Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh initiated the DIGI-SAPNE 2.0 program at the Imperial Hall, Classic Grande in Imphal, organized by the Planning Department of the Government of Manipur. DIGI-SAPNE (Startup Acceleration Program for North East), an initiative of AIC-SMUTBI supported by the Ministry of Electronics and IT, aims to enhance entrepreneurship and innovation in the North East by offering mentorship, market access, funding opportunities, and financial assistance of up to Rs. 80 lakh to selected startups. The program focuses on helping startups scale their ideas, create jobs, and compete nationally and globally, while also contributing to inclusive regional growth.
In his address, the Chief Minister highlighted the transformation of India from a job-seeking to a job-creating nation over recent decades, positioning DIGI-SAPNE 2.0 as a means to further this vision at a grassroots level in Manipur. He expressed pride in Start-up Manipur being recognized as a leader in fostering a robust startup ecosystem, as evidenced by its ranking in the 5th Edition of the States’ Startup Ecosystem Ranking. Yumnam Khemchand reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening the startup ecosystem and emphasized the importance of enabling student and aspiring entrepreneur concepts to transform into scalable enterprises. He encouraged the youth to embrace innovation, experimentation, and continuous learning without fear.
Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel also addressed the gathering, noting that the innovation ecosystem’s strength is not just in policy announcements but in practical implementation. He cited the steady progress in Manipur’s startup ecosystem over recent years, referencing significant financial support provided to entrepreneurs under schemes like the Manipur Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Chief Minister’s Entrepreneurship Support Scheme. He called on young entrepreneurs to engage in innovation and provide feedback on potential new government schemes.
The Chief Minister presented Certificates of Recognition to various startups, including Kiita Dumbang Mountain Winds Pvt. Ltd., Labdig Innovations and Systems Pvt. Ltd, Stemcorp Dynamics, Addble Solutions Pvt. Ltd., among others. Additionally, he launched INSIGHT smart glasses by Akumen AI, a startup from Manipur. Notable attendees included the Vice-Chancellors of Manipur Technical University and Sikkim Manipal University, government officials, and entrepreneurs from across the Northeast.
