In a classic example of corporate innovation coming from startups, Telangana government, known as a startup destination thanks to T-Hub, has been approached by global brewer Carlsberg known for its beer to help bring innovative ideas to the company.
Carlsberg is likely to work with T-Hub to create an innovation program to find innovative solutions to the business problems that the company faces.
Speaking on the sidelines of an event at T-Hub, Telangana IT Minister KT Rama Rao said that he was approached by Cees ‘t Hart, CEO of Carlsberg at World Economic Forum to help find a solution to reduce the amount of water used in producing beer.
“Right now to produce one litre of beer, he said that they use 3.8 litres of water. If he could bring down to two or even three litres, that would be a substantial achievement and is better for the environment. I have asked Srinivas Kolipara (COO, T-Hub) to see how we can help,” he said.
Carlsberg, which is the third largest player in India’s beer market, has had a presence in India since 2007 and most recently opened its eighth brewery in India in Karnataka.
The company is likely to expand its capacity in Telangana as well while also working with T-Hub and the government around innovation. While only one meeting over this has taken place so far, the Indian team will be visiting soon to take the partnership with T-Hub forward.
“Large corporations too have problems no matter how big and unique they are. Take Carlsberg fo example, even though they might look like they have an open and shut business case, they need innovation to happen there and that’s where T-Hub can help…Startups, young Indian, incubators and co-working spaces are truly becoming the new laboratories of India, and of the world,” KTR added.
Further information and a formal announcement is likely to come out in a month’s time.
KTR met with several corporations and organisations from across the world at WEF hardselling Telangana as India’s startup state. He also visited UAE post WEF where he signed MoUs with Lulu group and Dr BR Shetty Group for investments worth Rs 3,500 in the state.