepreneurial ventures.

Among them is Suryapet youngster Ashok Gorre, who established his startup Rural Rise Agrinery. He credits his journey from a rural innovator to an entrepreneur largely to Rama Rao’s encouragement and guidance.

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Selected under the Telangana State Innovation Cell’s (TSIC) Intinti Innovator programme and after winning an award in Kolkata, Ashok met the former Minister in 2019.

“It was November 9. KTR sir invited me to Pragathi Bhavan and felicitated me. He appreciated me and assured of all support in my endeavour,” Ashok recalls.

He says the support extended at the T-Works fellowship programme was crucial. “Thanks to KTR sir, there was a lot of support and access to world-class machinery. Experts guided me in upgrading the prototypes of different tools and machines,” Ashok says, adding that he also received help in securing a visa to attend the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineering conference in Nebraska in 2023.

At present, Ashok is working on eight products, including six tools and two multipurpose vehicle sprayers for agricultural use. Fourteen farmers are already using his prototypes and efforts are underway to make them more effective and affordable.

Similarly, Mupparapu Raju from Gopalapuram in Warangal recalls the former Minister’s encouragement during his association with T-Works.

Raju developed a sensor-based automation system for streetlights. His “Raju Auto Sensor” uses photo sensors to automatically switch street lights on and off, eliminating manual intervention.

He also devised pens made from maize sticks and solar-powered mobile chargers.

“KTR sir tweeted about my innovations. After being impressed with automatic sensors for streetlights, a pilot project was taken up in 400 villages in 2022,” Raju says, claiming the sensors continue to function effectively.

With municipalities’ contracts with EESL for streetlight operation and maintenance having expired, Raju is seeking opportunities to convince officials to adopt his technology.

“Tenders are being floated for operation and maintenance of streetlights. As a small startup, I cannot afford to bid in tenders, but if the State government allots a contract in bulk, I can definitely deliver,” he asserts.