Tripura can turn its young talent, natural resources and geographic links with Bangladesh and the Northeast into a strong startup economy. T-Hub CFO Santoshi Vย urged young entrepreneurs to focus on local problems, build scalable solutions and use the growing support system to create businesses with national and global reach.
Key Takeaways:
- T-Hub plans to support Tripura startups with investors, mentors and market access networks.
- Tripura can build a unique startup ecosystem using local talent, resources and connectivity with Bangladesh and the Northeast.
- Young entrepreneurs have been urged to identify local problems and develop scalable businesses with national and global potential.
Agartala August 19:ย Tripura has the potential to build a distinctive startup ecosystem by combining local talent, natural resources and access to neighbouring markets, T-Hub CFO Santoshi V said at a workshop in Agartala. She called on young entrepreneurs to think beyond conventional businesses and aim for scalable ventures that can create jobs and long-term economic value.
T-Hub backs Tripura startup ecosystem
Santoshi V was speaking at the Building a Unicorn in Tripura workshop. She said T-Hub has been working with the startup ecosystem in Telangana for about 12 years. The organisation has since grown into one of the largest startup ecosystems in the world.
According to Santoshi, T-Hub supports more than 3,000 startups and incubates over 1,000 startups each year. She said the organisation wants to bring its experience, partnerships and ecosystem support to Tripura.
She also highlighted the strong government support emerging for startups in the state. According to her, such support can create a foundation for a much larger entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Build a model unique to Tripura
Santoshi said Tripura should not try to copy startup hubs such as Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai or Delhi. Instead, the state should build an ecosystem around its own strengths.
She pointed to the growing number of young students and graduates in Tripura. She also highlighted the states natural resources and locally produced goods.
The CFO said entrepreneurs can take products based on Tripura heritage and resources to national and international markets. The states connectivity with Bangladesh and other Northeastern states can further expand market opportunities.
Direct-to-consumer businesses can also help local entrepreneurs reach customers across India and overseas, she said.
T-Hub cites Skyroot as an example
Santoshi referred to Skyroot Aerospace as an example of how a startup ecosystem can transform over time. She noted that Telangana did not have a major startup ecosystem around 12 years ago.
Now, Telangana has produced a globally recognised space technology startup. Skyroot became a unicorn after developing private rocket technology.
Santoshi said the example shows why entrepreneurs should aim high even when starting from a relatively smaller ecosystem.
She clarified that building a unicorn does not only mean creating a company valued at $1 billion. It also means creating multiple sustainable businesses that generate employment, strengthen the economy and inspire future entrepreneurs.
Funding and market access for Tripura startups
T-Hub plans to open its wider network to startups emerging from Tripura. Santoshi said the organisation has partnerships with more than 200 investors and over 200 mentors.
It also works with around 600 corporates that can provide market access to startups. In addition, T-Hub has links with more than 13 countries to help startups explore international markets.
These partnerships can give Tripura entrepreneurs access to funding, mentorship, corporate networks and overseas markets.
Santoshi said a dedicated T-Hub team will work with startups in Tripura. The support will cover the early stages of an idea, product development and market entry.
Focus on problems and scalable solutions
Santoshi urged young entrepreneurs to identify problems around them and develop practical solutions.
She said entrepreneurs should not fear failure. A first idea may not always succeed. The second or third attempt may produce a viable business model.
She encouraged startups to learn quickly, test ideas and refine products based on market needs.
The T-Hub CFO also pointed to the relatively lower level of competition among startups in Tripura compared with major startup centres. She said this could create greater opportunities for access to funding and government support for promising ideas.
Government support can accelerate startups
Santoshi said government support can play an important role in helping early-stage businesses grow. She described the government as an important stakeholder that can provide confidence to entrepreneurs and help promising solutions reach the market.
She urged the youth of Tripura to make full use of the opportunities emerging through the states startup initiatives and the T-Hub partnership.
The workshop highlighted a broader vision for Tripura: building businesses from local strengths, connecting them with national and global markets, and creating a sustainable startup economy driven by young entrepreneurs.