Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu marked a significant milestone today as he awarded graduation certificates to 35 dynamic startups, culminating their successful journey through the Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Program (APEDP) 2.0. Additionally, Khandu disbursed seed money to 40 promising startups who were selected under the newly launched APEDP 3.0, which commenced on February 2, 2024. The ceremonious event, orchestrated by the Arunachal Pradesh Innovation & Investment Park (APIIP) as part of its Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Program Version 3.0, unfolded with great enthusiasm. Among the fortunate 40 startups selected under APEDP 3.0, the top ten winners were rewarded with Rs. 5 lakhs each, while the remaining 30 received Rs. 4 lakhs each, with further support structured on a milestone basis. These startups are set to receive comprehensive training, mentorship, incubation, and pre-incubation assistance from APIIP over the next nine months. The graduating cohort from the APEDP 2.0 showcased their innovative products and services at the event, accentuating the spirit of entrepreneurship thriving in the region.
In his address, Chief Minister Khandu commended the resilience of APIIP, especially acknowledging CEO Tabe Haidar for steering the organization to remarkable heights despite the adversities posed by the Covid pandemic. He lauded the initiative as a crucial step towards realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Reform, Perform, and Transform,” fostering a development paradigm that not only enriches Arunachal Pradesh but also contributes to a progressive India. Emphasizing the pivotal role of startups in this transformative journey, Khandu urged the budding entrepreneurs to dream big, underlining the limitless potential awaiting them. He encouraged them to equip themselves with essential financial knowledge, including banking procedures, bookkeeping, and tax regulations, essential for their success. Seizing the opportunity to address the youth present, Khandu reiterated his firm stance against the ‘money culture’ prevalent in elections, urging the young entrepreneurs to become ambassadors of change within their communities, advocating for a healthier political environment in the long run.
Furthermore, Khandu highlighted various investment avenues such as venture capitals and angel networks, underscoring APIIP’s pivotal role in nurturing 106 startups through incubation and seed funding initiatives to date, a testament to the program’s efficacy in fostering entrepreneurial spirit. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, gracing the occasion as the Guest of Honour, expressed his delight at APIIP’s strides in nurturing aspiring startups, hailing them as the harbingers of a promising future. He praised the youth’s access to technology and information, envisioning them as tomorrow’s leaders, with a special nod to efforts towards environmental conservation, crucial for the state’s burgeoning tourism sector. Chief Secretary in-charge Kaling Tayeng underscored the importance of financial literacy, particularly for startups, advocating for proficiency in bookkeeping and accounting. He elaborated on the role of the share market as a catalyst for economic growth, emphasizing the contributions of billionaire startups to the economy. Meanwhile, CEO Tabe Haidar shed light on APIIP’s multifaceted initiatives, including internship programs for students from prestigious institutions like NERIST, RGU, and IIM Shillong. He outlined forthcoming plans, including setting up a Venture Fund, knowledge exchange visits, and expanded internship opportunities, alongside boot camps aimed at enhancing financial literacy among startups.
