As part of its continued efforts to promote inclusive entrepreneurship and strengthen grassroots innovation, Startup India, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, in collaboration with the Department of Industries and Commerce, Nagaland and District Administration successfully conducted the workshop under the TEJAS (Transforming Entrepreneurial Journeys Across State & Districts) initiative at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall, Kiphire on 14th April 2026.
The TEJAS initiative marks the beginning of a nationwide effort to identify, nurture, and support aspiring entrepreneurs, startups, and students from non-metro regions by enabling access to resources, mentorship, and institutional support to build scalable ventures. The initiative is being implemented across 132 districts in India, with a strong focus on capacity building, ecosystem development, and expanding access to entrepreneurial opportunities.
The workshop was organized in the presence of Kato T. Aomi, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Kiphire, Y. Intsangu Sangtam, General Manager, DIC Kiphire and Nongsheba Lamliu, Functional Manager, DIC Kiphire.
The workshop featured sessions delivered by Ikheshe Kahoto, Assistant Director, Department of Industries & Commerce, Ravi Verhwani and Ritwik Malhotra from Startup India, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry along with a dedicated session on the ODOP (One District One Product) initiative by Ishdeep Singh, DPIIT. The other key ecosystem included, Y Esther Francis, Manipur International University, Longtili C Sangtam, Kiphire Mart and Rishav Sethi, NITI Incubation Centre. The workshop witnessed more than 60 participations from students, startups & aspiring entrepreneurs.
These sessions focused on guiding participants through various aspects of the entrepreneurial journey, including ideation, access to government schemes, funding opportunities, market linkages, and sector-specific innovation pathways.
Participants were also introduced to key initiatives under Startup India, enabling them to understand the benefits of DPIIT recognition, incubation support, and access to national platforms.
This initiative aligns with the Government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat@2047, aiming to create a robust and inclusive startup ecosystem across the country.
(DIPR)
