Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, accompanied by Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog Suman Kumar Bery, inaugurated the Integrated Business Hub & Innovation Center (IBHIC) at Forest Colony in Dimapur.
The event, held on Wednesday witnessed the presence of Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang and Advisor to CM and Chairman of Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland, Abu Metha.
In his keynote address, Chief Minister Rio emphasised that the new facility would create opportunities and platforms for Naga entrepreneurs, innovators, and youths. He expressed hope that the hub would reflect the energy and ambitions of the educated youth, facilitating their motivational skilling.
Rio shared the government’s commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment, as evidenced by the conceptualisation and implementation of the Integrated Business Hub.
Rio highlighted the initiative’s focus on streamlining administrative procedures, promoting transparency, and providing quick support to investors. He emphasised the importance of meaningful discussions to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes, urging stakeholders to engage constructively in the resolution process.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to prioritising startups, entrepreneurs, and investors interested in investing in Nagaland. He encouraged collaborations between local talent and investors to promote innovation and seize untapped opportunities.
Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, Mission Director of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, lauded the opening of the hub as a significant step for Nagaland. He projected substantial growth in startups over the next three years, with each startup expected to generate five jobs. Dr. Vaishnav commended Naga women, highlighting that 47% of startups are led by women.
Suman Kumar Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, described the hub as a catalyst for creating opportunities for innovators, entrepreneurs, and youths in Nagaland. He emphasised the importance of training programs to enhance technical and job-related skills, making youths more employable.
Deputy Chief Minister T.R Zeliang hailed the inauguration of IBHIC as a significant milestone in Nagaland’s economic and innovative transformation. He expressed confidence that the hub would foster innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, empowering the youth and driving economic growth.
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During the inaugural function, seven projects were launched, including the Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre and Capacity Building Training for NGOs by CII. Additionally, four Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to further promote education, skill development, and entrepreneurship in Nagaland.
The event, chaired by Development Commissioner Nagaland R. Ramakrishnan, concluded with a vote of thanks by Joint Secretary of IDAN Reny Wilfred, and a dedicatory prayer by Rev. Dr. Wati Aier.
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