Northeastern States, including Tripura, took another significant step towards becoming a national innovation hub as policymakers, industry leaders, incubators, academic institutions and startup ecosystem stakeholders gathered at the Regional AIM SUMVAAD–North East Chapter 2026 to shape a collaborative roadmap for innovation-led development across the region.
Key Takeaways
- Regional AIM SUMVAAD–North East Chapter 2026 brought together governments, industry, academia and startups in Guwahati to strengthen the innovation ecosystem across all eight Northeastern states.
- NITI Aayog reiterated the Northeast’s strategic role in achieving the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision through innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
- Experts discussed startup incubation, finance, bamboo-based industries, eco-tourism, handloom, handicrafts and regional collaboration to unlock the Northeast’s growth potential.
Agartala: The Regional AIM SUMVAAD–North East Chapter 2026, organised by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog, highlighted the growing importance of Northeast India in the country’s innovation and entrepreneurship landscape. Held in Guwahati, the conclave brought together representatives from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura to strengthen cooperation among governments, research institutions, incubators and industry.
The event focused on building a stronger regional innovation ecosystem while identifying collaborative opportunities that can accelerate economic growth across the Northeast.
Northeast’s Strategic Importance Takes Centre Stage
Speakers underlined the Northeast’s rising strategic value as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia. They noted that the region possesses significant natural and cultural advantages, including biodiversity, bamboo resources, traditional crafts and an expanding entrepreneurial base.
The conclave also reinforced the region’s contribution to the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, recognising innovation as a key driver of future economic transformation.
NITI Aayog Reiterates ‘Ashta Lakshmi’ Vision
NITI Aayog Member Dr. Joram Aniya attended the inaugural session as the Chief Guest, while the Commissioner & Secretary of the Government of Assam delivered the special address.
Dr. Aniya recalled the Prime Minister’s description of the Northeast as “Ashta Lakshmi,” emphasising that each of the eight states possesses unique strengths that can contribute to India’s development journey. She highlighted NITI Aayog’s continued engagement with all eight Chief Ministers and pointed to sustained investments in connectivity, infrastructure and economic development.
She also said the Centre’s “Act East to Act Fast” approach has placed the Northeast at the heart of India’s development strategy, positioning the region to emerge as a global destination for innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable growth.
AIM Focuses on Regional Collaboration
Welcoming delegates, Sumit Gakhar, Head (Finance), Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, said AIM remains committed to strengthening collaboration among state governments, innovation institutions, incubators and ecosystem partners to unlock the Northeast’s innovation potential.
Mission Director Deepak Bagla reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to nurturing innovators and strengthening incubation ecosystems across the region.
“The Prime Minister has described the Northeast as Ashta Lakshmi- a region whose immense talent, cultural richness, natural resources and entrepreneurial spirit will play a defining role in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047. At Atal Innovation Mission, we are working to transform this vision into opportunity by nurturing innovators, strengthening incubation ecosystems, and enabling young entrepreneurs to build solutions from the Northeast for India and the world. When innovation is rooted in local strengths and powered by Sabka Prayas, the Northeast will not only participate in India’s growth story, it will help lead it,” Bagla said.
Experts Discuss Innovation Opportunities
The conclave featured representatives from all eight Northeastern State Councils. Officials from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) and Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs) joined a roundtable on mobilising innovation ecosystem stakeholders across the region.
Participants discussed ways to strengthen coordination between national programmes and state-level priorities.
Several thematic sessions examined sectors where Northeast India enjoys natural advantages.
Dr. Tilak Chandra Bhuyan of the North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council spoke about commercial opportunities in bamboo and bio-resource value chains.
Minha Riyaz Khan of PRIME Meghalaya highlighted technology-enabled sustainable eco-tourism, while Dr. Sriparna Bhuyan Baruah discussed innovation-driven livelihood opportunities in traditional handloom and handicraft sectors.
Startup Incubation and Finance Under Spotlight
Startup incubation emerged as another major area of discussion.
A panel moderated by Rachita Misra of AIC-Selco Foundation brought together Col. Prabir Sengupta, Roshan Farhan, Moirangthem Seth and Prateek Deshmukh to deliberate on creating resilient incubation ecosystems capable of supporting startups from the idea stage to business expansion.
Another session, moderated by Dr. Tej Chingtham, explored financing options and institutional support for startups. The discussion featured Ashish Agarwal of HDFC Bank, Pranta Pratim Singha of Numaligarh Refinery Limited, Siddhartha P. Lahkar of NEDFi and Kautilya Basumatary of Tata Foundation’s Centre for Microfinance and Livelihood.
The panel examined ways to improve access to finance, corporate partnerships and market linkages for emerging entrepreneurs across the Northeast.
Building an Inclusive Innovation Ecosystem
The conclave concluded with a session on strengthening resilient innovation ecosystems for enterprises and local development. The discussion featured Fazle Illahi of ERES and Seyielezo Putsure of EduCentre and was moderated by Rachita Misra. Prateek Deshmukh, Program Director at Atal Innovation Mission, delivered the vote of thanks.
Following successful editions in the North, South, Central and East regions, the North East Chapter became one of the key milestones of the AIM SUMVAAD series. The programme brought together policymakers, investors, academia, incubators, industry leaders and entrepreneurs on a shared platform. It also reaffirmed Atal Innovation Mission’s commitment to building an inclusive innovation ecosystem while recognising the growing contribution of Northeast India, including Tripura, to the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
