Guwahati: 150 participants took part in the Product Day and graduation ceremony organized by the Ignite Program, led by Assam Startup – The Nest, with Assam Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (AIIDC) serving as the nodal agency. The event marked the successful conclusion of Cohort 5.0 of the Ignite Program.
The event was inaugurated by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Public Enterprise, and Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam, Bimal Borah. He praised the entrepreneurs' creativity and the robust ecosystem fostered by Assam Startup - The Nest, emphasizing the government’s role in nurturing a thriving entrepreneurial landscape.
Minister of Industries and Commerce, Public Enterprise, and Cultural Affairs,
Bimal Borah addressing the entrepreneurs
Out of the 150 participants, 45 startups showcased their products during the event. This milestone event highlighted the innovative products and services developed by these startups under the Ignite Program, demonstrating their potential for market disruption and economic growth. The Product Day featured an exhibition where these startups presented their offerings, garnering enthusiastic feedback from delegates, investors, and industry leaders.
During the inaugural session, Manvendra P. Singh, Managing Director of AIIDC, delivered the Course Report, detailing the progress and impact of the Ignite Program under Cohort 5.0. The session was also attended by Oinam S. Singh, Commissioner of Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprises Department, and Ravi Thappa, from the Department of Industries, Commerce, and PE, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting startup initiatives in Assam.
In his keynote address, Bimal Borah underscored Assam’s emergence as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, highlighting the government’s dedication to fostering economic growth through strategic initiatives like Assam Startup. "We are committed to nurturing innovation, creating jobs, and driving economic growth," Borah affirmed.
Speaking to Business North East, Borah expressed his satisfaction with the product display held in the morning. "I expect more innovators to come forward and become job creators rather than job seekers," he stated.
The event also featured technical sessions on early-stage investment and business scaling, led by industry experts and successful entrepreneurs, including Mr. Aditya Arora, CEO of FAAD Network Pvt Ltd; Mr. Partha Neog, Chief Executive Officer of Vantage Circle; and Akash Jyoti Gogoi, Founder of Bahuboli Eggs. These sessions provided valuable insights to participating startups, equipping them with the knowledge needed to attract investors and scale their businesses effectively.
The day concluded with a pitching session where selected startups presented their business ideas to a panel of investors and industry leaders, offering a promising glimpse into the future of Assam's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Supported by government officials, renowned investors from across the country, and local startups, Assam Startup - The Nest remains steadfast in its mission to foster innovation in Assam. The incubator will continue to build a pool of talented startups, driving economic growth and job creation in the region.
Investors attending the program included Aditya Arora, CEO of FAAD Network Private Limited; Rupam Nath, AVP at Sidbi Ventures; and Rajat Deorah, Partner at Exotica Developers.
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