CM launches North East Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026

Dalim Phukan.
Hills Live News,Guwahati, Sept 25: Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday launched the North East Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026 (NESFIC) – Ashtalakshmi for Viksit Bharat, aimed at providing a dedicated platform for the talent, creativity and problem-solving abilities of young innovators in the Northeast.
The initiative was launched at a function held at the Assam Administrative Staff College under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan 2026. NESFIC seeks to connect government, young innovators and society by encouraging technology, entrepreneurship and innovation to address real-world problems.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sarma said the initiative was designed not merely to promote new ideas but to help young innovators understand problems faced by people, government departments and industries and develop practical technological solutions.
Under NESFIC, 50 real-world challenges have been identified—40 from government departments and 10 from industry organisations. The initiative will provide innovators with actual problems to solve, opportunities to test their ideas, development support and a pathway towards potential customers, including the government.
The Chief Minister highlighted several challenges in the health sector, including early detection of pregnancy-induced hypertension, improving access to obstetric ultrasound in remote areas, infection control in labour rooms, faster identification and referral of sick newborns and early detection of congenital deformities.
The Science and Technology Department has also identified challenges involving satellites, drones and artificial intelligence for crop-health monitoring, wetland mapping, detection of encroachment on government land, and the development of a digital twin for flood management and early warning systems. In Guwahati, the Housing and Urban Affairs Department is seeking technological solutions to detect blocked culverts and address urban drainage problems.
As part of the roadmap, 150 startups will be selected at the Northeast Innovation Conclave in Guwahati in late November, with three startups shortlisted for each of the 50 challenges. Selected startups will receive idea-stage support under the Assam Startup Policy, along with mentoring and access to relevant data and testing sites.
At the Demo Day in February 2027, the best startup for each challenge will receive a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) grant of Rs. 20 lakh, while deep-technology solutions will be eligible for a grant of Rs. 40 lakh.
Dr. Sarma called upon engineering colleges, polytechnics, ITIs and other higher educational institutions across the Northeast to participate actively in the initiative. He said the success of NESFIC would ultimately be reflected when government departments or companies begin using products developed by Indian startups to solve identified problems.
Three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were also exchanged during the programme to strengthen the startup and innovation ecosystem in Assam and the Northeast.
The first MoU was exchanged between IIM Kolkata Innovation Park and Assam Startup for a three-year cohort-based accelerator programme. The second, between Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and Assam Startup, will facilitate the establishment of a Centre of Entrepreneurship in Guwahati with incubation facilities, emerging-technology laboratories and industry access.
The third MoU was signed with India Accelerator, which will establish a fund pool of up to Rs. 100 crore for startups from the Northeast, with Assam Startup serving as the Enablement and Knowledge Partner.
Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, TSAT Head of Manufacturing Excellence and Operations Tim McIntosh, besides several representatives from industry and academia, attended the programme.