The launch of the North East Growth Lab (NEGL) by IIMA Ventures in collaboration with SAP marks a pivotal moment for the economic transformation of Northeast India. Building on the proven impact of the World Bank-supported Assam Agribusiness Growth Lab (AAGL), NEGL aims to accelerate 90 startups and social enterprises across all eight northeastern states over the next three years. The initiative offers catalytic capital, tailored mentoring, training, and access to markets—expected to generate ₹100 crore in enterprise value and benefit over 500,000 individuals from low- to middle-income segments.
The program is strategically aligned to stimulate inclusive growth by fostering innovation, building capacity, and connecting regional ventures with national and global investor networks. Startups like Dream Hives, Greengen, Fuloni, and Pustikor Foods exemplify the region’s potential in value-added agribusiness and sustainable consumer products.
NEGL is expected to catalyze entrepreneurship, particularly in food processing, handloom, and eco-tourism sectors. With Tripura’s improving connectivity and growing policy support, stands to benefit from capital inflow and business formalization, potentially emerging as a significant player in the region’s evolving startup economy.
Institutional collaboration with NABARD, NEDFI, NEHHDC, NERAMAC and the Ministry of DoNER is set to further enhance the region’s long-term economic resilience.