Guwahati: The government of Assam released Rs. 3.29 crore grant for 31 startups in the state who had applied for financial benefits after qualifying for the My Assam Startup ID (MASI) under the Assam Startup Policy 2017.
Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal handed over the cheques to the startups during a programme held at Assam Startup – The Nest on Sunday 2020 to commemorate the success of Assam Startup and encourage the startups, UDYAM ASSAM – celebrating success; supporting startup dreams.
The 31 startups selected for receiving the financial benefits in the first phase have been part of the incubation batches, Cohort 1.0 and 2.0, at Assam Startup – The Nest, Assam’s first state-owned marquee incubator launched on January 20 last year under the aegis of Industries and Commerce department of the government of Assam, in association with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park.
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Assam government introduced MASI under the Assam Startup Policy 2017 for helping innovative startups of the state with financial aid. Private limited startup companies, LLPs, and registered partnership firms from Assam that aren’t older than 7 years with annual turnover not exceeding Rs 25 crore and offering innovative or developmental products/services are eligible to apply for MASI.
The selected startups are working in diverse sectors like, deep tech, ICT, manufacturing, tourism, food and agri-tech, education, healthcare, automobile, etc.
Some of the startups who have received the grant are – Automovill Technologies, Parking Rhino, My3D Selfie, Little Machines, Defence and Space Robotics Laboratory, Agrithink, Let’s Learn Together, Ruloi Tea, NorthEast Guide, Aranyak Valley, among others.
The first edition of the coffee table book from Assam Startup – ASSAM STARTUP TRAILBLAZERS was also launched during the program. The book recounts the journey of Assam Startup along with the startup stories from Cohort 1.0.
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During his address, the Chief Minister emphasised on the need to think out-of-the-box for making a mark in the global market. He called for innovation to amp up the traditional products of the state which have every quality to take the world market by storm.
“The technology-driven society of the 21st century has brought about a conspicuous change in customers’ demands. To be able to cater to the world market, innovation is a must,” Sonowal said.
Along with the CM, Chandra Mohan Patowary, minister of Industries & commerce was also present. Other dignitaries were Dr KK Dwivedi, Commissioner & Secretary, Industries & Commerce and Manjula Saikia Bhuyan, Secretary, Industries & Commerce, & MD, AIIDC along with government officials, academicians, and corporates.
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