Guwahati, 25 September (HS): Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday launched the North East Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026 (NESFIC)–Ashtalakshmi for Viksit Bharat, aimed at creating a platform for young innovators in the Northeast to develop technology-driven solutions to real-world problems.

The initiative was launched at the Assam Administrative Staff College as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan 2026, commemorating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years of public service.

Speaking at the programme, Sarma said NESFIC seeks to establish a new relationship between the government, young innovators and society by enabling startups to identify problems, develop practical solutions and take them towards actual implementation.

Under NESFIC, 50 real-world challenges have been identified, including 40 from government departments and 10 from industry organisations. The challenges cover areas such as healthcare, flood management, agriculture, urban drainage, satellite technology, drones and artificial intelligence.

The Health and Family Welfare Department has identified eight challenges, including early detection of pregnancy-induced hypertension, improving access to obstetric ultrasound in remote areas, infection control in labour rooms, faster identification of sick newborns and early detection of congenital deformities.

The Science and Technology Department has proposed challenges involving crop-health monitoring, wetland mapping, detection of encroachment on government land and the development of a digital twin for flood management and early warning.

Sarma said NESFIC would also seek to address the difficulties faced by startups in accessing government markets, with the government potentially becoming the first customer for innovative solutions. He said the initiative would provide young innovators with real problems, testing environments, development support and a pathway towards actual customers.

As part of the roadmap, 150 startups will be selected at the Northeast Innovation Conclave in Guwahati in late November, with three startups shortlisted for each of the 50 challenges. Selected startups will receive idea-stage support under the Assam Startup Policy, along with mentoring and access to relevant data and testing sites.

At the Demo Day in February 2027, the best startup for each challenge will receive an MVP grant of ₹20 lakh, while deep-technology solutions will be eligible for grants of up to ₹40 lakh.

The Chief Minister said the Northeast could emerge as an important living laboratory for technology and problem-solving, with solutions developed in Assam potentially finding applications elsewhere in the country.

He also urged engineering colleges, polytechnics, ITIs and other higher educational institutions across the Northeast to participate actively in NESFIC, stressing that startups can emerge from college workshops, laboratories and hostel rooms.

Three MoUs were also exchanged during the programme to strengthen the startup and innovation ecosystem. The first was between IIM Kolkata Innovation Park and Assam Startup for a three-year cohort-based accelerator programme. The second, between STPI and Assam Startup, will facilitate the establishment of a Centre of Entrepreneurship in Guwahati with incubation, emerging-technology laboratories and industry access.

The third agreement with India Accelerator envisages a fund pool of up to ₹100 crore for startups from the Northeast, with Assam Startup serving as the Enablement and Knowledge Partner.

Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, TSAT Head of Manufacturing Excellence and Operations Tim McIntosh, and several representatives from industry and academia attended the programme.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash