Imphal: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh launched the Digi-Startup Acceleration Program for North East (Digi-SAPNE) 2.0 at the Imperial Hall, Classic Grande, Imphal, on Wednesday.
The programme was organised by the Planning Department, Government of Manipur.
Digi-SAPNE is an initiative of the Atal Incubation Centre, Sikkim Manipal University Technology Business Incubation Foundation (AIC-SMUTBIF), supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in the Northeast.
The programme supports selected startups with mentorship, market access, funding opportunities, and financial assistance of up to Rs. 80 lakh. It seeks to help startups scale their ideas, generate employment, and compete at national and global levels while contributing to inclusive regional growth.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stated that the nation has witnessed a remarkable transformation, from a job-seeking nation to a job-creating nation over the past decades, and Digi-SAPNE 2.0 carries this national vision to the grassroots level in Manipur.
He noted with satisfaction that Start-up Manipur had been recognised as a leader in developing a strong startup ecosystem under the 5th Edition of the States’ Startup Ecosystem Ranking. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our officials, institutions, entrepreneurs, and policymakers,” he added.
Khemchand maintained that the Government of Manipur remains fully committed to strengthening the startup ecosystem, and Digi-SAPNE 2.0 is designed to support students and aspiring entrepreneurs in transforming their concepts into scalable enterprises by providing all necessary support.
Stating that innovation is born from experimentation, perseverance, and continuous learning, he urged the youth not to be afraid, but to think boldly and act confidently.
He appreciated Startup Manipur for making the State a top performer among the Northeast states in the startup ecosystem and noted that many entrepreneurs had been providing employment to numerous youths. He further elaborated on the crucial role that startups could play in building a united and progressive Manipur.
As part of the programme, the Chief Minister distributed 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., Mwire Labs, Uplauz India Pvt. Ltd., UraCab Private Ltd., Ebb & Flow Online Studio, Sajilo Events, HN Technovations LLP, Greenbiotech EcoSolutions Pvt. Ltd., and Medilane HealthTech and Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd.
The Chief Minister also launched INSIGHT smart glasses by Akumen Artificial Intelligence, a startup from Manipur.
Vice-Chancellor of Manipur Technical University, Prof. W. Chandbabu Singh; Vice-Chancellor of Sikkim Manipal University, Gopalakrishna Prabhu; Joint Secretary, Department of Promotion of Industries and Internal Trade, Government of India, Sanjiv Singh; Director, NITI Aayog, Government of India, Prateek Deshmukh; senior officials; and entrepreneurs from across the Northeast states also attended the programme, among others.