Tribal Startups Shine at StartupMahakumbh
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs celebrated a major achievement in tribal entrepreneurship by showcasing 45 startups at the StartupMahakumbh held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. This event, part of the “Dharti Aaba Tribepreneurs 2025” initiative during the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, highlighted innovations across various sectors, including deep tech, organic farming, and green energy. Notably, two startups received national recognition from Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, underscoring the growing influence of tribal entrepreneurs in India’s startup landscape.
Recognition of Outstanding Startups
Among the startups honored were OurGuest Travels and Ngurie Organic Pvt. Ltd., both of which have made significant strides in their respective fields. OurGuest Travels, incubated at IIM Kolkata, specializes in sustainable tourism. Based in Gangtok, Sikkim, it has emerged as the first Online Travel Aggregator (OTA) from Northeast India, offering a curated selection of homestays, farmstays, and guided experiences across several states. The startup has successfully served over 6,000 travelers, promoting rural livelihoods and eco-tourism. Its innovative approach earned it the D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) Award, marking a pivotal moment in the Ministry’s efforts to foster a robust tribal startup ecosystem.
Ngurie Organic Pvt. Ltd., incubated at IIT Guwahati, was awarded the AgriTech Award for its groundbreaking work in sustainable agriculture. The startup employs data-driven research and precision agriculture techniques to empower farmers. Its initiatives focus on reducing water usage, improving soil health, increasing crop yields, and promoting environmental sustainability. By leveraging blockchain technology, Ngurie Organic ensures transparency in its operations, thereby strengthening food security for local communities.
Engaging Sessions and Workshops
The StartupMahakumbh featured a high-impact panel discussion titled “Investing in Bharat: Unlocking Startup Potential Beyond the Metro.” This session brought together influential figures from India’s startup and investment sectors, including T. Roumuan Paite from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and representatives from IvyCap Ventures and Infosys Ltd. The discussions aimed to highlight the potential of tribal entrepreneurs and the importance of investing in rural innovation.
Additionally, faculty from IIT Delhi conducted a Design Thinking Workshop, providing valuable guidance to tribal startups on refining and scaling their business ideas. This hands-on approach aimed to equip entrepreneurs with the skills needed to navigate the challenges of the startup ecosystem effectively.
Empowering Future Tribal Entrepreneurs
The three-day event concluded with the distribution of participation certificates to 45 tribal startup founders, 100 Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) students, and 150 tribal students who received higher education scholarships. Participants also engaged in a bootcamp at IIT Delhi and took part in exposure visits to various startups, enhancing their understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape.
Through initiatives like “Dharti Aaba Tribepreneurs 2025,” the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is committed to creating an enabling environment for tribal innovators. By combining mentorship, funding, and capacity-building efforts, the Ministry aims to position tribal entrepreneurs as key contributors to India’s growth narrative. The recognition and support received at this major startup conclave reaffirm the Ministry’s dedication to empowering tribal communities and fostering self-reliance.
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