Pakyong, January 15 (IPR): Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Mr Suman K Bery, accompanied by Member, NITI Aayog, Prof Dr Ramesh Chand, and State Advisor, Sikkim, and Programme Director, NITI Aayog, Major General K Narayanan, visited the Atal Incubation Centre, Sikkim Manipal University Technology Business Incubation (AIC-SMUTBI), located at the campus of Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT), Majhitar, as part of his official programme in the State today.
The visit began with a tour of AIC-SMUTBI, during which the Vice Chairman was briefed on the functioning of the incubation centre, start-ups, and the support mechanisms extended to them. He interacted with officials of the centre and reviewed the facilities available for incubation and acceleration of start-ups.
Following the tour, Mr Bery interacted with entrepreneurs and start-up innovators who showcased their innovations at dedicated stalls.
Addressing the gathering, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Mr Suman K Bery, stated that this was his first visit to an Atal Incubation Centre and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to witness the innovation ecosystem at the grassroots level. He remarked that such visits provide valuable insights into how national policies translate into local entrepreneurial development.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s vision, Mr Bery emphasised the importance of nurturing scientific temper and innovation from the school level through initiatives such as Atal Tinkering Labs. He further highlighted the need to prepare youth to become job creators by fostering entrepreneurship, adaptability, and continuous learning in a rapidly evolving technological era.
Mr Bery expressed satisfaction at witnessing the outcomes of this vision in Sikkim, particularly in a region with a strong educational tradition. He appreciated the dedication of young entrepreneurs who had chosen to leave secure careers to pursue their passion for innovation and enterprise. He also commended Sikkim Manipal University for establishing and supporting the incubation ecosystem, along with the contribution of corporate social responsibility initiatives and public sector support.
He stated that such platforms play a vital role in enabling small enterprises to grow into sustainable and scalable ventures, which is crucial for India’s aspiration to emerge as one of the leading economic powers of the world.
Concluding his address, Mr Bery thanked the University authorities, faculty members, and students for their warm hospitality and extended best wishes to the budding entrepreneurs, expressing confidence that they represent the future leaders of India’s innovation and enterprise ecosystem.
Board of Director- AIC SMUTBI, Prof (Dr) Savitha G Kinni, highlighted that the North-Eastern region offers immense opportunities across diverse sectors such as sustainable agriculture, organic farming, wellness, healthcare access, and digital connectivity.
She informed that the Atal Incubation Centre, established with the support of NITI Aayog under the Atal Innovation Mission, has supported start-ups, achieved measurable outcomes, including significant revenue generation and substantial employment creation, with expectations of further growth beyond current targets. She added that several start-ups have gained national and international exposure, attracting interest from institutional investors and global platforms.
Further, she stated that the incubation centre’s initiatives align with the Government of India’s vision of Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat by promoting technology-driven, self-reliant, and locally rooted entrepreneurship.
She also briefed on the first and second cohort of Digi-Startup Acceleration Program for North East (SAPNE), the number of startups from the NE region, underscoring the impact and effectiveness of the program.
Furthermore, she called for continued collaboration among the government, industry, investors, and ecosystem partners to transform the North East into a vibrant and self-sustaining innovation hub.
At the outset, CEO, AIC-SMUTBI, Dr Tej Chingtham briefed the participants on the objectives and functioning of the incubation centre, highlighting the impact of its program. He also outlined the aims of Digi-SAPNE, which seeks to empower local innovators by providing resources and mentorship, strengthen the start-up ecosystem, and support entrepreneurship-led development in the North-Eastern region.
During the programme, Accelerating Entrepreneurs for Growth Impacting Social Enterprises–North East (AEGIS NE) was launched, aimed at strengthening the social enterprise ecosystem across the North-Eastern region.
The programme is supported by Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) as a strategic CSR-
backed initiative to enable inclusive, grassroots entrepreneurship.
Also, grants under the Genesis EIR Cohort 1.0 were distributed to Bodh Intelligence Pvt. Ltd., JusticeNext Pvt. Ltd., and Quadx4ge Pvt. Ltd. Grants under Genesis EIR Cohort 2.0 were distributed to Inquisitech LLP, Suvastra, Ask Darj, and TriPhase Aerial Solution.
It is to be noted that, AIC-SMUTBI is the first Atal Incubation Centre in North-East India, supported by Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, and the Government of India. The incubator nurtures and incubates early-stage entrepreneurial ventures based on technology and innovation by providing infrastructure, mentorship, and seed grants to promising young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams of starting their own ventures.
The event had the presence of Manager, SMT; State Nodal Officer; Consultant, Atal Innovation Mission; PS to Vice Chairman NITI Aayog, team members from NITI Aayog; faculty members and staff from SMIT, and startup founders from all over North East.
Report from DIO Pakyong