Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh inaugurated DIGI-SAPNE 2.0, a startup acceleration initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurship in Northeastern India, at an event organized by the Planning Department of Manipur. Supported by the Ministry of Electronics and IT, this program offers selected startups mentorship, market access, and financial backing, with financial assistance reaching up to Rs. 80 lakh. The initiative strives to enable startups to grow, create jobs, and compete nationally and globally, thereby promoting inclusive regional development.
In his address, Khemchand highlighted the transition of India from a job-seeking to a job-creating nation and emphasized that DIGI-SAPNE 2.0 embodies this vision at the grassroots level in Manipur. He noted that Start-up Manipur had gained recognition as a leader in startup ecosystem development, acknowledging the efforts of various stakeholders, including officials, institutions, and entrepreneurs. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the startup environment, asserting that innovation stems from experimentation and urged the youth to be bold and confident.
Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel stressed the importance of effective policy implementation to create a strong innovation ecosystem. He reported that over Rs. 106.87 crore in credit support had been extended to more than 1,400 entrepreneurs under the Manipur Credit Guarantee Scheme, alongside additional funding through the Chief Minister’s Entrepreneurship Support Scheme. He encouraged young entrepreneurs to engage in innovation and provide feedback for future government initiatives.
During the event, certificates of recognition were awarded to several startups, including Kiita Dumbang Mountain Winds Pvt. Ltd. and Labdig Innovations. The Chief Minister also launched INSIGHT smart glasses developed by the local startup Akumen AI. The program was attended by prominent figures from academia and government, further underscoring the collaborative efforts towards advancing the startup ecosystem in the region.