ITANAGAR, Jun 19: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Friday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Do It Yourself (DIY) Lab at the Arunachal Pradesh Innovation and Investment Park (APIIP) here and attended a Startup Investment Pitching Session aimed at strengthening the state's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The newly established facility is equipped with advanced product prototyping infrastructure, including 3D printers, electronic tools, food quality testing equipment and a dedicated branding zone. The lab is designed to help startups develop and refine prototypes before scaling up to commercial production, thereby improving product quality and market readiness.
Addressing a gathering of investors, local high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), startup founders, entrepreneurs and government officials, Mein welcomed the visiting investors and highlighted Arunachal Pradesh's transformation in recent years.
He said the state's youth are progressing with confidence due to the opportunities, infrastructure and enabling platforms created by the government to promote learning, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Referring to APIIP's vision of creating "job givers instead of job seekers," the Deputy Chief Minister recalled his association with the institution since its inception and expressed pride over Arunachal Pradesh being recognized as the Best Performer State in the National Startup Ranking 2025, an award conferred in January this year.
Congratulating APIIP and its CEO Tabe Haidar along with his team, Mein credited their dedication and sustained efforts for the achievement. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to further strengthening the startup ecosystem and positioning Arunachal Pradesh as a preferred destination for innovation, entrepreneurship and investment.
The Deputy Chief Minister also lauded the progress made under the Ease of Doing Business Single Window Clearance System and stressed the need to integrate all government departments into the platform to ensure seamless service delivery for investors and entrepreneurs.
Recognizing the rapid expansion of startup activities in the state, Mein announced that a dedicated new building for APIIP would be taken up in the next financial year to accommodate the increasing number of startups and incubation programmes. He also assured that the proposal for establishing a state-sponsored venture fund would receive positive consideration.
Welcoming the Deputy Chief Minister and investors, APIIP CEO Tabe Haidar described the DIY Lab as a creative innovation hub that would empower students, startup founders and young entrepreneurs to transform ideas into prototypes and commercially viable products. He also highlighted the state's vast investment potential and called upon investors and HNIs to support emerging startups.
The investment pitching session witnessed participation from several leading investors and venture capital firms, including NEDFi Venture Capital Limited, IIM Ahmedabad Ventures, Alpha Venture, Spotlight SP AIF, Anantan Ecosystem and AlphaTUB.
Among others present were Jeremy Oliver Fritzhand, CEO of Venture Studio, Ahmedabad University; Dr Tarh Nachung from Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industries; prominent entrepreneurs Lika Maaj and Yumpi Padu, and representatives of Junior Chamber International (JCI).
During the interaction, investors shared insights and guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs, while local business leaders appreciated the government's efforts in improving infrastructure, connectivity and the overall business climate in the state. Representatives from NEDFi commended APIIP, describing Arunachal Pradesh as one of the strongest startup incubation ecosystems in the Northeast.
Stakeholders also discussed opportunities and challenges facing entrepreneurs in the state. A strong consensus emerged on the need for a state-sponsored venture capital fund to accelerate startup growth and improve access to early-stage financing.
A total of 13 startups incubated under APIIP presented their business ideas before investors.
The programme concluded with an exclusive Startup Investor Networking Session aimed at fostering long-term partnerships, mentorship opportunities and investment collaborations.
The state government recently launched the fifth edition of the Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Programme (APEDP 5.0) with enhanced programme capacity and increased seed funding support, enabling more aspiring entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into successful enterprises.