SPROUTUP AT ADVANTAGE ASSAM 2 0 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR STARTUPS
I had the privilege of representing SproutUp Incubation Council at Advantage Assam 2.0, a premier investment and infrastructure summit held in Guwahati on February 25-26, 2025. As the Chief Technology Evangelist, I was excited to explore the latest developments in Assam’s economic landscape and engage with key stakeholders shaping its future.
The event, graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, foreign diplomats, and business leaders from over 60 countries, focused on attracting investments and accelerating industrial growth. Throughout the summit, I attended multiple sessions, B2G (Business-to-Government) meetings, and had the opportunity to assist my friend Manash Pratim Kakati, founder of Qoptars, in showcasing his pioneering drone technology to visitors in the exhibition hall.
In this article, I’ll share key insights from the event based on my technical expertise, which I believe will be valuable for startups looking to scale and innovate.
Key Takeaways from Advantage Assam 2.0
What Kind of Technology Startups Were Exhibited at the Event?
Walking through the exhibition halls, I was eager to see what tech startups from North East India were bringing to the table. The event had four exhibition halls, each hosting over 20 MSMEs across various domains. Hall 1 was dedicated to large-scale companies, while the remaining three focused on medium and small-scale startups.
To my surprise, aside from Hall 1, there were very few tech startups in the exhibition. Most startups were consumer-focused, offering physical products rather than deep-tech solutions. However, among the tech startups present, I noticed some exciting innovations—drone companies specializing in agriculture, surveillance, and defense, geospatial startups, VR-based tourism ventures, and even satellite-based companies.
One sector that stood out was Agritech—there was a clear emphasis on technology-driven agricultural solutions aimed at improving productivity and sustainability in farming. This reaffirmed my belief that agriculture and technology can co-exist to drive economic transformation in the region.
Did Advantage Assam Benefit Small Tech Companies?
Absolutely. Events like Advantage Assam create the perfect environment for startups to gain visibility and attract serious investors. I had the chance to connect with numerous tech companies, entrepreneurs, and potential clients, both domestic and international.
One of the best things I observed was how actively engaged international buyers and local businesses were. Contracts were being signed, partnerships were forming, and real business was happening on the ground. I even helped my friend Manash Pratim Kakati, founder of Qoptars, in showcasing his drone technology—seeing potential clients and government officials take genuine interest in his work was inspiring.
For startups, networking is everything. Advantage Assam 2.0 was not just a showcase—it was a launchpad for many tech businesses to build relationships, find clients, and explore new markets.
What Are the Employment Opportunities for North East Residents in Tech Companies?
One of the most promising developments was the number of MoUs signed between the Assam Government and tech companies to expand their operations in the region. This directly translates to job creation, which is crucial for the local economy.
Even Qoptars pledged to create 50 new jobs, and I expect many more companies to follow suit. A major highlight was the government’s plan to establish a semiconductor plant, which could revolutionize employment opportunities in the region.
Additionally, new biomanufacturing policies and biofoundry initiatives were introduced, encouraging cutting-edge startups to establish themselves in the North East. If implemented effectively, this could position Assam as a major tech hub in the coming years.
How Will the Act East Policy Help Tech Startups Scale and Reduce the Import Cost of Equipment?
One of the biggest hurdles for tech startups in India—especially in North East India is the high cost of importing technology and equipment. This is where the Act East Policy plays a crucial role.
During the “Act East, Act Fast, and Act First” session, Mr. Simon Wong, High Commissioner of Singapore, discussed plans for a new transport facility that would allow faster exports from North East India to Singapore and other ASEAN countries. The key takeaway? Better logistics will reduce import costs, making it easier for startups to scale.
If these plans materialize, startups in North East India will have access to cheaper raw materials, improved trade networks, and faster growth opportunities. This is a game-changer for tech entrepreneurs in the region.
What Is the Present and Future of Tech Startups in North East India?
Right now, the tech startup landscape in North East India is heavily dominated by Agritech. While this is great for agriculture, I noticed a significant gap in other key sectors like SaaS, EdTech, HealthTech, AI, Cybersecurity, and Blockchain.
I believe the region must diversify into deep-tech sectors if it wants to build a globally competitive startup ecosystem. Some startups have already begun exploring VR-based tourism, which is an exciting niche, but more needs to be done.
Looking ahead, I see massive potential in fields like biomanufacturing, semiconductor manufacturing, and AI-driven solutions. However, the lack of competition in AI, cybersecurity, and SaaS presents a huge opportunity for any startup willing to take the leap. The first-movers in these sectors will have a clear advantage.
Final Thoughts
Advantage Assam 2.0 was more than just an investment summit—it was a glimpse into the future of North East India’s economic and technological transformation. The Indian government is serious about making Guwahati a major city, with ambitious plans to develop it into a tech-driven hub comparable to Delhi or Hyderabad by 2047.
For entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and innovators, this is a golden opportunity. The foundations are being laid for a thriving startup ecosystem, and those who seize the moment now will be the ones shaping the future.
At SproutUp, our mission is to support and nurture startups, and I left the summit more motivated than ever to help build the next generation of tech leaders from North East India.
Article by
Gowtham Siddartha Chief Technology Evangelist
