MUMBAI: Under the guidance of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, and the Global Counter-Terrorism Council, IIT Guwahati, in collaboration with the BRICS Youth Council, organized the Entrepreneurship Pre-Consultation Event on February 7, 2025.
The event, centered on “Empowering Northeast India – Youth Innovations for Sustainable Growth and National Connectivity,” attracted over 500 participants and more than 80 startups. It provided a platform for young entrepreneurs and researchers to present their innovative concepts and forge partnerships in Northeast India.
Kausar Jamil Hilaly, IAS, Secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Assam, attended as the Chief Guest. The event also featured prominent dignitaries, including:

During the event, Shri Kausar Jamil Hilaly remarked, “The youth of Northeast India are at the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. With Assam’s strategic location as a gateway to Southeast Asia, the region has a unique opportunity to become a future entrepreneurial hub. Unlike previous generations, today’s youth have access to resources, knowledge, and tools to turn their vision into reality. I encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace their ideas without fear of judgment. The Government of Assam is committed to supporting startups and young business leaders through various initiatives to help them achieve their goals.”
A key highlight was a comprehensive startup exhibition, organized by the IIT Guwahati-BioNest incubator and inaugurated by Shri Kausar Jamil Hilaly. The exhibition showcased over 80 regional startups, presenting innovations in deep-tech, healthcare, agritech, and renewable energy sectors.
In his welcome address, Prof. Devendra Jalihal stated, “India’s youth are full of creativity and the energy to innovate, and entrepreneurship is the key to unlocking this potential. At IIT Guwahati, we are committed to channeling this energy towards nation-building. By fostering skill development and providing a platform for young and aspiring entrepreneurs from the Northeast, we aim to guide and support them. I encourage all participants to seize this opportunity to collaborate and lead the region’s entrepreneurial transformation.”
Rear Admiral S. Kulshrestha emphasized, “Empowering the youth of Northeast India with the right skill sets and motivating them to harness their creativity is the way forward for sustainable growth. Young entrepreneurs have the potential to tackle bold challenges and offer innovative solutions. By unlocking their potential, we can drive regional progress and strengthen the connections that foster economic integration and social development.”
Shri Deba Kumar Mishra, ACS, noted, “The Entrepreneurship Pre-Consultation Event aligns perfectly with the Government of India’s vision of youth empowerment. As Assam transforms into a technology and entrepreneurship hub, we are committed to supporting startups and promoting sustainable growth through collaboration and innovation.”
Notable sessions included:
Sagar Daryani’s keynote address, where he shared insights from his 16-year entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing perseverance and self-belief despite setbacks.
Maj. Gen. (Retd) Rajesh K. Jha’s masterclass on entrepreneurial life skills and confidence-building, focusing on calculated risk-taking and resilience.
A panel discussion on startup funding strategies, followed by an idea pitching session for aspiring entrepreneurs.
This initiative further solidified Northeast India’s role in shaping the country’s entrepreneurial future.