Kohima, June 26: Nagaland took a significant step towards building an innovation-driven entrepreneurial ecosystem by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Telangana-based innovation hub T-Works, aimed at equipping local enterprises with cutting-edge technology and skills for an AI-powered future.
The agreement on World MSME Day was signed at the Directorate of Industries and Commerce in Kohima by T-Works CEO Joginder Tanikella and Director of Industries & Commerce P. Tokugha Sema in the presence of Advisor for Industries & Commerce Hekani Jakhalu and senior officials from both states.
Marking this year’s theme, “The Future Generation of MSME,” Jakhalu said the partnership sends a “strong message” that the state government is committed to bringing world-class technical expertise to Nagaland’s entrepreneurs.
However, she cautioned against allowing technology to overshadow human values.
“Artificial intelligence may begin to control everything, but entrepreneurship must continue to retain its human touch,” she said, assuring that the government would invest in ensuring Nagaland’s MSMEs are not left behind in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
Jakhalu also stressed the need for greater enrolment under the UDYAM portal, calling it the “ID card of an enterprise,” and noted that many Nagas are already running successful passion-driven businesses, often with limited government support.
Deputy Secretary of Industries & Commerce Chonpenthung Ezung highlighted the crucial role of MSMEs in India’s economy, contributing nearly 30 per cent to the country’s GDP. He said Nagaland’s formalisation efforts are gathering momentum, with more than 2,000 enterprises now registered under UDYAM.
Pitching the state’s ‘Naturally Nagaland’ brand initiative, Ezung said the government aims to transform indigenous talent, traditional knowledge and local products into globally recognised brands.
“Buyers today are looking for authenticity, and we have it,” he said, adding that the initiative seeks to bring MSMEs, self-help groups, artisans and cooperatives under one umbrella identity to unlock both domestic and international markets.
Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation (NIDC) Chairman Kvulo Lorin outlined the achievements of the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme, launched in the state in August 2024.
According to Lorin, over 49,000 MSMEs have benefited from the programme, while more than 35,000 entrepreneurs have been trained through 882 workshops conducted across all districts, 55 subdivisions and 63 RD blocks.
He said the state’s vision is to nurture “human-centred entrepreneurship in an AI-driven future” by combining modern infrastructure and technology with grassroots innovation, while ensuring that women entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities and youth in remote areas are not left behind.
Entrepreneurs Tsachola Sangtam of HillCraft Co and Neivi Khieya of Karmel Timber shared their success stories, illustrating how training, mentoring and improved market access under the RAMP initiative are translating into tangible business growth.
The World MSME Day programme, hosted by the Department of Industries & Commerce, brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of enterprise development in Nagaland and the opportunities emerging from technology-led innovation.
