The inaugural Arunachal Start-Up Conclave 2025, held at the Rajiv Gandhi University campus in Rono Hills, Doimukh, has announced the creation of a Rs 50 crore venture fund dedicated to North-Eastern entrepreneurs. The two-day event, organized by the Arunachal Pradesh State Start-Up Council in partnership with SIDBI and IIM Shillong, witnessed participation from over 150 start-ups and 30 angel investors.
Seed grants of Rs 10 lakh each were awarded to 25 start-ups across categories including agri-tech, eco-tourism platforms, bamboo-based manufacturing, and health-tech. The top three winners -- ZiroFresh (organic produce marketplace), TawangTrails (AI-powered tourism planning), and AruConnect (telemedicine platform) -- received additional grants of Rs 25 lakh each.
IT Secretary Bidol Tayeng emphasized the state's commitment to building a start-up ecosystem. "Our young population is our greatest asset. The venture fund, combined with incubation centres we are setting up in Itanagar and Pasighat, will provide the support system that our entrepreneurs need to scale their ideas into viable businesses," he said.
