Nagaland: CM Rio launches NEIF 2035 to empower 10,000 entrepreneurs

Nagaland chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Monday launched the flagship initiative Nagaland Entrepreneurship Impact Forward (NEIF) 2035, aimed at driving a decade-long economic transformation through entrepreneurship and community-led growth, during the 63rd Statehood Day celebration at Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza, Kohima.
Announcing the launch, Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio said NEIF 2035 will support 10,000 entrepreneurs and create 50,000 livelihoods by 2035 through focused sector development and integrated investments in green energy, logistics, and skills.
To formalise the collaborative framework, a Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed between the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Nagaland, YouthNet, and Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME).
The initiative will pilot interventions in priority sectors including honey, coffee, chilli, crafts, and eco-tourism, while strengthening clean energy access, logistics networks, and design and skills development under the Naturally Nagaland platform.
Speaking on the occasion, Ravi Venkatesan, founder of GAME, said the partnership reflects the power of collaborative ecosystems to unlock local potential and create inclusive economic growth. He added that NEIF 2035 builds on GAME’s District Entrepreneurship Mission and will empower Nagaland’s entrepreneurs with resources and support to build sustainable, high-impact enterprises.
NEIF 2035 envisions placing authenticity, quality, and sustainability at the core of Nagaland’s economic future, positioning the state as a national model for community-owned, design-rich, and climate-positive enterprise development.
YouthNet is a Dimapur-based non-profit organisation working to empower youth through education, employment, entrepreneurship, and livelihood. It promotes inclusive development and strengthens capacities of women, youth, and marginalised groups through government, industry, and community collaboration.
Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME) is a national ecosystem enabler committed to nurturing mass entrepreneurship through program development, policy advocacy, and capacity building. GAME focuses on women’s entrepreneurship and place-based MSME interventions, addressing challenges in finance, markets, and regulation.