Maine inaugurated a DIY lab at APIIP, boosting startup growth through innovation.
ITANAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Friday inaugurated the 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 organised at the APIIP.
The newly established DIY lab is equipped with advanced product prototyping facilities, including 3D printers, electronic tools, food quality testing equipment, and a dedicated branding zone. The facilities have been designed to help startups experiment, develop prototypes, and refine theirproducts before entering large-scale manufacturing, thereby enhancing product quality and market readiness.
Addressing a gathering of investors, local high net worth individuals (HNIs), startup founders, entrepreneurs, and government officials, Mein highlighted the remarkable transformation of Arunachal Pradesh over the years.
Reflecting on the progress of the state’s youths, the DCM said that the present generation is moving forward with confidence due to the opportunities, infrastructure, and enabling platforms created by the government for learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Referring to the APIIP’s guiding vision of nurturing ‘job givers instead of job seekers’, he recalled his association with the institution since its inception, and expressed pride in Arunachal being recognised as the best performer state in the National Startup Ranking 2025 – the award which was conferred in January 2026.
Congratulating the APIIP, its Chief Executive Officer Tabe Haidar and his team, Mein acknowledged the team’s dedication and sustained efforts that led to the prestigious recognition. The DCM reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the startup ecosystem and positioning Arunachal as a preferred destination for innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment.
The DCM also commended the progress achieved under the ‘ease of doing business single-window clearance system’, and emphasised the need for all government departments to be integrated into the platform to ensure seamless service delivery for investors and entrepreneurs.
Recognising the rapid growth of the startup ecosystem in the state, he announced that a dedicated new building for the APIIP would be taken up in the next financial year to accommodate the increasing number of startups and incubation activities.
The DCM further assured that the proposal for establishing a state-sponsored venture fund would be examined positively.
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 immense investment potential of the state, and called upon investors and HNIs to actively support emerging startups.
The investment pitching session witnessed participation from leading investors and venture capital representatives, including the NEDFi Venture Capital Limited, IIM Ahmedabad Ventures, Alpha Venture, Spotlight SP AIF, Anantan Ecosystem, and AlphaTUB.
Also present were Jeremy Oliver Fritzhand, CEO of Venture Studio, Ahmedabad University, Dr Tarh Nachung from the Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industries, prominent entrepreneurs Likha Maaj and Yumpi Padu, and representatives of Junior Chamber International.
During the interaction, investors shared valuable insights and motivational messages for aspiring entrepreneurs. Local business leaders appreciated the government’s efforts in improving infrastructure, connectivity, and the overall business environment in the state.
Representatives from the NEDFi commended the APIIP, describing Arunachal as having one of the strongest incubation support systems in the Northeastern region and beyond.
The stakeholders deliberated also on the opportunities and challenges associated with entrepreneurship in the state. A strong consensus emerged on the importance of establishing a state sponsored venture capital fund to accelerate startup growth and facilitate access to early stage financing.
A total of 13 startups incubated under the APIIP presented their business ideas before the investors.
An exclusive ‘startup investor networking session’ was held, aiming at fostering long-term partnerships, mentorship opportunities, and investment collaborations before the end of the programme.
The state government recently launched the 5th edition of the Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Programme (APEDP-5.0) with significant enhancements in programme capacity and seed funding support, enabling a larger number of aspiring entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into successful enterprises.
