New Delhi: The Indian government is ramping up efforts to foster a thriving startup ecosystem in the North Eastern Region (NER) through various initiatives under the Startup India program. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has so far recognized 2,109 startups across the eight northeastern states, aiming to boost innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
As of January 31, 2025, Assam leads with 1,514 recognized startups, followed by Manipur (185), Tripura (147), and Nagaland (88). The numbers reflect the government’s increasing focus on promoting businesses in the region.
NEDFi’s Role in Strengthening Startups
The North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFi), a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), has been instrumental in funding and mentoring startups. NEDFi has launched and managed three SEBI-registered venture capital funds and collaborated with Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) to introduce the NRL Ideation Angel Fund (NRL IAF).
Additionally, MDoNER and NEDFi have created the North East Venture Fund (NEVF), which has committed ₹100 crore to 69 startups in the region.
Key Government Initiatives to Promote Startups in the Northeast
DPIIT has undertaken several programs to support and encourage entrepreneurship in the region, including:
- ASCEND Startup Workshop Series & Women for Startups Workshops – Capacity-building initiatives for entrepreneurs, students, and aspiring business owners in the North East.
- Knowledge Exchange & Capacity Building Workshops – A platform for knowledge-sharing among states and union territories.
- Startup India Yatra – Launched in 2017, this initiative promotes entrepreneurship in rural and non-metro regions.
- WING (Women for Startups Initiative) – A DPIIT-backed program designed to empower aspiring and existing women entrepreneurs.
- District Outreach Initiative – A drive to establish at least one DPIIT-recognized startup in every district across India.
The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, provided this information in a written response to a question in Lok Sabha today, reaffirming the government’s commitment to bolstering innovation, investments, and entrepreneurship in the North East.
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