ITANAGAR : Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday announced the launch of the fifth edition of the entrepreneurship development programme for 2026-27, aimed at strengthening the state’s startup ecosystem by providing seed funding support and nurturing promising ideas.

Khandu said the Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Programme (APEDP) 5.0 seeks to create employment opportunities and boost the local economy through innovation and enterprise development.

“The Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Programme (APEDP) 5.0 (2026-27) has been launched to support and nurture the startup ecosystem of our state.

“With seed funding support for 100 innovative startups, including substantial assistance for the top-performing ventures, this initiative aims to transform ideas into successful enterprises, generate employment, and strengthen our local economy,” the CM said in a post on X.

Khandu urged the youth, entrepreneurs, self-help groups, professionals and innovators “to seize this opportunity and submit their applications before July 20”.

The chief minister asserted that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to fostering innovation, encouraging self-employment and building a vibrant startup ecosystem capable of generating jobs and contributing to Arunachal Pradesh’s long-term economic development.

Officials said the top 20 startups will receive financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each, while the remaining 80 will be provided Rs 8 lakh each to help scale their ventures and accelerate business growth.

The programme will focus on key areas, including entrepreneurship development, pre-incubation and incubation support, livelihood acceleration and seed funding assistance, creating a “comprehensive support system” for startups at different stages of development, they said. (Source: PTI)