Northeast India is rapidly emerging as a hub for AI innovation, with startups leveraging technology to address regional challenges and beyond. Here are five pioneering AI startups from the region, each making significant strides in their respective domains:
1. Primary Healthtech Pvt. Ltd.
- Founders: Sahil Jagnani and Ankit Chowdhury
- Location: Guwahati, Assam
- Founded: 2018
- Funding: Supported by grants and funding from MeitY, DBT, DST, ICMR, NEDFI, IIT Guwahati, SIIC-IITK, KIIT-TBI, and AIIMS Delhi (IIT Guwahati Alumni-led Startup M/s Primary Healthtech Pvt. Ltd …, City brothers harness AI power to break language barrier, Mobilab (by Primary Healthtech) – LinkedIn)
Primary Healthtech has developed ‘Mobilab,’ an AI-enabled portable biochemistry analyzer designed for early disease diagnosis. The device can analyze over 25 parameters related to vital organs, aiming to make diagnostics more accessible and affordable. The startup has been recognized at the National Startup Awards 2022. (Akumen Artificial Intelligence – Founders and Board of Directors)
2. Akumen Artificial Intelligence
- Founder: Thiyam Akuvan
- Location: Imphal, Manipur
- Founded: 2021
- Funding: Incubated by AIC-SMU Technology Business Incubation Foundation and KIIT Technology Business Incubator; no external funding rounds yet (Akumen Artificial Intelligence 2025 Company Profile – PitchBook, Thiyam Akuvan – Founder – Akumen Artificial Intelligence | LinkedIn)
Akumen AI has developed a wearable assistive device for the visually impaired, utilizing advanced AI to interpret text, faces, and objects, thereby aiding users in understanding their surroundings. The startup has received accolades, including recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and support from Meta’s MEITY accelerator program.
3. Aakhor AI
- Founders: Kabyanil Talukdar and Indranil Talukdar
- Location: Guwahati, Assam
- Founded: 2022
- Funding: Bootstrapped (Launch of “Aakhor AI” Typing Software by Indranil and Kabyanil …, City brothers harness AI power to break language barrier)
Aakhor AI focuses on making regional languages accessible in digital ecosystems through cutting-edge AI technology. Their flagship product is an AI-powered Assamese language writing assistant, offering features like speech-to-text and predictive typing to bridge linguistic gaps in the digital world. (City brothers harness AI power to break language barrier)
4. Fueler
- Founder: Riten Debnath
- Location: Agartala, Tripura
- Founded: 2021
- Funding: Received ₹75 lakhs from the Government of Tripura under the Tripura Startup Policy 2024 (Fueler Company Profile Funding & Investors – YourStory.com, #startupfunding #tripura #innovation #gratitude | Er. Subhra Deb)
Fueler offers a “proof of work” platform that allows freelancers and creators to showcase their work efficiently, building trust in the freelance marketplace by enabling users to present verified portfolios. The platform aims to empower users to be more productive through inspired learning and participation in the creator economy. (Fueler Company Profile Funding & Investors – YourStory.com)
5. Vantage Circle
- Founders: Anjan Pathak and Partha Neog
- Location: Guwahati, Assam
- Founded: 2010
- Funding: Bootstrapped (Guwahati-based Vantage Circle has garnered more than a million …, City brothers harness AI power to break language barrier)
Vantage Circle is a global employee engagement platform that leverages AI to enhance employee experiences. Their AI-based innovations aim to improve workplace engagement and productivity, serving over a million corporate users worldwide. (Guwahati-based Vantage Circle has garnered more than a million …)
These startups exemplify the growing technological ecosystem in Northeast India, showcasing the region’s potential in AI-driven solutions across various sectors.
For a deeper insight into one of these startups, here’s an interview with Fueler’s founder, Riten Debnath:
