IIMA Ventures, in partnership with SAP has launched the third cohort of the North East Growth Lab (NEGL), inviting applications from 25 high-potential startups and social enterprises across Northeast India to accelerate innovation and enterprise growth. The programme is open to entrepreneurs from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura working in sectors such as agriculture, food processing, climate, livelihoods, biotechnology, financial inclusion and deep technology. Selected ventures will receive mentorship, strategic guidance, investor access, market linkages and capacity-building support to help scale their businesses.
The latest cohort builds on the success of previous editions, which have supported more than 40 ventures across the region. In the first cohort alone, 41 social enterprises were backed, with 31 ventures receiving grants and investments worth Rs 2.38 crore. These enterprises later secured an additional Rs 2.29 crore through grants, debt and equity financing, while generating over 44 business opportunities and 27 active commercial engagements. Ahead of the launch, IIMA Ventures conducted roadshows in Guwahati, Dimapur, Imphal and Agartala during June in collaboration with startup incubators and innovation hubs. Around 175 founders participated in the outreach programme, which also featured workshops on value proposition development and customer segmentation.
Announcing the launch, ChintanBakshi, Partner – Incubation at IIMA Ventures, said the Northeast continues to emerge as a vibrant entrepreneurial hub, with founders developing scalable solutions rooted in local needs. He said the initiative aims to connect startups with funding, networks and market opportunities while strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem. Applications for the third cohort are now open, with ventures to be evaluated on innovation, scalability, impact potential and their ability to generate sustainable livelihoods.