IIMA Ventures, in collaboration with SAP, has launched the North East Growth Lab (NEGL)—a transformative initiative to support and scale 90 startups and social enterprises across Northeast India. Drawing from the success of the World Bank-supported Assam Agribusiness Growth Lab (AAGL), NEGL is structured to deliver catalytic capital, customized mentoring, business training, and access to markets.
Over the next three years, NEGL aims to create ₹100 crore in enterprise value while positively impacting over 5 lakh individuals, particularly from low-to-middle-income communities. The leadership behind NEGL is committed to nurturing high-potential startups through a strategic roadmap, with ecosystem-building activities like outreach drives, investor demo days, and capacity-building bootcamps.
The initiative is expected to energize emerging entrepreneurs in eco-tourism, organic farming, and sustainable consumer products. Growing entrepreneurial enthusiasm and policy support, NEGL is set to offer a structured platform for local startups to access funding, expertise, and national exposure—positioning the city as a rising innovation hub in the Eastern Himalayas. The initiative is backed by strategic partners including NABARD, NEDFI, NEHHDC, NERAMAC, and the Ministry of DoNER.
