Innovation Week underscores Northeast’s digital potential

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• Dr. Madan Mohan Tripathi, Dr. G Hukugha Sema and other dignitaries on Monday at NIELIT Kohima. (EM Images)

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• KOHIMA — The ‘Innovation Northeast Week’ kicked off on Monday at the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) Kohima, spotlighting the region’s emerging digital landscape and rising potential in the innovation and startup ecosystem.
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• S Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in his virtual address, emphasised that the three-day innovation and startup event holds immense significance and aligns closely with MeitY's mission and the broader developmental goals for the Northeast region.
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• He congratulated NIELIT, Government of Nagaland, Startup Nagaland, and the Department of Industries for organising the event, acknowledging the state’s growing presence in the innovation and startup ecosystem.
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• He noted that Nagaland is making strides in sectors such as food processing, tourism, and remote service delivery.
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• “Nagaland has distinct advantages, including a population comfortable with English and individuals possessing skills that can be marketed not just in India but globally,” he said.
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• Krishnan maintained that this potential must be harnessed by equipping the youth with modern and updated skills to make them employment-ready and competitive in today’s digital economy.
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• Underscoring MeitY’s commitment to the region, he highlighted that out of the 55 NIELIT centres across India, 20 are located in the Northeast, with Kohima being one of the most active. Additionally, agencies under MeitY, such as the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), have a presence in the region to support IT-related ventures.

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• He further mentioned that NIELIT is working to train an increasing number of youth from the Northeast, including Nagaland, to help them secure jobs within the region and contribute to both the national and global economy.
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• “This is truly a win-win situation offered by digital technologies—the possibility of operating from wherever one lives through digital means,” he said.
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• Highlighting MeitY’s ongoing efforts in capacity building, Krishnan informed that nearly 1.79 lakh youth have been trained under Phase II of the Northeast Capacity Building Programme, implemented by NIELIT and sponsored by the ministry.
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• He further maintained that the focus is not only on employment in electronics and information technology but also promoting self-employment through entrepreneurship, which can lead to job creation for others. “Entrepreneurship is a space that needs to be fully explored in this part of India,” he added.
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• NIELIT driving digital transformation in NE
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• Dr. Madan Mohan Tripathi, Vice Chancellor and Director General of NIELIT, highlighted the Government of India’s commitment to bridging regional digital divides.
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• He said the MeitY is focused on inclusive digital growth through infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and skilling. “Our vision is to bridge regional disparities and unlock the full innovation potential of this culturally rich and strategically important region,” he said.
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• He maintained that NIELIT, as the skilling arm of MeitY, plays a key role in preparing a digitally competent workforce wherein during India’s G20 presidency, digital skilling, cybersecurity, and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) were highlighted as global priorities.
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  Dr. Tripathi noted that NIELIT has become a major industry partner in emerging technologies and now offers a full skilling pathway after being conferred “Deemed to be University” status.
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• Dr. Tripathi also lauded NIELIT Kohima for leading digital initiatives, including one of India’s top cyber forensic labs used even for international training, with recent sessions conducted for Egypt. Kohima has received the BSEI Excellence Award for cybersecurity capacity building.
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• A boost for innovators, startups in Nagaland
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• Meanwhile, Dr. G Hukugha Sema, Commissioner and Secretary of Information Technology & Communication, Government of Nagaland, stated that the ongoing innovation and startup event in Kohima is a crucial step toward building a sustainable development ecosystem for innovators and startups in the state.
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• Speaking at the event, Sema said the initiative aims not only to promote innovation and entrepreneurship but also to sensitise government officials on how to collaborate effectively with startups while addressing public concerns around cybersecurity and cyber safety.
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• Describing the event as a landmark moment, he stated that it signals the immense potential of youth from Nagaland and the Northeast in the fields of information technology and cybersecurity. He emphasised the need for continuous innovation and adaptation to change, adding that artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force capable of both positive and disruptive impacts.
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• He noted that nearly 10% of the national workforce in BPOs and call centres hail from the Northeast—a significant achievement given the population share. He praised the efficiency and adaptability of youth from the region and said their proven potential is well recognized by MeitY and corporate partners.
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• Reflecting on Nagaland’s struggles with industrialisation, Sema acknowledged that while manufacturing has not significantly boosted GDP, the services sector now contributes over 50% to India's GDP. “This gives Nagaland a real opportunity to drive youth employment and development through IT, ITES, and other service-based industries,” he added.
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• NE now on India’s innovation map
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• Vaibhav Jain, VC and Startup Relationships at Google India, highlighted the transformative potential of the Northeast during his recent visit to the region.
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• “Where you start doesn’t define where you go,” Jain said and encouraged young entrepreneurs to dream boldly and build fearlessly. He noted India’s rise as the world’s fourth-largest economy, surpassing Japan, and emphasised that achieving the $10 trillion target requires active growth from the Northeastern states.
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• Jain pointed to rapid improvements in connectivity—roads, railways, and airports—calling it “capacity building at scale” that is turning geography into opportunity.
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• Highlighting private sector interest, Jain referenced investments pledged by Reliance, Adani, Tata, and Vedanta during the recent North East investor summit, asserting, “The North East is no longer emerging. It has arrived on India’s innovation map,” he asserted.
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• Amit Mishra, YOTTA; Santosh Kumar, National Chairman, YLC AIMA, and Tulika Pandey, Sc-G and Group Coordinator, MeitY, also addressed the event.
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• Earlier, welcome address was delivered by L Lanuwabang, Director of NIELIT Kohima.