Minister Jayant Chaudhary unveiled 30 new Entrepreneurship Development Centres (EDCs) and four Incubation Centres during the Northeast Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Conclave 2024 at IIM Shillong. This initiative, aimed at boosting the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, targets the creation of 900 startups, leveraging both infrastructure and skill development programs to empower local youth.
The centres will focus on training 600 mentors and facilitating entrepreneurship programs across the eight Northeastern states. By blending traditional skills, such as bamboo and wood craftsmanship, with modern market needs, the initiative is set to drive innovation and sustainable economic growth.
For Gangtok, these centres offer a significant opportunity for local entrepreneurs and artisans. The city’s burgeoning startup culture will benefit from improved access to mentorship, funding, and incubation programs, positioning Gangtok as a key player in the region’s economic development. Chaudhary highlighted the government’s “Act First for Northeast” policy, emphasizing the region’s potential to contribute to India’s $5 trillion economy. Leaders from across the Northeast participated in the conclave, reinforcing a shared commitment to long-term growth and competitive cooperation within the region.
