Chief Minister Pema Khandu highlights success of APEDP, announces vision for permanent APIIP campus

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh is fast emerging as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, with the state government reinforcing its commitment to nurturing young talent. Chief Minister Pema Khandu, in a Facebook post, shared that 40 startups successfully graduated, 50 more secured seed funding, and seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with leading universities and colleges to establish dedicated startup cells.

All these milestones came together at the 4th Edition of the Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Programme (APEDP), which included the Graduation Ceremony for Cohort 3, Prize Distribution for Cohort 4, and the MoU Signing Ceremony.

Building a Vibrant Startup Culture

Launched in 2020, the APEDP has steadily evolved into a cornerstone of the state’s startup ecosystem. Under the initiative, the Arunachal Pradesh Innovation and Investment Park (APIIP) has played a pivotal role in mentoring entrepreneurs, providing seed funding, and creating a collaborative platform for innovation.

“In just four years, we have supported 106 startups and disbursed more than Rs 4.5 crore in seed funding. What began as a vision is now a vibrant ecosystem of innovation,” Khandu noted in his post.

The graduation of 40 startups marks a significant milestone, while the 50 fresh recipients of seed funding demonstrate the growing interest of young entrepreneurs in the state. The seven new MoUs with universities and colleges are expected to institutionalize entrepreneurship, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the right support and resources.

Future Roadmap: A Permanent APIIP Campus

Looking ahead, the government is planning a world-class permanent campus for APIIP, aimed at providing state-of-the-art facilities and a sustainable ecosystem for startups. Additionally, through the Youth Empowerment Service (YES) Arunachal initiative, the state aims to expand opportunities for young people across all districts.

A Model for Northeastern India

The APEDP’s achievements have positioned Arunachal Pradesh as a model for other Northeastern states seeking to foster homegrown innovation. By bridging government support, academic partnerships, and private enterprise, the initiative is setting the stage for long-term economic transformation.

Conclusion

With consistent support, strategic partnerships, and a clear roadmap, Arunachal Pradesh is building not just startups, but a future-ready generation of entrepreneurs. As the permanent campus for APIIP takes shape, the state is poised to become a driving force for innovation in the Northeast.