The Assam Startup Policy 2017, launched by the Government of Assam, aimed to foster a robust startup ecosystem by promoting innovation, creating employment opportunities, and attracting investments. As the first comprehensive startup policy in the region, it laid a strong foundation for making Assam a leading startup hub in Northeast India.

Vision and Mission

The policy envisioned building an inclusive, innovation-driven ecosystem that supports at least 1,000 new startups, generates 1 lakh employment opportunities, and mobilizes $250 million in investments within five years. It sought to empower youth, encourage risk-taking, and create sustainable economic value through entrepreneurship.

Key Objectives

• Develop a state-wide entrepreneurial ecosystem with strong institutional support.
• Establish a flagship startup incubation center – “The Nest” in Guwahati.
• Promote innovation-led ventures across urban and rural Assam.
• Integrate entrepreneurship programs into academic curricula.
• Support startups through financial assistance, capacity building, and regulatory ease.

Strategic Pillars

1. Infrastructure & Incubation
   
   
   • Creation of state-supported incubation hubs like The Nest.
   • Access to co-working spaces, labs, mentorship, and networking platforms.
     
     
2. Digital Ecosystem
   
   
   • Launch of the Startup Assam portal to facilitate online registration, support services, and benefit tracking.
   • Unique My Assam Startup ID (MASI) for policy-recognized startups.
     
     
3. Funding & Incentives
   
   
   • Grants and financial incentives to foster innovation and sustain early-stage startups.
   • Reimbursement schemes, sustenance allowances, and seed funding to reduce entry barriers.
     
     
4. Capacity Building & Academia Linkages
   
   
   • Entrepreneurship promotion through colleges, universities, and technical institutes.
   • Collaboration with experts, mentors, and industry leaders for knowledge sharing.

Eligibility Criteria

Startups must:

• Be a registered Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm.
• Be incorporated in Assam or have a minimum of 50% workforce based in the state.
• Not be a subsidiary of an existing business group or formed by restructuring an existing enterprise.

Incentives & Benefits

Financial Support

• Idea to PoC Grant: Up to ₹5 lakh for innovative ideas.
• Seed Fund: Up to ₹50 lakh for eligible startups.
• Monthly Sustenance Allowance: ₹20,000 for up to 12 months.
• Women Entrepreneurship Support: ₹5,000 per woman employee (capped at ₹1 lakh over 3 years).
• GST Reimbursement: Up to ₹5 lakh annually for three years.

Intellectual Property Support

• 100% reimbursement of patent/trademark filing expenses (including legal and consultation fees).

Institutional Support Framework

• Nodal Agency: Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Assam.
• Implementing Partner: Startup Assam under the Assam Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC).
• Support Ecosystem: Incubators, funding agencies, academic institutions, and mentors.

Impact and Outcomes

• Over 400 startups onboarded through MASI recognition.
• Establishment of 10+ incubators and The Nest as a model incubator.
• Recognition and scaling of 50+ grassroots innovations.
• Enhanced women participation with 30+ women-led startups.
• Strong mentor network with 70+ domain experts supporting startups.

Way Forward

Building on the success of the 2017 policy, Assam launched the Assam Startup and Innovation Policy 2025 to further deepen entrepreneurial impact, scale innovation, and drive investment into the state.