The inaugural programme of the two-day, “SRF 5.0 Knowledge Exchange Workshop” (Nagaland Edition)” hosted by Department of Industry and Commerce, Kohima in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Ministries of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, was held at Banquet Hall, Hotel Vivor, Kohima on March 10, 2025.
The States’ Startup Ranking is a yearly capacity building exercise created and released by DPIIT that evaluates all of India’s states and Union Territories on their efforts to build an ecosystem conducive to startup growth.
Addressing the gathering, advisor of Industries and Commerce Hekani Jakhalu said that India currently ranks third globally in startups, attributing this achievement to the collective efforts of representatives from various states and union territories who have helped position the country on the global map.
In Nagaland, she informed that the concept of entrepreneurship was relatively new and in 2013, the state government launched a program aimed at changing young people’s mindsets and introducing them to entrepreneurship.
To engage and inspire youths, she said innovative programs were introduced to help them view entrepreneurship not as a second choice but as a viable and promising career path. One such initiative was the program titled “Who Will Rajiv Chandrasekhar Choose?”, supported by the Nagaland government, which has successfully captured the attention of young people.
Reflecting on the current rankings, she expressed concern that Nagaland has remained in the “aspiring leadership” category for three consecutive years. However, she remained optimistic, that this workshop organized by DPIIT would encourage and motivate stakeholders to work towards improving their rankings.
She emphasized that such programs facilitate knowledge exchange and experiential learning, which remain valuable throughout life and can lead to meaningful collaborations.
She described the workshop as an opportunity for networking, fostering relationships, and strengthening bonds, noting that networking has played a key role in India’s current success.
She also highlighted that the program presents an opportunity for the entire North Eastern region to come together, learn from one another, and strengthen their collective growth.
Hekani also extended her appreciation to Amardeep Singh Bhatia, secretary of DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, for approving and supporting the initiative in Nagaland.
Earleir, director, DPIIT Dr. Sumeet Jarangal, delivered the keynote address, welcome address by director, department of Industries & Commerce P. Tokugha Sema.
Team Leader, Startup Nagaland deputy director, Department of Industries and Commerce, Keneirienuo T Zatsu highlighted on the journey of Nagaland Startup Ecosystem.