Telugu NRIs Gear Up For 3-Day APTA Katalyst 2025

Hyderabad: The first-ever APTA Katalyst Global Business Conference, an initiative by the American Progressive Telugu Association (APTA), will be held at the HITEX Convention Centre in Hyderabad from January 3 to 5, 2025. With the theme "Connect, Collaborate, Create," this three-day event will bring together over 1,000 entrepreneurs of Indian origin from more than 20 countries, including North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

The conference aims to foster business collaborations, knowledge sharing, and create new opportunities in various sectors such as technology, green energy, healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing. The event is designed to facilitate networking among global Telugu entrepreneurs and inspire innovative business ventures.

Key dignitaries scheduled to attend include N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, who will grace the Banquet Night on January 3. On January 4, A. Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister of Telangana, will attend the conference, and the closing ceremony on January 5 will be marked by a special appearance from Megastar Chiranjeevi.

Dr Subu Kota, Honorary Chairman of the conference, highlighted the growing significance of Indian talent, stating, "American business cannot run without Indian talent." He further emphasized the importance of such forums in building connections that contribute to mutual growth.

Over 100 distinguished speakers and panelists, including global entrepreneurs and industry leaders, will present in more than 40 sessions. Notable figures include Anil Chalamalasetti, Dr Bondada Raghavendra Rao, Umesh Kunapureddy, and Bhaskar Gangipamula, among others. These thought leaders will share insights into emerging technologies, business strategies, and global market trends.

A key highlight of the event is the Katalyst Business Pitch Competition (KBP), where startups will compete for funding and mentorship. Over 100 startups have registered, and 16 have been shortlisted to pitch their ideas to venture capitalists such as Aroa Ventures and SucSeed. The winners will receive up to $10 million in funding to accelerate their growth.

The conference will also provide a platform for discussing the Indian government's initiatives, including the "Make in India" program and the semiconductor sector, and will feature parallel sessions on sectors like life sciences, eCommerce, AI, and renewable energy.

In addition to business discussions, APTA has been at the forefront of supporting the Telugu community, having extended scholarships worth Rs 14 crore to over 12,000 Indian students and supported entrepreneurial growth through various business forums.