In a significant move to foster international collaboration in entrepreneurship, StartUp Nagaland, in collaboration with the Department of Industries & Commerce, hosted a crucial roundtable discussion today at the Innovation & Incubation Space (IIS) in Kohima. The event brought together key figures from the Austrian Embassy, alongside government officials, industry stakeholders, and local startups, to explore potential partnerships aimed at strengthening Nagaland’s burgeoning startup ecosystem.
The roundtable discussion was attended by prominent figures, including Ajay Singh, Head of Technology and Innovation at the Austrian Embassy’s Commercial Section, and Arun Verma, Advisor on Organizational Matters at Vantage Info. The session also saw participation from Shanavas, IAS, Secretary to the Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Nagaland; P. Tokugha Sema, Director of the Department of Industries & Commerce; and representatives from several key stakeholders. These included the Department of Information Technology & Communication (IT&C), the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), BAN, and five state-empaneled incubators: YouthNet Incubation Center, Educentre School of Business, NEILIT, NTTC, and Nagabots, alongside numerous startups and entrepreneurs.
The meeting commenced with welcoming remarks from P. Tokugha Sema, who extended a warm reception to the Austrian Embassy delegation and other distinguished guests. This was followed by an insightful speech from Shanavas, IAS, who emphasized the importance of international partnerships in nurturing Nagaland’s startup ecosystem. His speech set the tone for the discussions, underlining the state’s commitment to creating a vibrant entrepreneurial environment.
During the session, the Austrian delegation shared their perspectives and explored avenues for collaboration with local stakeholders. Ajay Singh and Arun Verma highlighted the potential for innovation, technology exchange, and capacity building, offering insights into how Austrian expertise and resources could be leveraged to support the growth of local startups.
Local startups had the opportunity to showcase their innovative business models and products, creating a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas and identifying potential areas for collaboration. The engagement was highly interactive, with participants directly communicating through speeches and discussions. The exchange of ideas was fruitful, with both sides identifying several areas where cooperation could lead to tangible benefits, including joint ventures, mentoring programs, and market access initiatives.
The roundtable discussion was deemed highly productive, with all participants expressing optimism about the future of Nagaland’s startup ecosystem. The Austrian officials commended the state for its efforts in fostering a vibrant startup culture and reiterated their commitment to supporting the region’s economic development through sustained partnerships.
The visit by the Austrian Embassy’s Commercial Section is part of a broader fact-finding mission aimed at exploring the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northeast India. The delegation’s visit includes meetings with government officials and industry representatives to discuss strategic partnerships, with the objective of fostering stronger economic ties and supporting the region’s growing startup culture. This visit is part of a larger tour across multiple states in Northeast India, further highlighting the importance of international collaboration in driving regional economic growth.
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