Nagaland had 88 recognized startups as of January 31, 2025, according to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The government launched the Startup India initiative on January 16, 2016, to build a strong ecosystem for innovation, startups, and investment.
As of January 31, 2025, DPIIT recognized 2,109 startups in the Northeastern states. Assam led with 1,514 startups, followed by Manipur (185), Tripura (147), Meghalaya (63), Arunachal Pradesh (55), Mizoram (44), and Sikkim (13).
Minister of State for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, shared this information in a written response to a Lok Sabha question today.
NEDFi’s Role in Strengthening the Northeast Startup Ecosystem
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 played a key role in supporting start-ups in the region. NEDFi has launched and managed three SEBI-registered venture capital funds and has partnered with Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) to introduce the NRL Ideation Angel Fund (NRL IAF).
MDoNER, through NEDFi, also established the North East Venture Fund (NEVF), which has committed approximately Rs. 100 crore to 69 start-ups.
Key Initiatives by DPIIT for Entrepreneurship in Northeast
DPIIT has implemented several programs under Startup India to promote entrepreneurship in Nagaland and other Northeastern states, including:
1. ASCEND Startup Workshop Series and Women for Startups Workshops – Training and mentorship programs for entrepreneurs and students.
2. Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building Workshops – Sessions to share best practices among states and Union Territories.
3. Startup India Yatra Initiative – Launched in 2017 to promote entrepreneurship in rural and non-metro areas.
4. WING (Women Entrepreneurship Program) – A program supporting existing and aspiring women entrepreneurs.
5. District Outreach Initiative – Aiming to establish at least one recognized start-up in every district of India.