Mizoram Entrepreneurship Development Institute Brings Hope And Growth
Newz Daddy Educational Updates
A delegation led by Dr Sunil Shukla, Director General – EDII, visited Mizoram on 17 & 18 September 2025 to take forward advanced discussions on the establishment of the Mizoram Entrepreneurship Development Institute (MEDI). The proposed Institute would work towards propagating entrepreneurship in the state by catering to training, skill development and hand-holding support.
The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) is a national institute committed to developing an entrepreneurial mindset in India. It provides training, research, and policy support. It has experience setting up state‐level centres and working with government schemes. This experience helps in faster implementation. Skills and training programmes have been key tools in economic growth for many northeastern states. For example, in other states, similar institutes have reduced youth unemployment, improved incomes, and encouraged women entrepreneurs.
Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Laldohoma, acknowledged the huge potential of the project and ensured its quick implementation. Hon’ble CM said, “The State abounds in diverse resources. Industry, agriculture, sericulture, food processing and even MSME growth & development, are some of the sectors that, if tapped, could open up plentiful opportunities. Training, counselling and incubation of ideas could go a long way in tapping the right resources to build a trail of entrepreneurial successes. We look forward to EDII’s support in achieving this dream of setting up MEDI. A special Coordination Committee will be formed, and various State Departments will be brought together to place this initiative on a fast track. ”
Mizoram has rich natural resources: vast bamboo forests, fertile land for agriculture, traditional handicrafts, and a good scope in sericulture. These give strength to sectors like bamboo products, agro‐forestry and handloom. MSMEs contribute significantly to India’s jobs and GDP. In many states, MSME development via training and incubation has helped small enterprises scale up and enter markets beyond local. Coordination among state departments matters a lot in successful implementation. States that form strong coordination committees (departments of industries, agriculture, technical education) tend to deliver programmes more efficiently.
During the visit, Dr. Shukla also interacted with Hon’ble Governor of Mizoram, General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd); Director, Department of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Mizoram, Shri Cheemala Siva Gopal Reddy, IAS, among several senior state officials. The Hon’ble Governor, stated, “The State prides on its resource reserve and these hold the capability of being converted into progressive enterprises. All I seek is that the resources must be harnessed, but without affecting the ecology and the environment. Tourism especially holds huge potential and scope for entrepreneurial innovations and progress. Concepts of homestays, such as Mizohut, can be explored, which I am sure would be hugely preferred by tourists. I see this initiative as highly rewarding.”
Homestays have been used in other hill states (like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand) to provide income to rural families and promote tourism while keeping environmental impact low. Mizohuts could follow these models. Eco-tourism is growing across India; services that tie local culture, crafts, cuisine, and nature trails are being preferred. This fits Mizoram’s geography, ecology, and culture. Technical & higher education departments in states working with EDII often add entrepreneurship curricula, incubation centres in colleges, to reach youth early.
Sectors such as handicrafts & handlooms; agriculture; bamboo products industry; MSMEs, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, education, etc., can be rightfully tapped to ensure viable enterprises through a specially curated strategy and module. The State is also witnessing emergence of a creative and ambitious brigade of youth who have ideas, are eager to innovate and experiment but require a training & direction. EDII looks forward to especially focusing on youths and women, in addition to MSMEs, to create a wholesome entrepreneurial economy in Mizoram.
Handicrafts & handlooms: Mizoram has a strong tradition of weaving, bamboo crafts, and other artisanal products. These have both local demand and export potential. Value addition, design improvements, and market linkages help. Women’s entrepreneurship has been shown to improve household incomes, social status, and decision-making. Programmes targeting women often succeed in states where gender gaps are being addressed. Youth entrepreneurship: Many young people in Mizoram are educated, connected (internet/social media), and keen to start small ventures. Support in business planning, funding, and mentorship helps convert ideas into businesses.
Opining on this landmark move, Dr Sunil Shukla, Director General – EDII, said, “Mizoram economy, with its unique resources, is extraordinary, and it indeed should be closely aligned with the national priorities of entrepreneurship & start-up promotion. While the State machinery is highly supportive, the people are also equally cooperative, willing to learn and explore. I am sure this initiative would lead to worthwhile results.”
“Startup India” and other national programmes encourage entrepreneurship, giving incentives, funding, and incubator support. MEDI could tap into those. States where people are open to learning and exploring new ideas tend to adopt entrepreneurial ventures faster. Local culture and community support help. Handholding, mentorship, and incubation are often the missing components. Because even good ideas need support in funding, marketing, regulatory, and technology.
EDII has already held 12 State Governments, in addition to the Governments of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, to set up ED Centres in their respective regions. In addition to this, recently EDII has been beckoned by several more State Governments to set up State-supported Entrepreneurship Development Centres. These include Uttarakhand, Goa, Chhattisgarh and several other states of the North Eastern Region, in addition to Mizoram. The activities have commenced in Goa, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh with tangible results.
For example, in Goa and Uttarakhand, early centres set up by EDII have helped people start small production units, food processing, tourism services. Employment has increased locally. Cross‐border or international work (Cambodia, Laos etc.) helps EDII learn diverse models of entrepreneurship under different resource, regulatory, and cultural conditions. These insights can be adapted for Mizoram. When several states show interest, it often leads to shared learning, possibly better funding or attention from the central government.
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