Chief Minister, Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio along with Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Suman Kumar Bery inaugurated the Integrated Business Hub & Innovation Center (IBHIC) at Forest Colony, Dimapur on March 13, informed DIPR. The inauguration was also graced by Deputy Chief Minister, T.R Zeliang, and Advisor to C.M and Chairman, Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland, Abu Metha,.
Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio in his keynote address said that new facility will create opportunities and platforms for Naga entrepreneurs, innovators and the youths. The Chief Minister also expressed confidence that the hub will reflect the energy and ambitions of the youths, who are educated but require motivational skilling. “We must embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment and with this vision in mind, the government have conceptualized and brought to life the Integrated Business Hub, a dynamic platform designed to facilitate and support investors, start-ups, and entrepreneurs alike,” said Rio who also mentioned that the focus of the initiative is to streamline administrative procedures, promote transparency & provide quick support to investors. Through a single-point coordination strategy, the Hub aim to simplify processes and create an environment that fosters growth and opportunity for all.
Stating that priority will be given to Start-ups, entrepreneurs, and investors who are eager to invest in Nagaland, Rio encouraged collaborations between local talent and investors to promote innovation and seize untapped opportunities and also create opportunities for retail, food courts, corporate offices, marketing fronts for PSUs as well as innovative enterprises amongst other verticals.
“IDAN and other relevant government departments will ensure seamless transition to permanent locations for investors and will provide essential support services, including legal assistance, information on local business practices and access to vital resources,” said Rio.
Rio further thanked the investors and companies expressing interest in the vision of Nagaland’s economic growth and urged all stakeholders to join hands in making Nagaland a magnet for investment, innovation, and economic growth.
Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, in his short speech said that opening of the hub is a giant step for Nagaland and he projected that in three years, Nagaland will grow five times in Start-ups. He also informed that a single start-up will generate/create five jobs. Applauding the Naga women, Dr. Vaishnav mentioned that 47 percent Start-ups are led by women. “One should focus on skill and entrepreneurship and agriculture output and should be community structured,” advised the Mission Director who also maintained that Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) Nagaland will be connected to the whole Nation.
Speaking during the inauguration, Suman Kumar Bery Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, said that NITI Aayog has helped Nagaland in implementing various capacities building programme.
“The Hub will act as a catalyst and create opportunities to innovators, entrepreneurs and youths of Nagaland,” said Kumar adding that the hub will bring sustainable development and hoped that it will focus on trainings which will enhance technical and job-related skills, making the youths more employable.
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Deputy Chief Minister, T.R Zeliang during his greetings said that the inauguration of the Integrated Business Hub and Innovation Centre (IBHIC) in Dimapur marks a significant milestone in the journey of Nagaland’s economic and innovative transformation. He said that such initiatives as opening of IBHIC will foster innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship and will be the engine which will propel towards a brighter future empowering the youth and will unleash the full potential of Nagaland’s economy.
Zeliang said that the State aims to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary tools, resources, and guidance to transform their ideas into impactful ventures which will have a sustainable growth and create meaningful opportunities. According to Zeliang, the Hub is a testament to the unwavering resolve to harness innovation as a catalyst for socio-economic development and empowerment. “Especially for the youths, who have grappled with opportunities and limited avenues for realizing their dreams and aspirations, IBHIC will now serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity, empowering them to chart their own path towards success and prosperity,” stated Zeliang.
During the inaugural function seven projects were launched namely, Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC); Capacity Building Training for NGOs by CII; Innovation and Start-up Training for Entrepreneurs; Start-ups Podcast initiative; Launch of SCK, Dimapur; Entrepreneurs Networking Station and Education & Skill Loan Facilitation Centre, and also four Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) were signed namely: Tandem Global Consulting Pvt Ltd and Government of Nagaland; Emporium Training & Consultancy Private Limited, powered by Eagle Crest Training Academy & Consultancy, Vikiye Colony and Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland; IDAN and SBI for Education loan, skill development loan and entrepreneurs loan, and My start up TV with Hills FM and IDAN for establishment of media project in Nagaland.
The programme was chaired by Development Commissioner Nagaland, R. Ramakrishnan, IAS, and vote of thanks was pronounced by Joint Secretary, IDAN, Reny Wilfred, IAS while the dedicatory prayer was pronounced by Rev. Dr. Wati Aier.
