In a landmark move, the Assam government has approved the creation of the Department of Innovation, Incubation, and Startup, a new administrative body aimed at bolstering the state’s growing startup ecosystem. This decision, taken during the state cabinet meeting on January 31, 2025, signifies Assam’s commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development. By institutionalizing a dedicated department for startups, the government aims to streamline policies, provide financial and infrastructural support, and create a nurturing environment for budding entrepreneurs. In this blog, we delve into the rationale, objectives, and potential impacts of this initiative on Assam’s startup landscape.
Objectives of Department of Startup
The newly created Department of Innovation, Incubation, and Startup will serve as a one-stop solution for catalyzing the growth of startups in Assam. Its primary objectives include:
1. Policy Guidance and Streamlining
The department will work to create a clear, comprehensive, and consistent policy framework to support startups. This includes simplifying regulatory processes, providing tax incentives, and ensuring that entrepreneurs can navigate government procedures efficiently.
2. Funding and Financial Support
Access to capital is one of the most significant challenges faced by startups. The department will play a critical role in facilitating funding through government grants, venture capital, and public-private partnerships. Initiatives like seed funding and early-stage investments will ensure that promising startups can scale their operations.
Assam Startup – The Nest continues to play a pivotal role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by providing financial support to promising startups. In a significant boost to the state’s startup ecosystem, four incubated ventures have recently secured funding through grants and equity investments, enabling them to scale operations and expand their impact.
1. RogNidaan Technologies Pvt Ltd has been awarded a scale-up grant of Rs 15,28,100, facilitating advancements in healthcare diagnostics and technology-driven medical solutions.
2. Innotech Agropostikam Pvt Ltd received a scale-up grant of Rs 63,000, aiding in its mission to enhance agricultural innovations and sustainable farming practices.
3. Sprengal Food Technologies Pvt Ltd secured a scale-up grant of Rs 27,08,500, supporting its endeavors in food processing and technology-driven nutrition solutions.
4. Zerund Manufacturing Pvt Ltd successfully raised Rs 10 crore in equity funding from the Assam Startup Venture Capital Fund, in collaboration with SIDBI, on March 15, 2024. This significant investment will bolster its sustainable manufacturing initiatives, particularly in eco-friendly construction materials.
These funding initiatives reflect Assam’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship, encouraging technological advancements, and driving economic growth. By providing financial assistance to innovative startups, Assam Startup – The Nest continues to empower local businesses, fostering a robust ecosystem for sustainable development and industrial progress in the region.
3. Mentorship and Capacity Building
Startups require more than just funding—they need the guidance of experienced mentors, access to technical expertise, and connections to networks that can help them scale. The department will design mentorship programs and foster partnerships with industry leaders, academic institutions, and incubators to provide hands-on support to entrepreneurs.
Assam’s startup ecosystem is witnessing significant growth through strategic partnerships aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Assam Startup has recently signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with prestigious institutions and industry leaders.
IIM Bangalore Collaboration: Assam Startup has partnered with NSRCEL, the startup hub at IIM Bangalore, to leverage its expertise in entrepreneurship education and incubation, strengthening Assam’s startup ecosystem.
IIT Guwahati Initiatives:
1. An MOU with Assam Startup (via AIIDC) to co-incubate startups, with IIT Guwahati providing mentorship and technological support while Assam Startup offers business support.
2. Another MOU with FICCI to promote entrepreneurship in the Northeast, focusing on Agriculture, Women Development, and Sustainability.
Microsoft Partnership: The tech giant aims to support Assam’s startup ecosystem by providing cloud computing and AI knowledge, conducting outreach programs, and organizing a Startup Summit in Guwahati.
These collaborations reflect Assam’s commitment to creating a thriving entrepreneurial environment by integrating expertise from top institutions and industry leaders.
4. Promoting Inclusivity
The department will focus on promoting diversity and inclusivity within the startup ecosystem. Special attention will be given to encouraging women entrepreneurs, tribal innovators, and individuals from marginalized communities to participate in the entrepreneurial revolution.
5. Attracting Investments
By creating a conducive environment for business, the department aims to attract investments from across India and abroad. This includes building confidence among venture capitalists, angel investors, and multinational corporations that Assam is a viable destination for entrepreneurial activities.
Assam is leading the Northeast startup ecosystem, with 1,487 startups out of the region’s 2,054 startups. The Assam Startup and Innovation Policy aims to support 5,000 startups and create 100,000 jobs over the next five years, fostering entrepreneurship and employment opportunities. Assam is attracting investments in floating solar, Bio-CNG, green hydrogen, and Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) fuel to enhance its renewable energy sector. The state has set an ambitious target of generating 3,000 MW of renewable energy by 2030 to promote sustainability and energy security. The Advantage Assam 2.0 (February 25-26, 2025, Guwahati) summit will bring together leading industrialists and investors to explore business opportunities in Assam. Mukesh and Anant Ambani have discussed positioning Assam as India’s next Industry 4.0 hub. JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal has explored potential investments in infrastructure and energy. Welspun World Chairman BK Goenka has discussed opportunities in textiles, energy, and water treatment. Essar Group is considering setting up electric truck manufacturing and renewable energy projects in Assam.
6. Job Creation and Skill Development
An active and dynamic startup ecosystem has the potential to generate significant employment opportunities. Through its initiatives, the department will not only create direct and indirect jobs but also focus on skill development programs to align the workforce with industry demands.
A multi-pronged strategy
The operation of the Department of Innovation, Incubation, and Startup will be guided by a multi-pronged strategy:
1. Collaboration with Stakeholders
The department will engage with various stakeholders—government agencies, private-sector players, academic institutions, and financial organizations—to design and implement programs that support startups.
2. Infrastructure Development
Physical infrastructure like co-working spaces, innovation hubs, and incubation centers will be developed to provide entrepreneurs with access to the resources they need. Digital infrastructure will also be a priority to ensure connectivity and accessibility.
3. North East Enterprise Development Scheme (NEEDS)
The department will work closely with the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFi) to support first-generation entrepreneurs through initiatives like the North East Enterprise Development Scheme (NEEDS). By leveraging existing programs, the department can create synergies and maximize its impact.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation
A robust mechanism for monitoring and evaluating the performance of startups and the effectiveness of government initiatives will be put in place. This will ensure accountability and enable course corrections when needed.
The Assam government has thus recently approved three significant policies that aim to foster industrial growth, innovation, and investment throughout the state. These policies are integral to a comprehensive strategy designed to position Assam as a leading hub for startups, aerospace and defense manufacturing, and biotechnology in Northeast India. The initiatives, namely the Assam Startup and Innovation Policy 2025, the Assam Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Policy 2025, and the Assam Action Plan on BioE3 Policy, collectively illustrate a multidimensional approach toward regional development. This strategy not only promotes technological advancement and infrastructure development but also prioritizes employment generation and sustainable economic growth.
Assam Startup and Innovation Policy 2025
The Assam Startup and Innovation Policy 2025 is structured to create an ecosystem that nurtures early-stage startups and stimulates a culture of entrepreneurship across the state. The primary objectives of this policy are to establish Assam as the foremost startup hub in Northeast India, generate employment opportunities, and foster innovation among the younger generation.
To achieve these objectives, the policy emphasizes several key components:
Digital Startup Ecosystem:
The government plans to develop a dedicated startup portal and mobile application to aggregate information and facilitate infrastructure bookings. In addition, online learning modules and development programs will be introduced alongside a dedicated helpline to offer support for emerging startups.
Infrastructure Development:
A network of startup incubator spaces is to be established, beginning in Guwahati and subsequently expanding to Dibrugarh and Silchar. Furthermore, an Electronic Systems and Design Manufacturing (ESDM) innovation center will be set up to encourage cutting-edge technological advancements.
Funding and Incentives:
Registered startups will benefit from a range of fiscal incentives, including special loan schemes with interest subsidies and reimbursement options for various expenses. Specific financial benefits include a digital upgradation subsidy of 50% (up to Rs. 1 lakh for computer and software acquisitions), lease rental reimbursement of up to 50% of rental costs (capped at Rs. 5 lakhs over three years), and a power subsidy offering up to 50% discount on electricity bills (with a maximum benefit of Rs. 1 lakh over five years).
Human Capital and Skill Development:
The policy seeks to create a conducive environment for innovation at both school and college levels. One key measure is the mandatory establishment of Entrepreneurship Development Cells (EDCs) in every college to foster a culture of innovation and business acumen among students.
Assam Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Policy 2025
In parallel, the Assam Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Policy 2025 is designed to promote indigenous manufacturing within the defense and aerospace sectors. This policy focuses on several critical aspects that include investment incentives, skill development, and infrastructure enhancements. The government has introduced special financial packages and tax exemptions specifically for industries involved in defense and aerospace, which are expected to boost local manufacturing capabilities. The policy also places significant emphasis on creating a skilled workforce to meet the technical demands of the industry. In this context, plans have been outlined for establishing a defense corridor extending from Guwahati to Nagaon, which is intended to enhance India’s defense preparedness in the strategically important Northeast region. Additionally, the policy encourages the development of local facilities for the manufacturing and servicing of military equipment, tanks, and ordnance, thereby strengthening the domestic supply chain.
Assam Action Plan on BioE3 Policy
Complementing the above initiatives is the Assam Action Plan on BioE3 Policy, which leverages the state’s abundant biodiversity and natural resources to drive economic growth through biotechnology. The policy is oriented towards several focus areas:
- Biodiversity-based innovations
- Food biotechnology
- Fragrance and aroma biotechnology
- Freshwater technologies
- Space technology
To ensure effective policy implementation, a dedicated State BioE3 Cell will be established. This cell will play a crucial role in coordinating technology transfers and productization efforts, aligning the policy with national initiatives such as the Government’s ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy objective. Additionally, the BioE3 policy promotes sustainable practices under the ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ campaign and supports the transition towards a circular bioeconomy model. Its economic impact is anticipated to be significant, as the policy aims to boost biomanufacturing, foster collaborations with Southeast Asian nations, and create sustainable employment opportunities.
Collectively, these policies illustrate Assam’s forward-thinking approach to regional development. By integrating digital innovation, infrastructure development, fiscal incentives, and skill enhancement across diverse sectors, Assam is poised to become a leading center for economic and technological progress in Northeast India.
Benefits Of Department of Startup
1. Fostering Economic Growth and Innovation
The global economy is increasingly being shaped by innovation-driven enterprises that leverage technology and creativity to solve complex challenges. Startups are engines of economic growth, innovation, and job creation. For Assam, a state rich in cultural and natural resources but grappling with economic challenges, nurturing a robust startup ecosystem is a strategic way to diversify the economy and accelerate development.
2. Regional Leadership in Northeast India
Assam has already emerged as the leading state in the northeastern region in terms of startup growth. According to the Minister of State for DoNER, Sukanta Majumdar, as of December 31, 2024, Assam had 1,487 startups recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). This figure far exceeds those of other northeastern states like Manipur (179 startups) and Tripura (141 startups). By formalizing a department dedicated to startups, Assam aims to consolidate its leadership position and further bolster the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
3. Addressing Challenges in the Startup Ecosystem
Despite the growing number of startups in Assam, many entrepreneurs face challenges such as limited access to funding, inadequate mentorship networks, and policy uncertainty. The creation of a dedicated department aims to address these pain points, ensuring that entrepreneurs receive the support they need to thrive.
Way Forward: A Promising Future
The establishment of the Department of Innovation, Incubation, and Startup, along with other policy measures, is poised to drive transformative change in Assam. By fostering startups across diverse sectors, the initiative will reduce reliance on traditional industries, creating a more resilient economy. The rapid generation of employment opportunities will benefit both skilled and unskilled workers, improving livelihoods and overall standards of living. Additionally, the push for innovation will lead to groundbreaking solutions addressing local and global challenges. Ultimately, these efforts will position Assam as a prominent startup hub in the northeastern region and beyond, driving sustainable economic growth.
MCQ Practice Question
Which of the following statements about the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) is/are correct?
1. It was launched in 2021 with a corpus of ₹945 crore.
2. It aims to provide financial assistance to startups for proof of concept, prototype development, and market entry.
3. The scheme is implemented by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
4. It provides grants of up to ₹5 crores to eligible incubators.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1, 2 and 4 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: a) 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation:
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) was launched in 2021 with a corpus of ₹945 crore. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization.
The scheme is implemented by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), not SIDBI. DPIIT has created an Experts Advisory Committee (EAC) to execute and monitor the scheme.
Under SISFS, eligible incubators can receive grants of up to ₹5 crores each. These incubators then provide financial assistance to startups, with up to ₹20 lakhs for validation of proof of concept and up to ₹50 lakhs for market entry and commercialization.
Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect.
Mains Practice Question
Evaluate the development of Assam’s startup ecosystem and the impact of the Advantage Assam summit on the state’s economic growth. Discuss the challenges and opportunities in this context. (250W, 15M)