Stage III cancer to 200+ startups: How Tej Chingtham built the Northeast’s first incubator
From a push for better startup support to mentoring 200+ ventures, Prof. (Dr.) Tej Chingtham is helping shape Northeast India’s startup ecosystem through AIC-SMUTBI.
In 2016, Professor Tej Chingtham, a computer science professor, received inquiries from young entrepreneurs in Northeast India about starting their own businesses. The region lacked the necessary support system for these aspiring business owners. This prompted Chingtham to investigate the startup ecosystem in the area. By 2018, he had established the Northeast's first incubation centre, the Atal Incubation Centre - Sikkim Manipal University Technology Business Incubation Foundation (AIC-SMUTBI), which now supports over 200 startups.
The ecosystem has grown to include more than 2,000 startups across all eight northeastern states. Chingtham's initial idea was to combine mentoring with tourism, allowing experts to explore the region while helping local entrepreneurs. His ambition extended beyond this single centre, as he sought to create a supportive network for entrepreneurs across the Northeast.
Despite being diagnosed with stage III lung cancer in 2019, Chingtham continued to work on the incubator's establishment and growth. Today, the incubator focuses on customer-centric and sustainable operations to help startups survive and thrive, rather than just chasing large valuations. Chingtham believes that the region has significant potential due to its natural resources and strategic location, and he aims to encourage young people to view their home as a viable place for business growth.
Written by urgent.news from YourStory's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
