The Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday distributed MASI 2025 grants to 24 promising startups under the My Assam Startup Initiative (MASI).
The ceremonial event, held at the Assam Administrative Staff College in Guwahati, celebrated early-stage ventures across diverse sectors including agritech, healthcare, education, food processing, and clean energy.
The MASI grant, a flagship program under the Assam Startup Policy, offers up to Rs.5 lakh in funding to selected startups possessing a valid MASI ID. The initiative aims to bridge the critical gap between ideation and market validation by supporting startups during their proof-of-concept and early development phases.
“Assam’s youth are brimming with innovative ideas. Our job as a government is to create an ecosystem where those ideas can flourish,” said Chief Minister Sarma.
“The MASI grant is not just a financial tool, it’s a signal that the state believes in its entrepreneurs.”
Since its inception, the MASI program has extended support to over 100 startups, helping them navigate early challenges and scale their operations. This year’s cohort continues that legacy, with a particular spotlight on innovations in health and agriculture.
Health and Agritech Startups Take the Lead
Among the notable grantees this year is NE Crafters, a Guwahati-based startup developing protein-rich, ready-to-eat breakfast solutions. Founder Angshuman Goswami, speaking to Business North East (BNE) highlighted that the funding will be pivotal in expanding R&D, product testing, and farmer engagement.
“We are building not just a food product, but a sustainable supply chain rooted in Assam’s agricultural strengths. This grant takes us one step closer to that vision,” Goswami said.
Palash Jyoti Mahanta, Ex Co-Founder and COO of Olatus Systems Private Limited, one of the earliest MASI beneficiaries, reflected on the grant’s impact during the pandemic:
“MASI was our first grant and came at a time when COVID-19 had severely affected the startup ecosystem. It helped us procure machinery and cover operational costs. The initiative gave us the momentum we needed and has since supported multiple startups during their most vulnerable phases.”
Innovations Across Sectors
Other recipients of the 2025 grant include startups developing AI-based crop monitoring systems, telemedicine platforms for rural populations, organic textile ventures, and low-cost solar technologies, reflecting the breadth of innovation emerging from the region.
MASI: Fueling More Than Funding
To qualify for the MASI grant, startups must register on the Assam Startup portal and obtain a MASI ID. Beyond financial support, MASI startups gain access to a suite of incentives:
GST reimbursement up to Rs.5 lakh
100 percent stamp duty exemption
Rs.1 lakh digital infrastructure subsidy
Lease rental support of Rs.5 lakh
Power subsidy of up to Rs.10 lakh annually for five years
50 percent international marketing assistance (up to Rs.5 lakh)
Relaxed norms in state procurement
Self-certification under labor laws
The application process is overseen by a Startup Council, with most grants disbursed within two to four weeks of approval, a turnaround time praised for its efficiency and transparency.
Toward a Future-Ready Assam
Industry observers credit the MASI initiative with creating a “ripple effect” across Assam’s startup ecosystem, drawing attention from angel investors, accelerators, and incubators across India.
“The MASI grant is proving to be a powerful enabler for local talent. It sends a clear message that Assam is open for business and innovation,” noted a senior official from the Department of Industries and Commerce.
With strategic vision, strong leadership, and consistent policy support, Assam is emerging as a startup powerhouse in Northeast India, and the 2025 MASI grant distribution marks yet another milestone in its journey toward becoming an innovation-driven economy
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
