HEF 2026 Maps Hyderabad’s Growth Roadmap, Positions City as Global Innovation Hub 

Property Pulse 

The Hyderabad Economic Forum (HEF) 2026, held under the theme “One City. One Vision. Infinite Possibilities”, highlighted Hyderabad’s growing position as a global hub for innovation and investment. It brought together over 500 business leaders, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs and academics at SAS iTower, Khajaguda. Hosted by SAS Infra in association with the Bower School of Entrepreneurship, the forum focused on Hyderabad’s long-term economic and innovation roadmap.

The forum was inaugurated with a keynote address by Chief Guest D Sridhar Babu, Minister for IT, Industries and Legislative Affairs, Government of Telangana, who said the 21st century belongs to nations that attract ideas, talent and innovation. He highlighted India’s rise in the Global Innovation Index and noted Telangana’s ambition to lead this transformation through sustained policy support and ecosystem development.

He outlined key initiatives including AIKAM, the Telangana Data Exchange (TGDeX), a Rs 1,000-crore Fund of Funds for startups, along with proposed institutions such as an AI University and Skill University. He also underlined efforts to expand AI-enabled classrooms and digital literacy in government schools, stressing the need to integrate innovation across education, governance and entrepreneurship.

Meanwhile, Dr G.V. Rao, Chairman of SAS Infra, said, “Hyderabad’s growth is being driven by its ability to scale across technology, life sciences, retail, real estate, sports and entertainment. The forum was designed as a platform to bring stakeholders together to shape the city’s future growth trajectory.”

The day-long discussions covered economic outlook, infrastructure, GCC expansion, digital transformation, investment flows and emerging sectors such as life sciences, retail and hospitality. 

More than 20 speakers participated across keynote sessions, fireside chats and panel discussions, including Dr Ch Preeti Reddy, Vice-Chairman, Malla Reddy Vishwavidyapeeth; Lt Gen (Retd) Satish Dua, Indian Army; Sarvesh Singh, CEO, Life Sciences & Pharma, Government of Telangana; Rahul Attuluri, Co-founder and CEO, NxtWave; Anil Lamba, Director, Lamcon Finance & Management Services; Karthik Yanamandra, Founding Partner, 360D Sports; Rehan Guha, Founder, Oxymorons & Half-a-Bawa Hospitality Consultants; Mrunalini Rao, Founder & Creative Director; and Faye D’Souza, Founder, Beatroot News, who moderated select sessions.

The forum concluded with a shared view that Hyderabad’s growth will be driven by deeper collaboration across industry, government and academia, strengthening its long-term economic momentum and expanding role in global markets.