IIMA Ventures and SAP Launch Third Cohort of North East Growth Lab, Backing 25 High-Potential Startups

IIMA Ventures, in partnership with SAP, has announced the launch of the second cohort of the North East Growth Lab (NEGL), inviting applications from 25 high-potential startups and social enterprises across Northeast India.
The program aims to identify and support entrepreneurs from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura who are building innovative and scalable solutions across sectors including agriculture, food processing, climate, livelihoods, biotechnology, financial inclusion, and deep technology.
The launch marks the next chapter in a journey that has already supported more than 40 ventures across the region through a combination of catalytic capital, mentorship, market access, and ecosystem-building initiatives.
Most recently, the first cohort of NEGL supported 41 social enterprises, with 31 ventures receiving a cumulative INR 2.38 crore in grants and investments. Participating enterprises went on to raise an additional INR 2.29 crore through grants, debt, and equity financing. Collectively, the cohort generated more than 44 business opportunities and facilitated 27 active commercial engagements, including partnerships, pilots, procurement discussions, and market access opportunities.
In order to reach out to the startups and founders in Guwahati, Dimapur, Imphal, Agartala IIMA Ventures conducted a roadshow in collaboration with Assam Startup-NEST, BioNEST, IITG Technology Innovation and Development Foundation (TIDF), Educentre School of Business (ESB) Incubator, Manipur Technology Innovation Hub (MTI-Hub) and Startup Tripura under Directorate of IT & NIT Agartala Incubator on 15 June, 16 June, 17 June, 22 June, and 24 June. The road show was attended by close to 175 founders. In addition to explaining the benefits of the NEGL program and interacting with the founders, the road show also featured a Value Proposition Workshop helping which enabled founders to better understand and articulate the unique value proposition of their startup and their ideal customer profile and segment.

As India’s startup ecosystem continues to expand beyond traditional innovation hubs, Northeast India is emerging as a region with significant entrepreneurial potential. Through the third cohort, NEGL aims to strengthen this momentum by helping founders access funding, build sustainable business models, connect with investors and corporates, and unlock growth opportunities beyond the region.
Selected ventures will receive tailored mentorship, capacity-building support, investor access, strategic guidance, and opportunities to engage with a network of ecosystem partners. The program will continue to work closely with development institutions, investors, corporates, and government stakeholders to create stronger pathways for enterprise growth and market access.
Speaking on the launch, Chintan Bakshi, Partner – Incubation at IIMA Ventures, said,
“The Northeast is home to a vibrant and growing community of entrepreneurs building

solutions that are deeply rooted in local realities while addressing challenges and opportunities at scale. Through the North East Growth Lab, we are committed to helping these founders access the resources, networks, and market opportunities needed to accelerate their growth journeys. The strong outcomes from previous cohorts reaffirm the immense entrepreneurial potential of the region, and we look forward to supporting the next generation of ventures emerging from Northeast India.”
Applications for the third cohort of the North East Growth Lab are now open. Ventures will be evaluated on innovation, scalability, impact potential, and their ability to create sustainable livelihoods and economic opportunities across the region.