DIMAPUR — In a major boost to Nagaland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,
five startups have been awarded a total funding of INR 1 crore under the
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) through the YouthNet Incubation Centre.
In a press release, YouthNet informed that the initiative
aims to provide critical financial assistance for proof of concept, prototype
development, product trials, market entry, and commercialisation.
The beneficiaries include Boditive Private Limited, Putoyim
Agro Private Limited, ENIR Info Tech Private Limited, Clefnote Music, and
Joldipabo Private Limited.
Advisor of Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, in her
address during the funding ceremony, emphasised the pivotal role of these
startups as role models in the state.
She underlined the importance of building a solid foundation
supported by capable mentors and robust support systems, while encouraging
entrepreneurs to explore various schemes and opportunities for growth.
Earlier, YouthNet director, Nuneseno Chase, lauded the
startups for their dedication and called on them to serve as beacons of
inspiration for the state and beyond.
“Their journey is a testament to the entrepreneurial
potential of Nagaland,” she remarked.
Neikepekho Shosahie, centre manager at YouthNet, underscored
the unique approach of the SISFS funding model, which prioritises promising
ventures over asset-backed applicants - a stark departure from traditional
banking practices.
He noted that the incubator’s credibility has drawn the
interest of major partners such as Amazon, Global Alliance for Mass
Entrepreneurship, Cuts Internationals, various consulate and leading
institutions like IITs and IIMs, which are eager to collaborate and support the
incubation in various ways.
Yanpvuo Kikon, mentor at the YouthNet Incubation Centre
(YIC) and founder of Kikonic and Kley Enterprise, highlighted the significance
of trust-building as a key component in strengthening brand identity and
maintaining a focus on quality. Meanwhile, fellow mentor Sinlo Kemp, founder of
KempDesign, urged startups to adopt a global mindset and pursue ambitious
visions to tap into international opportunities.
“This funding initiative of Startup India Seed Fund Scheme
(SISFS) is a transformative initiative aimed at addressing the critical funding
gap for startups during the early stages of growth.
“The scheme is spearheaded by Startup India, under the
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), ensuring
robust evaluation and disbursement through approved incubators, with a focus on
transparency and milestone-based funding,” the release stated.
