Guwahati: The startup ecosystem in Northeast India is witnessing remarkable growth, with over 2,000 startups registered across the region, according to data from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Assam leads the charge with an impressive 1,487 startups, solidifying its position as the entrepreneurial hub of the Northeast.
The figures reflect a growing trend of innovation and entrepreneurship emerging from India’s northeastern states, which include Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim. While Assam dominates the list, other states are gradually building momentum in fostering their own startup ecosystems.
Experts attribute this growth to a combination of government support, improving infrastructure, increasing internet penetration, and rising youth interest in entrepreneurship. The region’s focus on sectors like agri-tech, handloom and handicrafts, tourism, and sustainability has attracted attention from investors, incubators, and policy makers alike.
Speaking at a recent startup conclave in Guwahati, industry stakeholders highlighted the role of initiatives like the Assam Startup Policy and various state-run incubation programs in nurturing early-stage ventures. “Assam has created a robust support framework through institutions like Assam Startup – The Nest, which has helped hundreds of startups scale and access funding,” said a senior DPIIT official.
In Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya, state governments are also stepping up efforts to promote innovation through hackathons, seed funding schemes, and mentorship programs. The Northeast’s unique cultural and ecological landscape presents rich opportunities for startups in tourism tech, organic farming, and indigenous product development.
As India pushes toward its vision of becoming a $5 trillion economy, regional startup ecosystems like those in the Northeast are expected to play a pivotal role in decentralized, inclusive growth. With sustained support and increased investor interest, the region is poised to become a major contributor to India’s innovation story.
