New Delhi: In a bid to foster innovation and encourage entrepreneurship across the country, the Government of India launched the Startup India initiative on January 16, 2016. This ambitious program aimed at creating a robust ecosystem for startups, driving investment, and nurturing talent throughout the country. As part of its effort to expand the reach of the initiative, the government has made notable strides in the North Eastern Region (NER), a vital and emerging hub for startups.
According to the latest data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), as of December 31, 2024, the North Eastern states have seen significant growth in the number of startups recognized by the government. Below is a breakdown of the recognized startups by state:
State/UT Number of Entities Recognized as Startups by DPIIT
Arunachal Pradesh 47
Assam 1487
Manipur 179
Meghalaya 62
Mizoram 41
Nagaland 85
Sikkim 12
Tripura 141
Total 2054
The statistics demonstrate the growing dynamism of the startup ecosystem in the region, with Assam leading the charge with the highest number of recognized startups at 1,487. Despite facing logistical and infrastructural challenges, the North Eastern Region continues to develop a thriving entrepreneurial landscape, with a diverse range of startups across sectors.
In addition to the DPIIT’s efforts, the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFi), a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) under the administrative control of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), plays a crucial role in the development of startups in the region. Through its North East Enterprise Development Scheme (NEEDS), NEDFi supports first-generation entrepreneurs, encouraging the creation and growth of new businesses in the region.
Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, the Minister of State for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, shared this information in a written reply during a session in the Rajya Sabha today. The government’s continuous push for building a strong and sustainable startup ecosystem in the NER is expected to further boost economic growth, job creation, and innovation, making the region an attractive destination for investments and entrepreneurship.
The government’s commitment to promoting startups in the North Eastern Region highlights its strategic importance in India’s economic growth story. With robust initiatives, increasing access to funding, and an expanding network of incubators and accelerators, the NER is well-positioned to emerge as a key player in India’s startup ecosystem.
