SAP and IIMA Ventures have jointly launched the North East Growth Labs (NEGL), a major initiative aimed at supporting 75 social enterprises across India’s eight Northeastern states. The program focuses on strengthening ventures in agri-tech, education, and healthcare with a blend of catalytic funding, mentorship, and market access. The NEGL initiative, announced on July 30, leverages SAP’s Social Procurement framework and IIMA Ventures’ incubation model to foster inclusive development, climate resilience, and job creation in underserved regions. The effort is expected to support over 3,000 livelihoods and promote climate-positive growth.
“The North East Growth Labs strengthens our commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth,” said Manish Prasad, President and MD, SAP Indian Subcontinent, highlighting their mission to blend technology with grassroots impact. Chintan Bakshi of IIMA Ventures called the initiative “a bold regional platform” to empower innovative entrepreneurs in the Northeast.
The program began with a bootcamp in Guwahati, offering hands-on sessions in AI, B2B strategies, and sector-specific scaling. Local startups like Dream Hives, Chezfresco, and Pustikor Foods are part of the new cohort, showcasing Guwahati’s emergence as a vital hub for social enterprise. The city’s growing ecosystem is becoming a magnet for investors and innovation in the Northeast. NEGL builds upon the earlier Assam Agribusiness Growth Lab and significantly expands its scope.