The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), part of NITI Aayog, held the Regional AIM SUMVAAD–North East Chapter 2026 in Guwahati, Assam. The event drew policymakers, state governments, industry leaders, academics, incubators and startup ecosystem players from across the eight Northeastern states, all working toward innovation-led growth and the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.
Building the innovation ecosystem
Speakers pointed to the Northeast’s position as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia, along with its biodiversity, bamboo resources, traditional crafts and cultural heritage, as strengths the region can build on. AIM used the event to reaffirm the Northeast’s part in India’s next phase of innovation-driven growth.
Dr. Joram Aniya, Member, NITI Aayog, was Chief Guest at the inaugural session, joined by Assam’s Commissioner and Secretary. In her address, Dr. Aniya referenced PM Modi’s description of the Northeast as “Ashta Lakshmi,” pointing to how each of the eight states brings its own strengths to the table. She also spoke about the government’s push on infrastructure and connectivity under the “Act East to Act Fast” approach, noting that the region is becoming a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
Sumit Gakhar, Head (Finance) at AIM, talked about strengthening ties between state governments, innovation institutions, incubators and other ecosystem partners to tap into the region’s potential. Mission Director Deepak Bagla added that AIM is focused on supporting innovators and incubation ecosystems so entrepreneurs can build solutions grounded in local strengths while still feeding into India’s broader development goals.
Who were in attendance and what was discussed
Representatives from all eight Northeastern State Councils, along with officials from the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Atal Incubation Centres and Atal Community Innovation Centres, took part in a roundtable on bringing ecosystem stakeholders together across the region.
Several thematic sessions covered areas where the Northeast has a real edge: commercialising bamboo and bio-resource value chains, tech-enabled eco-tourism, and innovation in handloom and handicraft work to support grassroots livelihoods.
Startup incubation was another major thread. Academics, industry representatives and incubation experts discussed how to support startups from early ideas through to scale, while a separate panel looked at access to finance, corporate partnerships and market linkages, with representatives from HDFC Bank, Numaligarh Refinery Limited, NEDFi and Tata Foundation.
Key Takeaway: The programme wrapped up with a discussion on building resilient innovation ecosystems for enterprises and local development, with government agencies, industry, investors, incubators and entrepreneurs all part of the conversation.
The event underlined AIM’s push to build an inclusive innovation ecosystem across the Northeast, one that brings governments, industry, academia and startup enablers together to strengthen entrepreneurship and regional innovation in line with the Viksit Bharat @2047 goal.
MCQ’s:
1. The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) functions under:
A. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
B. NITI Aayog
C. Ministry of MSME
D. Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
2. The Regional AIM SUMVAAD–North East Chapter 2026 was held in:
A. Shillong
B. Itanagar
C. Guwahati
D. Agartala
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