Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Challenge

On the eve of 74th Independence Day, Chief Minister Pema Khandu launched the Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Programme, the mega state-owned initiative for developing a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state and unveiled the Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Challenge as its first part.

The programme which is an initiative of the State’s Department of Finance, Investment and Planning will pursue the objectives of formulating an inclusive solution to the motley local challenges faced by aspiring entrepreneurs through development of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and side by side facilitating their entrepreneurial endeavours with comprehensive support and nurturing. A major goal of the programme is to inspire the state’s youths to become job givers rather than being job seekers, who will, in the process, create livelihood opportunities for thousands of others in the state.

IIM Calcutta Innovation Park has been chosen as the Knowledge Partner in the initiative which envisions a self-reliant society and a sustainable state economy by encouraging the aspiring entrepreneurs of the state through strengthening their business knowhow to scale desired heights.

The Programme will be rolled out in four stages- Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Challenge, Pre-Incubation, Incubation and Livelihood Accelerator. The first stage has been rolled out and the contest portal for the Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Challenge has also been declared open. The first stage will identify, promote, support and nurture sustainable and locally relevant business ideas and entrepreneurs. Aimed at giving the aspiring entrepreneurs a chance to showcase their ideas and innovations, an application window has been opened at: http://apstartup.in/.

After a thorough evaluation and screening of applications, 50 top entrepreneurs will be selected for the Incubation and Pre-Incubation programmes facilitated by the IIM Calcutta Innovation Park. Out of these, top 10 entrepreneurs will be awarded up to Rs. 5 lakhs and the next 40 entrepreneurs will be awarded up to Rs. 4 lakhs.

The 9-month Pre-Incubation Programme has been designed to provide a solid ground-level support to the budding entrepreneurs for converting their business ideas into products/services for attaining commercial success. The 9-month Incubation Programme on the other hand will help them with a Proof of Concept or early stage revenue generation of products/services to upscale their ventures further. Subsequently, the Livelihood Accelerator Programme will be rolled out for developing micro-entrepreneurs with a long-term vision of creating a more comprehensive livelihood generation ecosystem in the state.

Beneficiary:

Prospective entrepreneurs and unemployed local youths

Benefits:

Top 50 entrepreneurs will be selected for the Incubation and Pre-Incubation programmes facilitated by the IIM Calcutta Innovation Park. Out of these, top 10 entrepreneurs will be awarded up to Rs. 5 lakhs and the next 40 entrepreneurs will be awarded up to Rs. 4 lakhs