Procter & Gamble (P&G) in partnership with WE Hub, the first-of-its-kind state-run platform for Women Entrepreneurs, recently concluded its first Telangana edition of vGROW Summit. vGROW is P&G’s first-of-its-kind platform to identify and collaborate with businesses and individuals offering innovative industry-leading solutions. Three startups were selected to pilot innovative digitization and energy optimization solutions at P&G’s Hyderabad plant that manufactures Ariel, Tide and Pampers. This partnership is in line with P&G’s commitment to invest in Indian startups and inclusive growth.More than 55 startups, from across India, applied through WE Hub. The shortlisted applicants were then given an opportunity to pitch their innovative solutions at P&G’s vGROW Summit held at WE Hub office in Hyderabad. Out of these, three startups will now be piloting their solutions at P&G’s Hyderabad manufacturing plant.

Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary to IT E & C Department said, “It is encouraging to see organizations like P&G and initiatives like vGROW supporting the startups in the country. Partnerships like these will help create an ecosystem for inclusive growth.”

Shivangi Jain, Associate Director – Purchasing and Supplier Partnerships, P&G India said, “As a company, innovation is an integral part of how we operate and provide superior propositions to our consumers. We firmly believe that when all stakeholders come together, it accelerates innovation that leads to inclusive growth. Our partnership with WE Hub is helping us connect and leverage external startup capabilities to strengthen our operations and drive inclusive growth in the state of Telangana. This partnership is part of P&G’s vGROW platform in line with the company’s commitment to invest and collaborate with startups, small businesses, and individuals offering innovative industry-leading solutions.”

Deepthi Ravula, CEO of WE Hub said, “P&G’s active participation to involve startups in their pursuit to drive automation in their manufacturing site sets a great precedent for the involvement of Corporates in creating a conducive environment for startups. The success of the program was its structured approach, as all relevant stakeholders were well-prepped on working with startups, which helped the startups understand the problem statements better.”

The handpicked startups will now work in close collaboration with the P&G team to pilot their solutions at P&Gs Hyderabad plant.