Reported by Sandeep Sharma
Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Friday inaugurated a state-of-the-art ‘Do It Yourself’ (DIY) Lab at the Arunachal Pradesh Innovation and Investment Park (APIIP) and participated in a Startup Investment Pitching Session organised at the facility.
The newly established DIY Lab has been equipped with advanced product prototyping infrastructure, including 3D printers, electronic tools, food quality testing equipment, and a dedicated branding zone.
The facility has been designed to support startups in experimenting, developing prototypes, and refining products before moving into large-scale manufacturing, thereby improving product quality and market preparedness.
Addressing investors, local high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), startup founders, entrepreneurs, and government officials, Mein welcomed the visiting investors and outlined the transformation witnessed in Arunachal Pradesh over the years.
Reflecting on the achievements of the state’s youth, he said the present generation is progressing with confidence owing to the opportunities, infrastructure, and enabling platforms created by the government to promote learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Referring to APIIP’s vision of creating “job givers instead of job seekers”, Mein recalled his association with the institution since its inception and expressed satisfaction over Arunachal Pradesh being recognised as the Best Performer State in the National Startup Ranking 2025, an award conferred in January 2026.
He congratulated APIIP Chief Executive Officer Tabe Haidar and his team for their efforts in securing the recognition and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the startup ecosystem and positioning Arunachal Pradesh as a preferred destination for innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment.
The Deputy Chief Minister also appreciated the progress achieved under the Ease of Doing Business Single Window Clearance System and stressed the need to integrate all government departments into the platform to ensure seamless services for investors and entrepreneurs.
Acknowledging the rapid expansion of the startup ecosystem in the state, Mein announced that a dedicated new building for APIIP would be taken up in the next financial year to accommodate the growing number of startups and incubation activities.
He also assured that the proposal for establishing a state-sponsored venture fund would receive positive consideration.
Welcoming the Deputy Chief Minister and the investors, APIIP CEO Tabe Haidar described the DIY Lab as a creative innovation hub that would enable students, startup founders, and young entrepreneurs to transform ideas into prototypes and commercially viable products.
He also underlined the vast investment potential of Arunachal Pradesh and urged investors and HNIs to actively support emerging startups.
The Investment Pitching Session brought together leading investors and venture capital representatives, including NEDFi Venture Capital Limited, IIM Ahmedabad Ventures, Alpha Venture, Spotlight SP AIF, Anantan Ecosystem, and AlphaTUB.
The programme was also attended by Jeremy Oliver Fritzhand, CEO of Venture Studio, Ahmedabad University; Tarh Nachung of the Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industries; entrepreneurs Lika Maaj and Yumpi Padu; and representatives of Junior Chamber International (JCI).
During the interaction, investors shared insights and encouragement with aspiring entrepreneurs. Local business leaders appreciated the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure, connectivity, and the overall business environment in the state.
Representatives from NEDFi praised APIIP’s work and described Arunachal Pradesh as having one of the strongest incubation support systems in the Northeast and beyond.
Stakeholders also discussed opportunities and challenges linked to entrepreneurship in the state. A broad consensus emerged on the need for a state-sponsored venture capital fund to accelerate startup growth and improve access to early-stage financing.
As many as 13 startups incubated under APIIP presented their business ideas before the investors.
The programme concluded with an exclusive Startup Investor Networking Session aimed at fostering long-term partnerships, mentorship opportunities, and investment collaborations.
The Arunachal Pradesh government recently launched the fifth edition of the Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Programme (APEDP 5.0) with enhanced programme capacity and seed funding support, enabling more aspiring entrepreneurs to convert innovative ideas into successful enterprises.