Microsoft Brings Together Start-Ups to Offer Solutions for Smart Cities in Telangana

Partners with the Government for the first-of-its-kind Smart City Startups Conclave under its CityNext program.

A host of startups, Telangana government officials and Microsoft experts took part in a Smart City Startups Conclave to map smart solutions for cities in Telangana. In a first-ever effort of its kind, Microsoft facilitated the workshop, in the presence of Shri. K. Taraka Rama Rao, Minister for Information Technology and Shri. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Secretary for Information Technology, Government of Telangana.

The discussion focused on solutions and apps in the areas of transport, healthcare, public safety, water and energy by startups from the Microsoft Ventures’ Portfolio which included Mybustickets.in, Celstream, iBot and FlamencoTech.

On this occasion, Shri. K. Taraka Rama Rao, Hon'ble Minister for Information Technology, Government of Telangana, also launched “Accelerate India - Technology for Growth”, a concept note with solutions available for smart cities from a total of 21 startups. Addressing the conclave, the Minister said, “We are committed to the welfare of our citizens by expanding the opportunities for e-governance, citizen services and economic growth in Telangana. Developing smart cities is important to drive the state’s growth. With this focus, we are pleased to partner with Microsoft India to leverage its technology offerings and expertise to help transform Telangana into a sustainable and competitive state that cares for its citizens.”

According to Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Secretary for Information Technology, Government of Telangana, “We believe it is becoming increasingly important to leverage technology as an enabler of constant modernization. We are excited to partner with Microsoft to look at ways of transforming Telangana into a smart and competitive state that cares for its citizens. Over the course of the next few months, we look forward to working with Microsoft and various start-up partners, on solutions across areas that will help us keep the citizen at the center of our development and fulfil our smart city vision.”

Speaking on this occasion, Neeraj Gill, General Manager – Public Sector, Microsoft India, said, “This platform offers a fresh perspective from entrepreneurs to enable sustainable development and scaling of smart cities with simple, easy to implement and low-cost solutions within the framework of our CityNext program. Through Microsoft Ventures, CityNext now offers an opportunity to harness the enormous potential of entrepreneurs and develop citizen centric solutions using Microsoft technology.

Furthermore, with our local data centres which are now live, the Government and solution providers can use the massive computing power now available locally to accelerate e-governance, drive inclusive growth, innovation and digital transformation. We eagerly look forward to supporting the Government in its digitization efforts as well as a budding startup culture in the state.”

About Microsoft CityNext

Microsoft CityNext is a people-first initiative to enable residents and city leaders to use technology to build a foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity. Microsoft has identified more than 40 solution areas across eight city domains -- 1. Energy and water 2. Buildings; infrastructure and planning 3. Transportation 4. Public safety and justice 5. Tourism, recreation, and culture 6. Education 7. Health and 8. Social services and Government administration -- that help address 90 percent of the challenges cities faces today. CityNext addresses these areas through the vast and diverse Microsoft Partner Network of more than 430,000 technology experts across the globe. The CityNext initiative has been successfully implemented in cities across the world including Paris, Washington DC and Auckland.

India's urban population is projected to grow from 340 million in 2008 to 590 million in 2030, according to a 2010 McKinsey and Company study. By 2050, nearly 70 percent of the global population will live in cities. Through its CityNext initiative, Microsoft India integrates information technology and human engagement to address infrastructural challenges and create new opportunities for economic growth and improved competitiveness overall.