Guwahati: The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet has enacted the Arunachal Pradesh Startup Policy to support start-ups in the state, providing much-needed stimulation to the state's entrepreneurial environment.

The Policy aims to assist the creation of at least 250 new companies and generate significant direct and indirect job opportunities in the state over the next five years. The policy's vision is to "turn Arunachal Pradesh into a worldwide centre for innovation and entrepreneurship by providing comprehensive support to local startups through proactive policy intervention and the establishment of a network of key ecosystem players."

"The Government of Arunachal Pradesh, with more emphasis on 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Atmanirbhar Arunachal,' is on a mission to strengthen the start-up ecosystem through different programmes and initiatives. With the adoption of this Policy, the State Government intends to boost the State's innovation and research and development (R&D) capability, develop institutionalised mechanisms to provide funding support, regulatory relief, and preference in public procurement to startups, support the State in achieving its development goals and make startups a key component of the State's commercial fabric over the next five years "According to a statement issued by the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister's Office.

Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Programme (APEDP) was previously established in 2020, with over 4,000 businesses participating. 31 businesses were chosen for a seed money reward as well as incubation and pre-incubation help from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta – Investment Park (IIMCIP), which served as a knowledge partner. The Arunachal Pradesh Innovation & Investment Park (APIIP) was established on August 14, 2021, with infrastructure and facilities including a co-working space for startups, a meeting room for investors, a multi-purpose conference hall, a classroom and mentor's room, an office area, and separate spaces for consultants and incubation team.

The APIIP is the state's first marquee incubator, launched as a key component of the Arunachal Pradesh Startup Policy by the Department of Planning and Investment of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

The mission is to foster a problem-solving mindset and entrepreneurship culture in Arunachal, as well as to transform the state into a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, by providing holistic support to local startups through proactive policy intervention and the formation of a network of key ecosystem stakeholders.

"Arunachal Pradesh has responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's clarion appeal for "Atmanirbhar Bharat." Despite its early stages of growth, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh envisions Arunachal Pradesh reaching higher heights on India's entrepreneurial map. This may be accomplished with improved coordination and assistance from the state's numerous ministries as well as the federal government. Arunachal startup has been a much-needed attempt to boost the state's economic growth. It is heartening to see how the state's ambitious young have embraced the programme and are making the most of it to build their creative companies "According to the statement.