October 3, 2023, Tura, Meghalaya – The Megha Start-up Expo 2023 kicked off with a blend of excitement and inspiration, inaugurated by Meghalaya’s Education Minister, Shri Rakkam A Sangma. Hosted by the BioNEST Bio-Incubator at NEHU in collaboration with PRIME Startup Meghalaya and BRTC KIIT-TBI, Odisha, this event took place at NEHU’s Tura campus from October 3 to October 5.
Shri. Rakkam Sangma was joined by a panel of esteemed guests including Dr. B.K. Mishra (NEHU), Shri Kitt Miller Sangma (NABARD), Dr. Mrutyunjay Suar (KIIT University), Dr. P.K.S. Sarma (BIRAC), Prof. P.S. Shukla (Vice Chancellor, NEHU), and Aditya Sen (PRIME Startup Hub), each offering insights into how entrepreneurship can shape the future for Meghalaya’s students, budding entrepreneurs, and local communities.
Tapping into Meghalaya’s Potential
In his opening speech, Shri Rakkam A Sangma praised NEHU’s BioNEST Facility for their vision in organizing this expo, which supports not only students but also those embarking on their entrepreneurial journeys. He emphasized the resources Meghalaya has to offer, noting that the state needs “visionaries to unlock its full potential.” Shri Sangma highlighted Meghalaya’s youth as the state’s most valuable asset, filled with ideas and ambitions that can push Meghalaya to new heights.
After the inaugural ceremony, Shri Sangma visited each of the 75 stalls, engaging with entrepreneurs to understand their businesses and discussing ways the government could support them.
Megha Start-up Expo 2023: A Platform for Diverse Innovation
This year’s expo brought together a mix of start-ups, agripreneurs, rural entrepreneurs, and innovators, each eager to showcase their work. The stalls were organized into themed sections, including:
- Pavilion Agripreneurship
- Pavilion New Foot Falling
- Pavilion Food & Beverage Point
- Pavilion Stay Up & Explore
The expo gave entrepreneurs a chance to introduce their products, services, and ideas, creating a space for learning, inspiration, and connection.
A Closer Look at NEHU’s BioNEST Bio-Incubator (B3I) Facility
Established in 2021 at NEHU’s Tura campus, BIRAC’s BioNEST Bio-Incubator (B3I) facility is dedicated to nurturing innovation, especially in fields like agriculture, food processing, nutrition, and biotechnology. B3I offers a comprehensive support system for entrepreneurs—helping them from the initial idea stage through prototype development, scaling, and commercialization. It also offers skill-building programs and hands-on training to rural entrepreneurs, helping them create sustainable businesses that make the most of North-East India’s indigenous resources.
Looking Ahead
The Megha Start-up Expo 2023 is more than just a showcase—it’s a movement for progress, empowerment, and sustainability in Meghalaya. With supportive programs like PRIME and the dedication of the government, Meghalaya is primed for a promising future in entrepreneurship, with an expanding network of passionate innovators ready to make an impact.
