IIT Guwahati on Monday signed two MoUs to develop the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Northeast.

These include collaborations with the Assam Startup through Assam Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (AIIDC) to collectively promote entrepreneurship and impact programs through access of technology, industry, innovation, and value-added activities and programs.

Assam Startup is an Assam government initiative to create a start-up ecosystem in the state by promoting and empowering the youth to become job creators and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

The other MoU is with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) to solidify their commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the Northeast.

The separate MoUs were signed at the IIT Guwahati campus between Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, and Chinmoy Prakash Phookan, ACS, Managing Director, AIIDC, and Sumeet Gupta, assistant secretary-general, FICCI, respectively.

The FICCI, established in 1927, is the largest and oldest non-government business organisation besides being the voice of the country’s business and industry.

Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, said the collaborations with FICCI and Assam Startup will help foster a vibrant ecosystem where budding entrepreneurs can transform their innovative ideas into successful businesses.

“This collaboration will further enhance our support for mentorship, funding
opportunities, and market access, ensuring the Northeast emerges as a vital hub for global economic activity,” he said.

The Assam Startup Policy launched by the government aims to catalyse the startup movement in the state by co-incubating startups selected under various programs affiliated to both the organisations. IIT will facilitate mentoring and technological support, while Assam Startup will provide business support.

The IIT will also facilitate the coordination between Assam Startup and various incubation centres, other startups and entrepreneurial activities in Assam. There are 400 registered start-ups in Assam.

The MoU between the FICCI and IIT Guwahati will see a framework being established to support entrepreneurial activities targeting agriculture, women development, and sustainability in the northeast region.