Startup India Initiative Boosts Northeast Innovation
The Indian government has made significant strides in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the Northeast region through its Startup India initiative, launched on January 16, 2016. As of January 31, 2025, a total of 2,109 startups have been officially recognized in the Northeast, highlighting the growing entrepreneurial spirit in this area. This initiative aims to create a robust ecosystem that nurtures startups and attracts investments, thereby enhancing economic growth in the region.
Startup Recognition Across the Northeast
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has officially recognized 2,109 startups in the Northeastern states as of the end of January 2025. The distribution of these recognized entities is as follows:
- Arunachal Pradesh: 55 startups
- Assam: 1,514 startups
- Manipur: 185 startups
- Meghalaya: 63 startups
- Mizoram: 44 startups
- Nagaland: 88 startups
- Sikkim: 13 startups
- Tripura: 147 startupsThis data underscores Assam’s leading role in the startup ecosystem, accounting for a significant majority of the recognized entities. The government’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship in these states are evident through various initiatives aimed at supporting local startups.
NEDFi’s Role in Startup Development
The North Eastern Finance Development Corporation Ltd. (NEDFi) plays a crucial role in enhancing the startup ecosystem in the Northeast. As a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, NEDFi has launched and managed three SEBI-registered venture capital funds. Additionally, it has partnered with Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) to establish the NRL Ideation Angel Fund, which aims to support innovative startups.
Furthermore, NEDFi has created the North East Venture Fund (NEVF), which has committed approximately ₹100 crore to 69 startups. This financial backing is essential for nurturing new ideas and fostering growth in the region’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Initiatives to Promote Entrepreneurship
The DPIIT has implemented several initiatives to promote entrepreneurship in the Northeastern states under the Startup India program. Key initiatives include:
- ASCEND Startup Workshop Series: This series of workshops aims to accelerate entrepreneurial skills among aspiring entrepreneurs and students in the region.
- Knowledge Exchange Workshops: These workshops facilitate the sharing of best practices and learning among various states and Union Territories.
- Startup India Yatra Initiative: Launched in 2017, this initiative focuses on promoting entrepreneurship in rural and non-metro areas across the country.
- WING Program: A capacity development program specifically designed for existing and aspiring women entrepreneurs.
- District Outreach Initiative: This initiative aims to establish at least one DPIIT-recognized startup in every district of India, thereby enhancing local entrepreneurship.These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant startup culture in the Northeast, ensuring that entrepreneurs have the resources and support they need to succeed.
This information was shared by Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, in a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha, emphasizing the government’s ongoing efforts to bolster the startup ecosystem in the region.
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