Meghalaya: Marking a
significant step in building a strong and self-sustaining entrepreneurial
ecosystem, PRIME (Promotion and Incubation of Market-driven Enterprises)
Meghalaya hosted ‘PRIME IGNITE 2026’. Held at the Durbar Hall, Lok
Bhavan, Shillong, the convergence brought together the State’s entrepreneurs and
officials to showcase creativity and launch critical infrastructure aimed at
empowering Meghalaya’s enterprise community.
A key highlight of the event was
official launch of the ‘PRIME Annual Booklet’ and recognition of
contributors and the editorial team. The publication captures a year of
progress, partnerships, and impact across the PRIME ecosystem.
It also recognised the role of
youth leaders in driving the State’s economic growth. Cheques and certificates
were presented to the winners of the ‘PRIME Student Ambassador Contest’,
reinforcing the importance of nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit at the
grassroots level. The top prize was awarded to the team of College of Community
Science while students from Jaintia Eastern College secured the 1st
and 2nd runner up positions.
Addressing the assemblage, Dr.
Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Adviser to the Government of Meghalaya, Planning,
Investment Promotion and Sustainable Development, stated that the State is
resolutely focused on transforming the entrepreneurial landscape. She remarked,
“We don't look at innovation as a chance thing, but we look at the word
'ignite,' which means ideas come from citizens, government merely supports, and
government will put in all effort to ensure that your innovativeness is
supported from the start of the innovation to the market levels."
Illustrating the scale of this
mission, she highlighted the initiation of 2,847 entrepreneurs in CM ELEVATE,
the funding of over 885 entities, and the registration of 1,350 PRIME
startups. Furthermore, she noted the active engagement with Business Facilitation
Services to directly empower 459 young entrepreneurs, ensuring they
receive the essential market linkages, mentorship, and financial backing
required to scale their innovations from localized ideas to globally
competitive businesses.
Delivering the keynote address, Shri
D D Shira, MCS, Director, Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship, stated
that innovation and creativity play an important role in addressing global
challenges. He highlighted the transformative impact of PRIME since its
inception, under the vision of Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister.
He noted that the system has successfully helped thousands of local
entrepreneurs and enterprises by offering mentorship, financial support and
market linkages. He concluded by reaffirming the State’s commitment towards
strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The event also saw the official
launch the official launch of three key digital initiatives. The PRIME
Digital Service Providers Platform (PRIME DSPP) to centralise and enhance
service delivery, the Ekanbha Website to empower artisans with
disabilities through sustainable e-commerce and the ONG YI delivery App,
Upper Shillong’s first online home delivery service. These platforms will facilitate
end-to-end support to entrepreneurs and bridge the gap between them and
essential services.
Demonstrating a universal
approach towards enterprise promotion and incubation, the event featured
dedicated showcases from local innovators. Presentations spanned different
sectors, including creative products by student teams SECZOOLOGY and Smart
Tourist Spot Crowd Management; healthcare manufacturing solutions by Joy Dey’s
Corale Health and Hygiene; and advanced GIS, IT, and IoT service innovations by
Banaibor Kharmynthon’s Mechatron Pvt Ltd.
As Meghalaya continues to
champion its local innovators, PRIME IGNITE 2026 stands as a powerful statement
to the State’s commitment to economic development and empowerment.