CoDE Studio Design Innovation Support for MSMEs and Startups in Hyderabad – IITH Launch

IIT Hyderabad inaugurates CoDE Studio to boost design-led innovation, skill development, and entrepreneurship for MSMEs and startups in Hyderabad.

Hyderabad witnessed a significant milestone in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship with the inauguration of the CoDE Studio design innovation support for MSMEs and startups in Hyderabad at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) on January 8, 2026. The state-of-the-art facility, developed under the Centre of Design Excellence (CoDE), aims to empower MSMEs, startups, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and students by providing a comprehensive platform for design-led innovation, skill development, and industry-academia collaboration.

The inauguration was presided over by Shri Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana, Sports and Youth Services & Advancement, Tourism and Culture. The event also saw the presence of Prof. B.S. Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, and Dr. Prasad S. Onkar, Principal Investigator, CoDE and Associate Professor, Department of Design, IIT Hyderabad.

Empowering MSMEs and Startups Through Design-Led Innovation

The CoDE Studio design innovation support for MSMEs and startups in Hyderabad has been conceptualized to serve as a dynamic hub that integrates design thinking, skill development, and entrepreneurial support. Funded under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) programme with support from the Ministry of MSME and the Government of Telangana, the facility aims to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs and startups by embedding design thinking into products, processes, and business models.

Key offerings of the CoDE Studio include:

• Skill Development Workshops: Covering design thinking, product innovation, digital prototyping, and sustainability-focused design.
• Incubation and Mentorship: Providing guidance for startups, including business registration, intellectual property rights (IPR) filing, and market entry strategies.
• Hackathons and Conferences: Engaging entrepreneurs, students, and professionals to solve real-world industry problems through design-led approaches.
• Craft Documentation Initiatives: Supporting local crafts and integrating traditional knowledge into contemporary product design.

Driving Industry-Academia Collaboration

The CoDE Studio is a pioneering initiative emphasizing industry-academia collaboration. By connecting startups and MSMEs with the academic expertise of IIT Hyderabad, the center enables practical problem-solving and innovation. Freelancers and students also benefit from exposure to industry-relevant projects and hands-on training, fostering a culture of creativity and entrepreneurship in Telangana and beyond.

“The CoDE Studio represents a commitment to innovation and skilling for the next generation of entrepreneurs and MSMEs in India,” said Prof. B.S. Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad.

The facility will also work closely with other innovation centers and government bodies to facilitate the growth of startups through technology adoption, mentoring, and access to research infrastructure.

CoDE Studio: A Catalyst for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

The initiative is aligned with national priorities to empower MSMEs and startups through design-led innovation. The focus on skill development ensures that entrepreneurs and students acquire not just theoretical knowledge but also practical expertise in areas such as:

• Product design and prototyping
• Sustainable design practices
• Market research and commercialization strategies
• Digital tools for design and manufacturing

The design-led innovation & skilling hub for MSMEs and freelancers Telangana is envisioned to create a sustainable ecosystem where innovation is nurtured, and talent is developed to meet global industry standards.

Enhancing Competitiveness of MSMEs

By integrating design thinking into the core business strategies of MSMEs, the CoDE Studio aims to:

• Improve product quality and market relevance
• Facilitate access to funding and government schemes
• Enable innovative solutions that drive revenue and employment
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and research

The government-backed initiative ensures that MSMEs in Telangana and across India have access to world-class design infrastructure, mentoring, and industry insights.

About IIT Hyderabad

Established in 2008, IIT Hyderabad (IITH) has rapidly emerged as a leading institution in research, technology, and startup development. Ranked 7th among engineering institutes under NIRF 2025 and 6th in innovation, IITH has consistently maintained its position among India’s top academic institutions. The institute houses 340+ full-time faculty, 5,700+ students, and 5260+ research projects worth over Rs. 1,650 crore. With over 335 startups launched from its campus, IITH continues to contribute significantly to entrepreneurship, innovation, and industrial growth in India.

For students and learners, IIT Hyderabad also provides access to NCERT Courses, Current Affairs updates, Notes, MCQs, and Videos, helping bridge academic knowledge with practical skills. NCERT Courses | Current Affairs | Notes | MCQs | Videos

Expert Insights and Industry Comments

Dr. Prasad S. Onkar, Principal Investigator at CoDE, stated:
“CoDE Studio will serve as a platform for collaborative innovation, enabling MSMEs and startups to harness design for growth and competitiveness. This initiative is a step forward in strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem.”

Industry leaders have praised the initiative for bridging the gap between academia and enterprise, highlighting the studio’s potential in shaping the next wave of design-driven startups in India.

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FAQs About CoDE Studio and Its Initiatives

1. What is CoDE Studio at IIT Hyderabad?
   CoDE Studio is a design innovation support hub for MSMEs, startups, freelancers, and students in Hyderabad.
2. Who can benefit from CoDE Studio’s programs?
   MSMEs, startups, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and students interested in design-led innovation can participate.
3. What types of workshops does CoDE Studio offer?
   Design thinking, prototyping, product innovation, sustainability design, and entrepreneurial skill development workshops are conducted.
4. How does CoDE Studio support startups in Telangana?
   By offering mentorship, business registration support, IPR filing, and access to industry collaboration opportunities.
5. Is CoDE Studio government-funded?
   Yes, it is supported by the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, and the Government of Telangana under the RAMP program.
6. Does CoDE Studio organize hackathons and conferences?
   Yes, it organizes events to promote design-led solutions and innovative thinking among students and professionals.
7. What is the role of industry-academia collaboration at CoDE Studio?
   The collaboration connects academic expertise with practical business needs to foster innovative solutions.
8. Can freelancers benefit from CoDE Studio?
   Absolutely, freelancers can access skill development, mentoring, and design project opportunities.
9. How does CoDE Studio enhance MSME competitiveness?
   By integrating design thinking into products, processes, and business strategies to drive growth and innovation.
10. Where can I learn more about related NCERT courses and innovation updates?
    You can explore NCERT Courses, Current Affairs, and Notes for educational resources.