Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma launched the Bana Kaih (Hand Holding) Venture Capital Fund and the Startup Readiness Level (SRL) framework under the Startup Mission, with implementation led by the planning & programme Implementation Department in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The scheme was launched at a function organised to mark National Startup Day – Mizoram Edition at Aijal Club on Wednesday. The event was attended by Dr. Vanlalthlana, Minister for Higher & Technical Education; F. Rodingliana, Minister for Commerce & Industries; and Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister for Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (LESDE).
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stated that for many years Mizoram has had individuals with strong skills and innovative ideas who ventured into entrepreneurship. However, due to lack of adequate support and guidance, many such ventures could not scale up and ideas often failed to translate into reality. Entrepreneurs frequently lacked start-up capital, proper mentorship, and clear pathways to build sustainable and successful enterprises.
The Bana Kaih Venture Capital Fund, he said, has been designed to address these long-standing challenges. He clarified that the fund is neither a grant nor a donation, but an investment based on trust and confidence. It aims to support entrepreneurs with strong growth potential and future prospects, particularly those working on scalable and innovative business models, skill-based and industry-oriented products, and technology-driven enterprises. While financial support helps businesses grow, the Chief Minister emphasized that institutional trust and structured guidance are equally important. In this context, the Startup Readiness Level (SRL) of Mizoram plays a crucial role. He explained that SRL is not merely a record-keeping mechanism but a significant tool to showcase the progress, capability, and seriousness of entrepreneurs and startups in Mizoram.
Through SRL, entrepreneurs will receive official recognition, enabling early-stage and small ventures to become more visible to investors, banks, and large firms. Policymakers will be able to design more reliable and effective schemes using accurate data, while large firms can clearly assess startup activities, sectors, and maturity levels. Overall, SRL will help make Mizoram’s startup ecosystem more transparent, credible, and support-worthy.
