SPROUTUP PARTICIPATES IN WORKSHOP ON BUILDINGINNOVATION STARTUP ECOSYSTEM FOR NORTHEAST INDIA

John Elijah Gomar, CEO of SproutUp, Attends Workshop on Building Innovation & Startup Ecosystem for Northeast in Gangtok Gangtok, November 13, 2024 — John Elijah Gomar, the CEO of SproutUp, participated in a pivotal workshop focused on Building Innovation & Startup Ecosystem for North East held at a local hotel in Gangtok, Sikkim, on November 12 and 13, 2024. The event was organized by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Planning and Development Department of Sikkim, gathering policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, and support organizations from across North East India. The two-day workshop sought to address the challenges hindering the development of a thriving startup ecosystem in the region and to foster greater collaboration and innovation. The opening session on November 12 featured influential figures like Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, Mission Director of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) at NITI Aayog, and Mr. Subhrangshu Sanyal, CEO of IMM Calcutta Innovation Park, alongside entrepreneurs and thought leaders from various North Eastern states. John Elijah Gomar’s Contributions and Insights As a leading figure in the startup ecosystem, John Elijah Gomar shared invaluable insights into the evolution of entrepreneurship and innovation. He emphasized the necessity of creating an integrated support system for startups and underscored how SproutUp’s incubation model can contribute significantly to nurturing high-impact ventures across the region. John highlighted the importance of strategic mentorship, resource access, and fostering collaboration—key elements that align with the objectives of the workshop. Key Sessions and Takeaways On the second day of the workshop, Mr. Subhrangshu Sanyal delivered a session on the Startup Ecosystem of North East, offering a deep dive into the region’s unique challenges such as infrastructural gaps, policy constraints, and the need for greater collaboration among stakeholders. A subsequent brainstorming session allowed entrepreneurs from the states of Sikkim, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh to actively present a wide array of innovative startup ideas. This collaborative exchange spurred discussions on Inter- State Innovation & Entrepreneurship Drives, aimed at creating stronger cross-border connections and facilitating knowledge and resource sharing among entrepreneurs. Additionally, the participating North Eastern states presented their initiatives to inspire innovation, particularly within the technology space. The focus was on harnessing the power of innovation to address local challenges and promote economic growth and employment generation. Workshop Goals and Expected Outcomes The workshop was designed with the following expected outcomes:

• A comprehensive understanding of the current policy landscape impacting startups in the North East.
• Enhanced collaboration between startups and policymakers to overcome regional challenges.
• Development of actionable policy recommendations that promote a supportive startup ecosystem.
• Identification of strategies for economic growth and employment generation across the North East.

SproutUp’s Role in the Region’s Startup Ecosystem In alignment with the workshop’s goals, SproutUp will play a key role in collaborating with all stakeholders to strengthen the startup ecosystem in North East India. As part of this initiative, the SproutUp Incubation Council will engage with policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, and other organizations to provide startups with the resources and mentorship they need to thrive. By fostering inter-state collaboration, SproutUp is poised to lead the way in driving innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the region, contributing to a dynamic and sustainable ecosystem. John Elijah Gomar’s participation in this workshop marks a significant milestone in SproutUp’s mission to build a robust network for startups. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to supporting entrepreneurial growth, SproutUp aims to be at the forefront of transforming the startup landscape in North East India, driving innovation, economic progress, and job creation.