Gangtok, July 6(IPR): A press conference regarding the upcoming Sikkim RISE under the theme Realizing Ideas, Shaping Entrepreneurship, was organised by Commerce and Industries Department in collaboration with SEED Cell and programmed under Sikkim INSPIRES at the conference hall, Commerce and Industries Department, today.
Sikkim RISE – Realizing Ideas, Shaping Entrepreneurship is a district and state-level ideathon organized by the Commerce & Industries Department under the Sikkim INSPIRES programme, in collaboration with SEED Cell. The initiative aims to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among students, women innovators, artisans, rural entrepreneurs, agri-innovators, early-stage start-ups and self-help groups. Participants will compete under Ideation, Prototype and Revenue categories and receive benefits such as cash prizes, mentorship, funding linkage, incubation support and business development opportunities.
In his address, Minister, Commerce and Industries Department, Mr T T Bhutia highlighted that the department is committed to building a vibrant innovation and startup ecosystem under the Sikkim INSPIRES Programme and the Sikkim Startup Policy, 2025. He informed that the Department has established the State Innovation Hub at Udyog Bhavan, Gangtok, and is setting up four Incubation Centres across the State, of which the centres at ATTC, Bardang, and CCCT, Chisopani are already operational. He said the facilities provide comprehensive support to startups through incubation, mentorship, market linkages, investor connect and various fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. He further highlighted that Sikkim RISE , a State-level Ideathon and Startup Talent Hunt, has been launched to nurture innovation, identify promising entrepreneurs, and strengthen the State's startup ecosystem.
The Minister expressed satisfaction over the encouraging response received from aspiring youth and women entrepreneurs across all districts. He informed that the district-level competitions will commence from 14th July 2026 at Soreng under the Ideation, Prototype, and Revenue tracks, culminating in the State Grand Finale on 21st August 2026 in Gangtok, coinciding with World Entrepreneurs' Day. Winners in each category will receive a cash prize of ₹10 lakh. He called upon the youth, educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and the media fraternity to actively support the initiative and inspire more young people to embrace entrepreneurship as a means of generating employment, fostering innovation and contributing to the State's economic development.
In her address, Secretary, Commerce & Industries Department, Ms Karma D Youtso, highlighted that Sikkim RISE is a State-level Ideathon aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the State. She elaborated on the programme schedule and underscored the State Government's commitment to promoting entrepreneurship through initiatives such as One Family One Entrepreneur. She further informed that the grand finale of Sikkim RISE will be held under the title Udyami Bharosa Sammelan, a title given by the Chief Minister.
In his address, OSD, Commerce and Industries Department, and General Secretary, SEED Cell, Mr Dipen Subba, provided an overview of Sikkim RISE, informing that around 555 participants from six districts have registered for the State-level Ideathon. He also elaborated on the programme schedule and the subsequent phases of the competition.
Sikkim RISE District Event Schedule will commence at Soreng from 14th to 16th July 2026 followed by Gyalshing from 19th to 21st July, Namchi from 24th to 26th July, and Mangan from 29th to 31st July 2026. The events for Gangtok and Pakyong will be held from 1st to 4th August 2026. The State Grand Finale is scheduled to take place on 21st August 2026.
The conference was chaired by Minister, Commerce and Industries Department and Tourism Department, Mr T T Bhutia along with Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department, Ms Karma D Youtso, Special Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department, Ms Choden Gyatso, President, SEED Cell, Mr Raj Lama and OSD, Commerce and Industries Department, and General Secretary, SEED Cell, Mr Dipen Subba.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK