Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched the North East Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026 to solve real-world problems. The initiative provides a dedicated platform for the talent, creativity and problem-solving capabilities of the youth of the North East. The programme was launched at a function held at Assam Administrative Staff College in Guwahati on Friday.
Fifty real-world challenges have been identified under the challenge, including forty from government departments and ten from industry organisations. These challenges have emerged from actual problems faced by government departments, industries and citizens.
The Health and Family Welfare Department has brought eight challenges, while the Science and Technology Department has brought challenges involving satellites, drones and artificial intelligence. One hundred and fifty startups will be selected at the Northeast Innovation Conclave in Guwahati in late November. Each selected startup will receive idea-stage support under the Assam Startup Policy.
At the Demo Day in February 2027, the best startup for each challenge will receive a Minimum Viable Product grant of Rs 20 lakhs, while a deep-technology solution will be eligible for a grant of Rs 40 lakhs. Three Memoranda of Understanding were exchanged to strengthen the startup and innovation ecosystem in Assam and the North East. The first MoU was signed between IIM Kolkata Innovation Park and Assam Startup.
The second MoU was between the Software Technology Parks of India and Assam Startup, and the third MoU was signed with India Accelerator for a fund pool of up to Rs 100 crores.