GUWAHATI
Over the last five years, Tripura has achieved and sustained an impressive 66% average growth rate in startup recognition, positioning itself as a rising innovation powerhouse in India’s northeastern region. This significant milestone was highlighted by Jeya Ragul Geshan B., Director of the Tripura Information Technology Department, during his attendance at the Tamil Nadu Global Startup Summit 2025.
The state has notably emerged as a leader in two critical areas within the Northeast: fostering top-performing startups in Tier 2/3 districts and boasting the highest number of women-led entrepreneurial ventures. The Tamil Nadu Global Startup Summit, organized by StartupTN, took place in Coimbatore on October 9 and 10, where these achievements were presented.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Manik Saha, Tripura is actively embracing a strategic role in India’s broader innovation-led growth narrative. Mr. Geshan articulated the state’s clear vision: “Our aim is to build a ‘developed’ (unnato) and ‘best’ (shreshtho) Tripura, where entrepreneurship is not merely a privilege but a direct pathway to widespread prosperity. While each state may be on a unique startup journey, our collective goal is to democratize innovation, extending opportunities to every corner of India, including our smaller and border states.”
He emphasized that “maintaining a 66% startup growth rate and empowering women to lead new businesses unequivocally demonstrates how consistent effort, clear strategy, and robust collaboration can effectively translate ambition into tangible impact.”
Tripura was one of the first states in the northeastern region to introduce a dedicated startup scheme in 2019, laying a strong foundation for structured entrepreneurial development. Its efforts were recognized in the Startup India State Ranking 2022, where it earned the distinction of a ‘Category B Leader’.
Building on this initial success, the Tripura Startup Policy 2024 has further amplified support for aspiring entrepreneurs, dedicating ₹50 crore in funding. This policy also provides crucial startup grants for students and incubators, along with essential patent support for innovators. The state currently supports over 80 recognized startups and benefits from eight active incubators, including the cutting-edge Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)-supported Space Tech Incubation Centre at the National Institute of Technology Agartala, and the Tripura University Business Incubator.
High-Speed Internet Fuels Innovation
Tripura’s startups are at the forefront of pioneering solutions across various sectors, including agri-tech, sustainable bamboo-based products, eco-friendly green packaging, vibrant ecotourism initiatives, and innovative fintech solutions. These ventures strategically align local strengths with emerging global opportunities.
A key enabler of this dynamic startup growth has been the state’s robust information technology (IT) ecosystem. This ecosystem is powered by India’s third-fastest high-speed internet connectivity, a “digital transformation” largely attributed to the International Internet Gateway located in Agartala, the state capital.
Mr. Geshan affirmed, “Our objective is to seamlessly integrate IT with entrepreneurship, ensuring that every district is equipped with advanced digital tools, comprehensive startup resources, and direct market access. Tripura is proactively shaping its future; we are relentlessly building momentum, expanding our capabilities, and forging ahead decisively on the path to progress.”
Furthermore, Tripura is actively promoting cross-state collaboration, proposing strategic partnerships with states like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Assam. These collaborations aim to foster advancements in deep-tech, agri-tech, and green innovation, alongside initiatives for shared venture funding and joint innovation challenges.
“While Tripura may be geographically small, our aspirations are boundless. We are consistently demonstrating that innovation does not need to be confined to metropolitan areas; instead, it thrives when driven by a strong mission and clear purpose,” Mr. Geshan concluded.