IIMA Ventures, SAP Select 25 Startups for Second Northeast Growth Lab Cohort
IIMA Ventures and SAP India launch the second Northeast Growth Lab cohort, supporting 25 startups.
IIMA Ventures and SAP Launch Second Cohort
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IIMA Ventures and SAP India have launched the second cohort of the Northeast Growth Lab (NEGL), supporting 25 startups from the Northeast. The programme began with a three-day bootcamp in Guwahati from August 10–12, 2026.
The cohort includes startups from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. The ventures operate across agriculture, food processing, climate, livelihoods, biotechnology, financial inclusion and technology.
The startups are developing sustainable materials, IoT-based solutions, smart agriculture technologies, waste-based circular economy models, and rural livelihood solutions using traditional crafts and natural fibres. IIMA Ventures and SAP India evaluated the startups on innovation, scalability, impact potential and their ability to create sustainable livelihoods and economic opportunities.
The programme provides mentorship, access to funding networks, market opportunities and business expertise. The bootcamp covered business models, go-to-market strategies, team planning, AI adoption, customer profiling and unit economics through panel discussions, knowledge sessions and workshops.
Chintan Bakshi, Partner – Incubation at IIMA Ventures, said, “The Northeast is home to a vibrant and growing community of entrepreneurs building solutions that are deeply rooted in local realities while addressing challenges and opportunities at scale. Through the North East Growth Lab, we are committed to helping these founders access the resources, networks, and market opportunities needed to accelerate their growth journeys.”
The first NEGL cohort supported 41 social enterprises, with 31 receiving a combined INR 2.38 crore in grants and investments. These ventures later raised another INR 2.29 crore through grants, debt and equity. The cohort generated more than 44 business opportunities and 27 commercial engagements.
Rahul Baheti, India Growth Officer, SAP Indian Subcontinent, said, “At SAP we believe that building a stronger innovation ecosystem requires collaboration and access to the right opportunities. The North East Growth Lab reflects our continued commitment to strengthening India’s entrepreneurial landscape by enabling founders with access to mentorship, market access, and business networking.”
IIMA Ventures and SAP India have launched the second cohort of the Northeast Growth Lab (NEGL), supporting 25 startups from the Northeast. The programme began with a three-day bootcamp in Guwahati from August 10–12, 2026.
The cohort includes startups from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. The ventures operate across agriculture, food processing, climate, livelihoods, biotechnology, financial inclusion and technology.
The startups are developing sustainable materials, IoT-based solutions, smart agriculture technologies, waste-based circular economy models, and rural livelihood solutions using traditional crafts and natural fibres. IIMA Ventures and SAP India evaluated the startups on innovation, scalability, impact potential and their ability to create sustainable livelihoods and economic opportunities.
