Telangana Launches India's First Culinary Tourism Accelerator

By: WE staff | Thursday, 13 November 2025

• Telangana government launched the TCETA in Hyderabad
• It is India’s first programme to promote culinary tourism for economic and cultural growth
• The initiative will help rural and women entrepreneurs

The Government of Telangana has launched the Telangana Culinary Experiential Tourism Accelerator (TCETA) - India's first accelerator to boost culinary tourism as a driver of cultural and economic development.

Organized by Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, YAT&C and CEO of SPEED, Government of Telangana, the event is a key part of the state's plan to turn itself into an international food tourism and entrepreneurship hub.

Jayesh said that this initiative aligns with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision as Telangana is set to contribute 10 percent towards India's GDP in the next two decades.

This will be done by TCETA supporting chefs, startups, farmers, storytellers, and investors, coming together to showcase Telangana's food heritage to the world, promoting entrepreneurship, rural employment, and branded food experiences.

The accelerator, which is created in conjunction with The Culinary Lounge and the Government of Telangana, Netherlands India Chamber of Commerce & Trade (NICCT), Network of Indian Cultural Enterprises (NICEorg), and Telangana Tourism Development Corporation, will help rural and women entrepreneurs. Applications open December 4th, 2025, and the first cohort will begin in April 2026.