IIMA Ventures, in strategic collaboration with SAP, has launched the North East Growth Lab (NEGL)—a comprehensive platform designed to accelerate 90 startups and social enterprises across Northeast India. Building on the success of the World Bank-supported Assam Agribusiness Growth Lab (AAGL), NEGL will offer catalytic capital, including grants and optionally convertible debt, alongside intensive mentoring, training, and market access.
Spanning all eight northeastern states—Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim—the initiative aims to create ₹100 crore in enterprise value and uplift over 500,000 individuals from low- and middle-income backgrounds. Supported ventures include Dream Hives (honey mead), Greengen (biofertilizer for tea), Fuloni (biodegradable pots), Chezfresco (ready-to-eat food), and Pustikor Foods (Joha rice cookies).
NEGL is anticipated to unlock opportunities for local artisans, agri-entrepreneurs, and green businesses. With growing interest in sustainable products and digital commerce. NEGL will collaborate with key institutions including NABARD, NEDFI, NEHHDC, NERAMAC, and the Ministry of DoNER to drive long-term regional business transformation.
