North East Growth Lab 2026
IIMA Ventures & SAP offer grants up to ₹5L, mentorship, and market access for early-stage startups from North East India.
- Funding amount
- ₹5L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IIMA Ventures (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closes today
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The North East Growth Lab (NEGL) is a transformative initiative launched by IIMA Ventures in collaboration with SAP. Its goal is to energise the entrepreneurial landscape across all eight North Eastern states: Sikkim, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur. The programme provides a holistic support system combining catalytic grants, intensive mentoring, and dedicated efforts to open up market connections.
NEGL specifically targets early-stage startups that are building scalable, innovative solutions in sectors like agriculture, climate tech, clean tech, health tech, sustainable tourism, fintech, edtech, and traditional crafts and livelihoods. Beyond funding, the programme is designed to build entrepreneurial capacity through hands-on workshops, expert-led reviews, and strategic business development assistance. Ultimately, the lab aims to strengthen the regional startup ecosystem and create lasting economic opportunities for local talent.
Startups that have already received grants, awards, or equity funding are welcome to apply. The programme does not take equity – the grant is non-dilutive.
Highlights
- Grants up to ₹5 lakh
- 3-day intensive bootcamp in Guwahati
- Tailored mentorship from industry experts
- Business connections and market access
- Focus on North Eastern India startups
- Open to early-stage ventures
Who can apply
To be considered for the North East Growth Lab, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Regional focus: The startup must be operating primarily within one of the eight North Eastern states (Sikkim, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur) or, if registered elsewhere, must have operations and impact centred on the North East region.
- Stage: Early-stage ventures that are scalable and innovative. Companies incorporated up to 2 years before the programme start date are eligible.
- Entity type: Must be registered as a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) or a Private Limited company.
- Registration: DPIIT registration is mandatory.
- Sector focus: Social enterprises working in technology, climate, food, agribusiness, agroforestry, agritech, crafts, traditional textiles, ethnic tourism, or financial inclusion.
- Prior funding: Startups that have already received grants, awards, or equity investments are eligible to apply.
North East Growth Lab 2026 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
Applications for North East Growth Lab 2026 are open and the current deadline is Closes today. Applications are closing soon, so prepare your documents early. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.
What the funding covers
Selected startups receive a comprehensive support package:
- Grant funding: Catalytic grants of up to ₹5,00,000 (INR 5 lakh) each, with no equity taken.
- Intensive bootcamp: A 3-day immersive bootcamp held in Guwahati for shortlisted startups, offering hands-on training and strategic guidance.
- Mentorship: Access to a network of industry leaders, sector experts, and experienced mentors who provide tailored advice.
- Networking: Curated business connections and networking opportunities to foster partnerships and market access.
- Masterclasses: Virtual masterclasses focused on solving specific problem areas and building capabilities.
- Visibility: Product showcase opportunities to enhance market penetration and attract future investors.
About the provider
North East Growth Lab 2026 is offered by IIMA Ventures, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by IIMA Ventures as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The selection process follows a structured, multi-stage approach:
- Initial screening: Applications are reviewed to verify eligibility, including incorporation details, DPIIT registration, and operational focus in the North East.
- Detailed evaluation: A panel of experts from IIMA Ventures and SAP evaluates each application based on the founding team's strength, the innovation of the solution, sector alignment, and scalability potential.
- Bootcamp invitation: The top 25 shortlisted startups are invited to attend a 3-day intensive bootcamp in Guwahati.
- Final selection: Based on performance and potential demonstrated during the bootcamp and final assessment, 10–12 startups are selected to receive the catalytic grant and extended support.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to North East Growth Lab 2026, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
North East Growth Lab 2026 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the application deadline for the North East Growth Lab?
The deadline to apply is 15 July 2026.
How much funding does the programme provide, and is it equity-free?
Selected startups receive a catalytic grant of up to ₹5 lakh. This is a grant, not an equity investment, so you do not give up any ownership stake.
Which startups are eligible to apply?
Startups must be early-stage, incorporated as an LLP or Private Limited company, and registered with DPIIT. The startup should have operations or impact focused on the North East region. There is no restriction on prior grants or funding – you can apply even if you have already raised capital.
Do I need to have DPIIT registration to apply?
Yes, DPIIT registration is mandatory for all applicants.
What sectors does the programme focus on?
The programme is open to social enterprises in technology, climate, clean tech, health tech, agriculture, agribusiness, agroforestry, agritech, crafts, traditional textiles, ethnic tourism, fintech, edtech, and financial inclusion.
Can my startup apply if it is not registered in one of the eight North Eastern states?
Yes, your startup can be registered anywhere in India, but your operations must be based in the North East and your impact should primarily benefit the region.
What documents are required for the application?
You will typically need to upload your company’s pitch deck, business plan, team profiles, incorporation documents, DPIIT certificate, Company PAN Card, and details of your Company Bank Account.
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are assessed based on the strength of the founding team, the innovation and uniqueness of the solution, alignment with target sectors, and scalability potential.
How do I apply, and who can I contact for queries?
Apply through the online form at the official application link. For any queries, email gayatrib@iima.ac.in.
What happens after I submit my application?
After submission, your application will be screened for eligibility. If shortlisted, you will be invited to a 3-day bootcamp in Guwahati. From there, 10–12 startups will receive the grant and extended support.
Who offers North East Growth Lab 2026?
North East Growth Lab 2026 is offered by IIMA Ventures, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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