Arunachal Pradesh Expands Innovation Park to Foster Entrepreneurial Growth

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has announced significant expansions to the state's premier incubator, the Arunachal Pradesh Innovation and Investment Park (APIIP). This move is set to accommodate more entrepreneurs beyond the current limit of 50 per year and broaden the scope of the Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Program.

Established in August 2020, APIIP is key to the state's Start-Up Policy. The facility hosts annual startup challenges, granting seed money and a nine-month incubation program to foster entrepreneurs aiming for commercial success. Over four years, APIIP has supported 106 startups with over Rs 4.5 crore in seed funding, showcasing a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, IT, and tourism.

Khandu highlighted APIIP's pioneering use of Artificial Intelligence in shortlisting applications, a first for any Indian state. The Chief Minister, alongside Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, presented graduation certificates and prizes to Cohort 3.0 and 4.0 startups, respectively. Additionally, APIIP partnered with seven educational institutions to launch mentorship programs, a move aimed at embedding startup cells to foster student-led innovations.

(With inputs from agencies.)