Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced a significant expansion of the Arunachal Pradesh Innovation and Investment Park (APIIP) during the graduation ceremony for the incubator's latest startup cohorts. In a landmark development, APIIP became India's first state-run incubator to implement artificial intelligence for screening startup applications.
Major Announcements
- 50 new startups selected through AI-based screening process (Cohort 4.0)
- Physical expansion planned — new facility or additional rented space to accommodate more entrepreneurs
- 7 MoUs signed with educational institutions for campus startup mentorship cells
- YES Arunachal (Youth Empowerment Sphere) digital platform launched
The current capacity of APIIP is not enough. We want to ensure every aspiring entrepreneur has access to the right ecosystem. We need to create opportunities for many more. Our youth are full of ideas — all they need is a platform. — Chief Minister Pema Khandu
Academic Partnerships
APIIP signed MoUs with seven premier educational institutions to establish startup mentorship cells on campuses:
- Arunachal Pradesh University, Pasighat
- Arunachal University of Studies, Namsai
- Dorjee Khandu Government College, Tawang
- Dera Natung Government College, Itanagar
- NERIST, Nirjuli
- NIT, Jote
- Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh
APIIP Track Record
Since its establishment in August 2020, APIIP has built an impressive track record:
- 106 startups supported across three cohorts
- Over Rs 4.5 crore disbursed in seed funding
- 38% of funded ventures are led by women entrepreneurs
- Ventures span agriculture, handicrafts, e-commerce, IT, and tourism
- Knowledge partner: IIM Calcutta Innovation Park
- Mentors from IIT Delhi and IIM Shillong
At the ceremony, Cohort 3.0 startups received graduation certificates while Cohort 4.0 participants received their prize money. The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, cabinet ministers, Startup India representatives, and mentors from premier institutions.
The YES Arunachal platform provides a unified digital gateway for youth to access government schemes for skill development, innovation, and employment — further strengthening the state's commitment to building a robust entrepreneurship ecosystem.
