Arunachal emerging as strong startup contributor: Pema

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday said that India’s startup ecosystem has witnessed transformational growth over the last decade, with Arunachal Pradesh emerging as a strong and competitive contributor, particularly from the North East.

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Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of Startup Arunachal Day 2026, organised as part of Innovation Month - 10 Years of Startup India by the Department of Planning and Investment, the Chief Minister recalled that the initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016 when the country had a limited number of startups.

He said in the last 10 years, the ecosystem has expanded to over two lakh startups nationwide, with significant participation from Tier-II and Tier-III cities and a growing number of women entrepreneurs. Ithas generated nearly 20 lakh direct jobs across the country. Referring to Arunachal Pradesh’s journey, Khandu said the Arunachal Pradesh Innovation and Investment Park (APIIP) was launched in 2020 during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said the state converted the crisis into an opportunity through collective efforts led by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, the Planning Department and the APIIP team. APIIP has since produced several successful entrepreneurial ventures from the state.