Rio launches Nagaland Entrepreneurship Impact Forward 2035

DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced the launch of Nagaland Entrepreneurship Impact Forward (NEIF) 2035, the state’s flagship programme to drive a decade-long economic transformation anchored in entrepreneurship and community-led growth, in Kohima on Monday.

To formally establish the collaborative framework for the initiative, a Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed between the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Nagaland, YouthNet, and Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME), according to an update.

The Department of Industries and Commerce, YouthNet, and GAME have partnered to initiate NEIF 2035 to accelerate entrepreneurship and build a vibrant, community-driven economy through focused pilots in priority sectors—honey, coffee, chilli, crafts, and eco-tourism.

The initiative also aims to strengthen clean energy access, logistics networks, and design and skills development through the Naturally Nagaland platform.

The initiative aims to identify and strengthen 10,000 entrepreneurs and create 50,000 livelihoods by 2035 through a coordinated effort across departments, partners, and communities. Through this initiative, efforts are envisioned to place authenticity, quality, and sustainability at the heart of Nagaland’s economic future.

Also read: Hornbill Festival 2025 opens at Kisama; Governor Bhalla calls for sustainable tourism

New media hub takes off at Naga Heritage Village Kisama

Ravi Venkatesan, founder of GAME, commented, “This strategic partnership exemplifies how collaborative ecosystems can drive inclusive economic growth, unlock local potential, and create meaningful livelihoods across diverse communities. Building on the successes of GAME’s District Entrepreneurship Mission, our commitment through NEIF 2035 is to empower Nagaland’s entrepreneurs with comprehensive resources and unwavering support to transform their innovative ideas into sustainable, high-impact enterprises.”

YouthNet is a non-profit organisation based in Nagaland with a mission to empower people, especially youth, with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to become productive, responsible, and engaged members of society.

GAME was created as a catalyst for a nationwide movement of mass entrepreneurship. The organisation aims to shift perceptions and nurture entrepreneurship in a multi-faceted and integrated manner.