Innovation – Tripura Launches State Mission to Boost Startups
Innovation – Tripura marked a significant milestone in its development journey on Thursday as Chief Minister Manik Saha formally introduced the State Innovation Mission and unveiled T-Nest, a new startup incubation platform, at the International Exhibition Centre in Agartala.
A Collaborative Push for Innovation
The newly launched mission is being implemented through a partnership involving the Atal Innovation Mission under NITI Aayog, the state’s Good Governance and Information Technology Department, and the Government of Tripura. Together, these bodies aim to create an environment where fresh ideas, technological advancement, and institutional partnerships can thrive.
Officials said the initiative is designed to place innovation at the heart of Tripura’s growth strategy. By strengthening collaboration between educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and government agencies, the mission seeks to accelerate progress in emerging sectors and support entrepreneurship across the state.
The event drew senior bureaucrats, policy experts, entrepreneurs, and representatives from academic institutions, reflecting the broad-based support behind the programme.
T-Nest to Serve as Startup Incubation Hub
A major highlight of the launch was the inauguration of T-Nest, short for Tripura: Nurturing and Entrepreneurship Startup. The centre will function as a dedicated incubation hub, offering comprehensive support to young entrepreneurs from the earliest stages of concept development through to business execution.
According to the Chief Minister, the facility has been established in a space that had previously remained underutilised. It has now been converted into a fully equipped incubation centre designed to provide end-to-end assistance. This includes technical guidance, mentoring, infrastructure access, and logistical backing for budding startups.
The objective, officials explained, is to ensure that aspiring entrepreneurs do not face structural barriers when turning ideas into viable enterprises. By offering structured support at multiple stages, the government hopes to create a sustainable startup ecosystem within the state.
Retaining Local Talent and Supporting Youth
Addressing reporters at the event, Manik Saha described the State Innovation Mission as a necessary step for Tripura’s future. He noted that the state is the first in the country to initiate a mission of this kind at the state level, calling it particularly important for a region with untapped talent and growing aspirations.
Saha emphasised that many capable young people from Tripura have historically moved out of the state in search of better opportunities. With the introduction of the mission and T-Nest, he expressed confidence that local youth would now receive the support required to develop their ideas without having to relocate.
He highlighted that assistance would begin as early as the school and college levels. The aim is to nurture creativity and technical skills during formative years so that students are better prepared when they step into professional life.
The Chief Minister also assured that both the Government of Tripura and NITI Aayog would extend full technological and institutional support to innovators seeking guidance.
Aligning with National Development Vision
Saha linked the initiative to the broader development framework promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly the Act East Policy. He remarked that the policy’s focus on strengthening connectivity and economic engagement in the eastern region has created new possibilities for Tripura.
Referring to the HIRA model—Highways, Internet, Railways, and Airways—the Chief Minister said infrastructure improvements have laid the groundwork for the next phase of development, which now centres on innovation and entrepreneurship.
He added that the presence of NITI Aayog’s Vice Chairman during the programme signalled strong national backing for the state’s efforts. During the visit, senior officials interacted with young innovators and explored various exhibition stalls showcasing local ideas and technological prototypes.
The State Innovation Mission and T-Nest, government representatives believe, could open fresh avenues for employment generation and economic diversification in Tripura. By combining infrastructure growth with innovation-driven policy, the state aims to build a resilient and forward-looking economy rooted in local talent.