Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday distributed graduation certificates to 35 startups that successfully completed the incubation and pre-incubation programme under APEDP 2.0, and disbursed seed funding to 40 new startups selected under APEDP 3.0, which was launched on February 3, 2024.
Key Numbers
- 35 startups graduated after completing the full incubation programme
- 40 new startups selected for APEDP 3.0 received seed money on a milestone basis
- Top 10 winners: Rs 5 lakh each
- Remaining 30 startups: Rs 4 lakh each
- 106 total startups have now benefited from the APEDP across all cohorts
- 9 months of training, mentorship, and incubation support for new cohort
Dream big. Sky is the limit. But also master the fundamentals — banking, bookkeeping, and income tax laws. These are the building blocks of a sustainable business. — Chief Minister Pema Khandu
APIIP CEO Tabe Haidar highlighted the expanding internship partnerships, noting the involvement of students from IIM Shillong (Meghalaya) in supporting the incubation process.
Chief Secretary Kaling Tayeng advocated for financial literacy among the startups, emphasising that bookkeeping and accounting skills are essential foundations for business success.
Growing Impact
The APEDP, run through APIIP under the Department of Planning, Investment & Finance, has become one of the most successful state-level entrepreneurship programmes in the Northeast. From the initial cohort of 31 startups in 2021, the programme has now scaled to support 106 ventures across agriculture, handicrafts, IT, e-commerce, and tourism sectors.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, MP Tapir Gao, Agriculture Minister Tage Taki, and various state officials.
