Assam Startup – The Nest hosts UDYAM ASSAM

Assam Startup – The Nest, an initiative by the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Assam, in association with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, organized UDYAM ASSAM – celebrating success; supporting startup dreams to commemorate the success of Assam Startup and encourage the startups to continue with their entrepreneurial journey.

The Honourable Chief Minister of Assam, Sri Sarbananda Sonowal graced the occasion. This was his second visit to The Nest after inaugurating the swashbuckling incubator on 20 January 2019. Sri Chandra Mohan Patowary, Minister, Industries & Commerce, Government of Assam was also present. Other dignitaries to attend the event were Dr. KK Dwivedi, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Industries & Commerce and Mrs. Manjula Saikia Bhuyan, IAS, Secretary, Industries & Commerce, & MD, AIIDC. A number of government officials, academia, and corporate also joined for the celebrations.

UDYAM ASSAM – celebrating success; supporting startup dreams recollected the journey of Assam Startup in its early days and showcased the success and the impact it has been able to make in the state.

The highlight of the event was the handing over of cheques by the Hon’ble Chief Minister to the startups that have been sanctioned financial remunerations under the My Assam Startup ID (MASI). Rs. 3.29 crores have been granted to 31 incubated startups from The Nest who had applied for financial benefits after qualifying for the My Assam Startup ID (MASI) under the Assam Startup Policy 2017. The startups went through thorough screening and evaluation and were found eligible for the corresponding benefits.

Towards helping the innovative startups of Assam with financial aid, Government of Assam introduced My Assam Startup ID (MASI) under the Assam Startup Policy 2017. Private limited startup companies, LLP, and registered partnership firms from Assam that aren’t older than 7 years with annual turnover not exceeding Rs. 25 crores and offering innovative or developmental products/services are eligible to apply for MASI.

The selected startups are working in diverse sectors, viz., deep tech, ICT, manufacturing, tourism, food and agri-tech, education, healthcare, automobile, and livelihood, among others. Some of the startups who have received the grant are – Automovill Technologies, Parking Rhino, My3D Selfie, Little Machines, Defence and Space Robotics Laboratory, Tholua Pratisthan, Stackcell Realty Technologies, Agrithink, North East Farm Sales Promotion, B & R Riverbourne, AllProAuto Consultants, Qwkpro Consultancy, Let’s Learn Together, Ruloi Tea, NorthEast Guide, and Aranyak Valley, among others.

The first edition of the coffee table book from Assam Startup – ASSAM STARTUP TRAILBLAZERS was also launched during the event. The book recounts the journey of Assam Startup along with the startup stories from Cohort 1.0.

The event also witnessed the launch of Udyam – Youth Entrepreneurship Programme, an initiative driven towards making the youths of Assam more enterprising, resilient, and self-dependent.

Taking a step to broaden the realization spectrum of the vision and mission of Assam Startup, Assam Startup – The Nest initiated the exchange of memoranda with TiE – a global brand known for foster entrepreneurship, and Sangam Ventures – the Bangalore-based venture capital firm.

Sri Sarbananda Sonowal expressed his delight at learning about the startups’ innovations and listening to their journey of growth at The Nest. He also congratulated the Industries and Commerce Department for adroitness and quality work that have pushed Assam Startup among the emerging startup incubators in India. He further congratulated the startups for being able to catch the attention of key players from across the globe; the German Indian Startup Exchange Program (GINSEP) being one among them.

In his speech, the Chief Minister emphasised on the need to think out-of-the-box for making a mark in the global market. He called for innovation to amp up the traditional products of the state which have every quality to take the world market by storm.

“The technology-driven society of the 21^st century has brought about a conspicuous change in customers’ demands. To be able to cater to the world market, innovation is a must,” Sonowal said.

Hailing Sri Narendra Modi for his Startup India, Digital India, and Make in India initiatives, Sonowal said that these initiatives had set the ball rolling for Indian entrepreneurs to penetrate into the global market. The Prime Minister’s vision to empower the youths of India through innovation and entrepreneurial leadership has begun to see daylight through these initiatives.

Sonowal further appealed to the MSMEs, farmers, and migrant workers to take advantage of Rs. 20 Lakh Crore Economic Package announced by Narendra Modi.

 

 

 

By: Satarupa Mishra