In a defining moment for Nagaland’s startup landscape, nine startups have secured a total seed funding of ₹1 crore under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), facilitated through the YouthNet Incubation Centre (YIC).
Advisor Hekani Jakhalu, Department of Industries & Commerce, urged entrepreneurs at the funding ceremony to approach startup building with patience and perseverance. She acknowledged the challenges of running a business, alongside the achievement and fulfilment that come from turning an idea into a viable enterprise. Linking entrepreneurship to the vision of Viksit Bharat, she highlighted the role of startups and innovation in India’s economic development and encouraged founders to recognise their place in that wider effort. Jakhalu also spoke individually with the startups to discuss their businesses, innovations and the opportunities and challenges they face. The conversations offered a closer understanding of their journeys and a forum for practical insights, encouragement and an exchange of ideas.
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) provides early-stage startups with financial support to turn promising ventures into viable businesses. An initiative to support proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialization. The startups selected under Series 4 of YouthNet Incubation Centre SISFS includes Toshifez Innovations Private Limited, Syncnl Networks Private Limited, Zodmo Technologies Private Limited, Greenovex Private Limited, October Pumpkin-Shi Private Limited, A&D Renewables Energy Private Limited, Tuensang Hills Agro Private Limited, Green Buds Private Limited and Khamlou India Private Limited across green hydrogen, agri and biotechnology, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and other technology sectors.
Nuneseno Chase, Director and Chief Functionary of YouthNet, celebrated the courage and commitment of these young companies. “Every startup here carries the hopes of a new Nagaland, one that believes in its potential, invests in homegrown talent, builds locally with pride, and dreams globally with confidence. These entrepreneurs are not just creating companies; they are laying the foundation for a self-reliant and thriving economy.”
Neikepekho Shosahie, Associate Director at YouthNet, highlighted SISFS’s model on backing potential while linking financial support to measurable progress. Funds are released in tranches, with subsequent disbursements contingent on startups meeting agreed milestones. The framework also provides for termination of support in cases of non-performance or non-compliance. Alongside grants, the scheme offers funding through debt or convertible instruments, providing early stage capital on terms designed to ease immediate financial pressure. Its milestone based approach balances support for growth with accountability, tying funding to demonstrated progress. The objective is to help startups build the capacity and credibility to attract investment from angel investors and venture capitalists, or secure loans from banks and other financial institutions.
Yanpvuo Kikon of Kikonic & Kley Enterprise, a mentor at YouthNet Incubation Centre, urged entrepreneurs to stay focused, remain realistic and be clear about what they are building. He stressed the importance of speed: testing ideas quickly, learning from the market and refining their approach as evidence emerges. When an approach fails to deliver results within a reasonable timeframe, he said, founders should be prepared to pivot and direct their efforts towards what is working. He also cautioned against becoming so emotionally attached to an idea that it clouds judgment, urging entrepreneurs to let market realities guide their decisions.
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) aims to strengthen entrepreneurship across India by addressing a critical funding gap for startups in their early stages of growth. Led by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Startup India initiative, the scheme channels support through approved incubators.