The Centurion University of Technology and Management, Vizianagaram (CUTMAP), stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial excellence in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh. Through its incubation centre, the Higher Education Institute Technology Business Incubator (HEIBI) accredited by MSME, New Delhi, the university has created a vibrant ecosystem that transforms innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises.

Vision and Mission

Under the visionary leadership of Prof. J Anil Kumar, Dean of Extension, Skilling, and Incubation, CUTMAP’s incubation centre aims to democratize entrepreneurship by creating opportunities for faculty, students, and unemployed youth. The centre’s mission extends beyond traditional startup incubation to include comprehensive enterprise development, skill enhancement, and community outreach programs that address the critical challenge of youth unemployment in the region.

Leadership and Community Impact

Prof. J Anil Kumar brings 28 years of multisectoral experience spanning agribusiness, banking, finance, and academia to his role as Dean and CEO of both incubation centres. His research focus on financial inclusion for smallholder farmers, combined with practical industry insights, has shaped CUTMAP’s unique approach to entrepreneurship development. His extensive community outreach activities have reached unemployed youth across 21 districts in Andhra Pradesh, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset through workshops, training programs, and mentorship initiatives. His ongoing work on alternative credit scoring models for agricultural communities demonstrates the centre’s commitment to inclusive economic development.

A Truly Inclusive Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

What distinguishes CUTMAP’s incubation approach is its remarkable inclusivity. The centre has successfully nurtured 14 diverse startups led by faculty members, students, teaching staff, and non-teaching staff thereby creating a truly democratic entrepreneurial ecosystem. This inclusive model breaks traditional barriers by recognizing that innovation and enterprise potential exists across all levels of the university community. From faculty-led research commercialization ventures to student-driven service businesses, CUTMAP demonstrates that entrepreneurship is not limited by designation or academic background. As many as 25 incubatees submitted their ideas to the incubator under the MSME Idea Hackathon 5.0, launched in August 2025. Thirteen (13) innovative ideas were shortlisted and forwarded to the central screening and evaluation committee.

Sector Diversity and Innovation

The incubated startups span an impressive range of sectors, reflecting both market opportunities and the diverse expertise within the CUTMAP community. From high-technology ventures in biotechnology and software development to essential services in food, apparel, and event management, the portfolio showcases the centre’s ability to support ventures across the economic spectrum. Notable ventures include Biocatalyst Enzyme Solutions advancing biotechnology applications, Rupeekraft Agro and Financial Services addressing rural finance challenges, and manufacturing enterprises producing paver blocks and garments—demonstrating how the centre supports both innovation-driven and traditional manufacturing enterprises.

Infrastructure and Support Services

CUTMAP’s incubation centres provide comprehensive support infrastructure including workspace, mentorship, access to funding networks, technology transfer facilitation, and business development services. The centres maintain strong partnerships with government agencies, industry bodies, and financial institutions to ensure startups receive holistic support throughout their growth journey. A landmark collaboration has been established through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SEEDAP (Society for Employment Generation and Enterprise Development in Andhra Pradesh), the nodal agency under the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Government of Andhra Pradesh. This strategic partnership identified over 1000 micro entrepreneurs across 10 sectors, trained and incubated them to launch their own startups, aligning with the state government’s vision of ‘one family-one entrepreneur’ and significantly expanding the pipeline of potential entrepreneurs entering the CUTMAP ecosystem. The MSME accreditation for HEIBI and Startup Odisha recognition for the Agribusiness Incubator validate the quality and impact of CUTMAP’s entrepreneurship programs

Sectoral Focus of the CUTMAP-HEIBI

A diverse portfolio of 14 startups currently incubated at CUTMAP, demonstrating the breadth of entrepreneurial activity and the inclusive nature of the ecosystem.

Impact and Future Directions

The 14 incubated ventures collectively engage over 30 team members, creating direct employment opportunities while developing sustainable business models. Beyond the immediate economic impact, these startups serve as inspiring examples for the broader CUTMAP community, demonstrating that entrepreneurship is an accessible career path regardless of one’s starting position. The success stories emerging from faculty-led ventures like Rupeekraft and student initiatives like the Fast-Food Centres inspire others to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations.
Looking ahead, CUTMAP’s incubation centres are expanding their reach through enhanced pre-incubation programs, acceleration services, and stronger industry partnerships. The centres are developing specialized programs for agri-tech startups, technology ventures, and social enterprises that address regional development challenges. Through continued focus on financial inclusion, skill development, and community engagement, CUTMAP aims to double the number of incubated ventures while maintaining its commitment to quality mentorship and comprehensive support services.

Building an Entrepreneurial Culture

CUTMAP’s incubation ecosystem represents more than just a collection of startups, it embodies a cultural transformation toward entrepreneurial thinking across the university community. By demonstrating that faculty expertise, student energy, and staff capabilities can all translate into viable businesses, the centre challenges traditional notions of career paths and economic opportunities. This democratic approach to entrepreneurship development, combined with rigorous support infrastructure and Prof. Anil Kumar’s passionate leadership, positions CUTMAP as a model for inclusive innovation and enterprise development in the higher education sector.

For more information:

Prof. J Anil Kumar
Dean, Extension, Skilling and Incubation
Centurion University of Technology and Management, Vizianagaram
cutmap.ac.in | cutm.ac.in