Microsoft Chips in for Telangana's Smart City Startup Conclave

Representatives of startups, state officials and Microsoft experts took part in the conclave to map smart solutions for cities as the tech-giant rolled out its 'CityNext' programme in collaboration with state government to fetch "innovative, citizen-centric" ideas to develop smart cities.

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

State Information Technology Minister K Taraka Rama Rao, who launched 'Accelerate India - Technology for Growth', a concept note with solutions available for smart cities from a total of 21 startups, said, "As a startup state we thought our IT department should be proactive and figure out some smart solutions."

"We are committed for expanding e-governance, citizen services and economic growth. Developing smart cities is important to drive the state's growth," he said.

A pilot programme has been launched in Cyberabad with regard to electronic version of vehicle registration card and insurance, he said adding that government will ensure that transport department and traffic police accept electronic version on mobile phone or digital wallet.

"We are working with the health department to digitise health records. We are starting with our Chief Minister's constituency Gajwel," the minister added.

"Through Microsoft Ventures, CityNext now offers an opportunity to harness the enormous potential of entrepreneurs and develop citizen-centric solutions," Neeraj Gill, General Manager (Public Sector), Microsoft India, said.