Nine Nagaland startups have secured a total seed funding of ₹1 crore under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), facilitated through the YouthNet Incubation Centre (YIC), a statement from YouthNet informed.
During the funding ceremony, MLA and advisor for Industries and Commerce Hekani Jakhalu stated that the government has “no free money”, only performers will be rewarded and supported. She highlighted the critical role that startups play as trailblazers and role models. She emphasized the need to create tangible success stories that not only inspire others but also help build trust and credibility with financial institutions.
“What makes this announcement remarkable is also the diversity and grit of the entrepreneurs including founders from districts like Shamator and Noklak, as well as entrepreneurs with disabilities, proving that innovation knows no boundaries,” the statement from YouthNet said.
The SISFS initiative aims to provide critical financial assistance for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization.
The startups include Naga Feather Private Limited, Ura Agritech Private Limited, Shihto Integrated Farm Private Limited, Global Connect Music and Films Private Limited, Tsongyam Innovations Private Limited, Craftycrochet Private Limited, Headhunter Leather Crafting Private Limited, Peter and Cecilia Essence Private Limited and Nexuscipherguard India (Opc) Private Limited.
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YouthNet director Nuneseno Chase lauded the courage and commitment of these young companies. “Every startup here carries the hopes of a new Nagaland, one that believes in its potential, invests in homegrown talent, builds locally with pride, and dreams globally with confidence. These entrepreneurs are not just creating companies; they are laying the foundation for a self-reliant and thriving economy,” she said.
Speaking at the event, team leader Startup Nagaland and deputy director Industries and Commerce Keneirienuo K Theunuo shared that a revised Startup Nagaland Policy will soon be unveiled to further empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. “The momentum is real — Nagaland has recorded a 200% growth in startup registrations, the highest in India. The time is now,” she said.
YouthNet associate director Neikepekho Shosahie emphasized the SISFS model’s to potential-driven funding. Under this model, funds are released in milestone-based tranches. Subsequent disbursements are contingent on the achievement of agreed milestones, with provisions for termination in cases of non-performance or ethical practices. Besides the grant fundings, for startups funded through debt or convertible instruments, this model offers early-stage capital without immediate financial burden, ensuring both accountability and growth support. What sets it apart is its milestone-based funding structure released in tranches based on practical progress rather than promises.
Mentors at YouthNet Incubation Centre — Yanpvuo Kikon (Kikonic & Kley Enterprise), Dr. Ditalak Mpanme (Nagaland University), and Lanu Akum Imchen (Cloud Mountain) — encouraged startups to think long-term, build trust, focus on quality, and embrace global standards. Their collective message was that Nagaland’s startups are no longer just local — they’re “world-ready”.
This funding initiative of Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) is a transformative initiative aimed at addressing the critical funding gap for startups during the early stages of growth. The scheme is spearheaded by Startup India, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), ensuring robust evaluation and disbursement through approved incubators, with a focus on transparency and milestone-based funding.
