Agartala: Tripura CM Manik Saha launched the Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026, Mukhyamantri Yuba Yogayog Yojana and Digi-SAPNE 3.0, aimed at promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and digital empowerment in the state.Saha said the initiatives marked another step towards strengthening Tripura’s ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship. He said the govt was developing the ecosystem through policies, digital infrastructure, start-up support and strategic partnerships to empower youth and promote inclusive economic growth.The Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026, part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, will encourage students, innovators, researchers and start-ups to develop solutions for challenges related to governance and public service delivery. The initiative aims to generate ideas to improve citizeb-centric services and developmental outcomes.“Since its launch in the Academic Year 2019-20, the program has benefited over 63,000 students, with a budget surpassing ₹31.62 crore. It has been essential in closing the digital gap by providing access to Smartphones and digital platforms, thus supporting education, skill development, and digital learning opportunities for students,” noted Saha.Saha said the initiatives reflected the government’s commitment to fostering innovation, supporting young people and strengthening the state’s start-up ecosystem.The initiatives are backed by the Sector Agnostic Tripura Start-Up Policy 2024 and partnerships with national ecosystem organisations. The state government said these measures were aimed at creating a favourable environment for start-up growth in the Northeast.Information Technology minister Pranajit Singha Roy said Digi-SAPNE would strengthen the start-up ecosystem by providing emerging businesses with mentorship, business acceleration, industry linkages and market opportunities.He said the programme would help local start-ups access national and regional growth opportunities and contribute to entrepreneurship-led economic development.The minister said the initiatives demonstrated the growing capability of local start-ups to benefit from opportunities beyond the state.Eight start-ups selected through Digi-SAPNE 2.0 were felicitated during the programme for their achievements.The launch is part of the state government’s efforts to expand opportunities for young entrepreneurs and promote technology-driven innovation and digital empowerment in Tripura.Officials said Tripura was gradually emerging as a favourable destination for start-up growth in the North Eastern Region.
