Andhra University start-up closure sparks concern

VISAKHAPATNAM: Entrepreneurs and academics have triggered concern over the documented decision of Andhra University to close a NASSCOM start-up and incubation centre on the campus, arguing that the move is contrary to the objectives of the National Education Policy-2020.

Key points

• The centre was set up on the university campus with an investment of around Rs 27 crore.
• As sources indicate, the facility has incubated around 40 start-ups from different sectors over the past four years, providing infrastructure, technical backing, guidance and other services to young entrepreneurs.
• "The development comes at a time when educational and research institutions across the country are seeking investments to establish and expand incubation and innovation centres, " the faculty lamented.

What happened

In practice, the university entered into a tripartite agreement with NASSCOM and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Administration of India, in 2000 to establish a centre aimed at promoting start-ups, innovation and entrepreneurship. The centre was set up on the university campus with an investment of around Rs 27 crore.

The bottom line

In short, andhra University start is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.