Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday announced plans to launch a state-level technology and innovation competition aimed at encouraging students and young entrepreneurs to develop practical solutions to some of the state’s most pressing challenges.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of a 50 KW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Plant at St Mary’s Higher Secondary School.
Addressing students, educators and guests, Sangma said the competition, expected to be launched within the next one to two months, would focus on identifying innovative solutions to issues such as electricity supply, waste management, water accessibility and healthcare.
“The challenge to our youngsters is simple—find solutions to problems,” the Chief Minister said. “Technology is already available. What is required is the ability to combine different technologies and adapt them to local realities and constraints.”
He encouraged participants to leverage existing technologies, conduct research, collaborate with entrepreneurs and develop scalable solutions capable of addressing real-world challenges in Meghalaya.
Unlike conventional business plan competitions, the proposed initiative will focus on problem-solving and implementation. The state government plans to provide financial support to selected ideas and help transform them into viable startups.
“We will fund those startups and individuals who come up with solutions. We will support them in implementing their ideas and help them grow into sustainable businesses,” Sangma said.
The Chief Minister revealed that the funding involved would be substantial, with top projects potentially receiving investments worth several crores of rupees.
“I’m talking about good money. Not ₹10,000 or ₹20,000. I’m talking about crores that we are going to invest. The first prize itself could amount to ₹2-3 crore or even more. We are still working on the final figures,” he said.
According to Sangma, the government intends to select at least five to ten of the most promising ideas and provide large-scale support for their implementation.
He said the initiative is designed not only to solve local challenges but also to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among Meghalaya’s youth.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Sangma noted that aspiring entrepreneurs often lacked adequate support in the past.
“Many of us had ideas when we were young, but we didn’t always have the support system we needed. Today, we are in a position to provide that opportunity to the younger generation,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that the competition could become an annual event, creating a long-term platform to nurture innovation and develop solutions with lasting benefits for the state.
In his address, Sangma also spoke about the challenges faced by young people in an increasingly competitive and distraction-filled world. He urged students to remain grounded in values, family and faith while pursuing their ambitions.
“Work hard, stay humble and never allow success to get to your head,” he told the students. “If you can remain humble in life, you’ve already completed half the journey towards success.”
The announcement coincided with the inauguration of the solar power project at the school, an initiative aimed at promoting renewable energy adoption and sustainability within educational institutions across the state.
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