Shillong, March 25 – PRIME Meghalaya hosted a significant “Onboarding & Graduation Program” under the theme “Launching Dreams, Celebrating Growth,” honoring the Top 75 Startups selected through the Chief Minister’s E-Champion Challenge 5.0 and celebrating the graduation of Cohort 4. The event marked the commencement of the incubation journey for the new startups and recognized the achievements of the graduating cohort.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and innovation through initiatives like PRIME Meghalaya, CM-ELEVATE, Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP), and Skills Meghalaya. “We are creating jobs and opportunities, but I need you, the entrepreneurs, to now bring all of this together and create value and unlock opportunities,” he stated. He also urged PRIME Meghalaya to establish a financial wing for venture capital and connect entrepreneurs with potential investors.
The Chief Minister’s E-Championship Challenge, initiated in 2019, has benefited over 6,000 entrepreneurs, incubated over 200 startups, and supported more than 100 PRIME Rural Fellows (PRFs).
Gaurav Kapoor, CBO, IIMCIP, lauded PRIME Meghalaya for its on-ground support and urged entrepreneurs to leverage the incubation program’s resources, including boot camps, technical assistance, market access, and financial support.
Aiban Swer, Director, MBDA, discussed the government’s focus on natural resource management, governance, interdepartmental coordination, and enterprise development. He highlighted the partnerships with national institutes and the opportunities provided to uplift young people.
A panel discussion on “Empowering Entrepreneurship in the Northeast: Stories of Innovation & Impact,” moderated by Pankaj Baruah, IIMCIP, showcased the region’s dynamic entrepreneurial landscape, highlighting startups that have created economic and social impact despite challenges.
Cyril V.D. Diengdoh, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary and Director, Tourism Department, emphasized the government’s role in empowering Meghalaya’s youth to become job creators.
The event also featured the launch of the Acceleration Program, Product Catalogue Book, Annual Report, and PRIME Entrepreneurs Spotlight by Chief Minister Sangma, along with experiential sharing by EriWeave (Cohort 2) and Boba Bae (Cohort 4).
Dignitaries including Dr. Vijay Kumar D, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary and CEO, MBMA; Gaurav Kapoor, COO, IIMCIP; Jayashree Mohanka, Director, IIMCIP; and members of PRIME Meghalaya and IIMCIP attended the event.
