Key Points
- Meghalaya has registered 1,350 startups and funded over 885 entities under PRIME
- Three digital platforms launched including delivery app and artisan e-commerce portal
- State initiated 2,847 entrepreneurs under CM ELEVATE programme
Meghalaya launched three digital platforms to support entrepreneurs and announced it has registered 1,350 startups under its flagship enterprise programme at an event held in Shillong. The state government unveiled the initiatives at PRIME IGNITE 2026, an annual convergence of entrepreneurs and officials organised by PRIME, the state’s enterprise promotion and incubation body.
The launches aim to bridge gaps between local entrepreneurs and essential services in a state where small businesses often struggle with market access and digital infrastructure. Meghalaya has positioned enterprise development as central to its economic strategy, particularly for youth employment and rural livelihoods.
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PRIME, which stands for Promotion and Incubation of Market-driven Enterprises, was established to provide mentorship, funding and market connections to local businesses. The programme operates under the Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship.
Three Digital Initiatives Go Live
The government launched the PRIME Digital Service Providers Platform, a centralised system designed to connect entrepreneurs with support services ranging from legal registration to marketing assistance. Officials said the platform would streamline access to resources that were previously scattered across multiple departments.
The Ekanbha website was unveiled as an e-commerce portal specifically for artisans with disabilities. The platform will enable these craftspeople to sell products directly to customers, removing intermediaries and improving their earnings.
Upper Shillong residents gained access to the ONG YI Delivery App, the area’s first online home delivery service. The app connects local businesses with customers in a region that previously lacked organised delivery infrastructure.
Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Adviser to the Government of Meghalaya for Planning, Investment Promotion and Sustainable Development, said the state had initiated 2,847 entrepreneurs under the CM ELEVATE programme. The government has funded over 885 entities and provided direct support to 459 young entrepreneurs through Business Facilitation Services, she added.
“We don’t look at innovation as a chance thing, but we look at the word ‘ignite,’ which means ideas come from citizens, government merely supports,” Lyngdoh said. She added that the government would ensure innovators receive backing “from the start of the innovation to the market levels.”
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D D Shira, Director of the Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship, said that PRIME had helped thousands of local entrepreneurs since its inception. He noted that the system offers mentorship, financial support and market linkages to participants.
Student Entrepreneurs Recognised
The event felicitated winners of the PRIME Student Ambassador Contest, a competition designed to encourage entrepreneurial thinking among college students. A team from the College of Community Science won the top prize, while students from Jaintia Eastern College secured the first and second runner-up positions. Winners received cheques and certificates.
The government also released the PRIME Annual Booklet, a publication documenting the programme’s activities, partnerships and outcomes over the past year. The editorial team responsible for the booklet was recognised at the event.
The convergence included showcases from local innovators presenting their products and services to attendees at Durbar Hall, Lok Bhavan.
Your Questions, Answered
What is PRIME Meghalaya?
PRIME stands for Promotion and Incubation of Market-driven Enterprises. It is Meghalaya’s flagship programme for supporting entrepreneurs through mentorship, funding and market linkages. It operates under the Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship.
What digital platforms were launched at PRIME IGNITE 2026?
Three platforms were launched: the PRIME Digital Service Providers Platform for centralised entrepreneur services, the Ekanbha website for artisans with disabilities to sell products online, and the ONG YI Delivery App for Upper Shillong’s home delivery needs.
How many startups has Meghalaya registered under PRIME?
Meghalaya has registered 1,350 startups under PRIME. The state has also funded over 885 entities and initiated 2,847 entrepreneurs under the CM ELEVATE programme.
Who won the PRIME Student Ambassador Contest?
A team from the College of Community Science won the top prize. Students from Jaintia Eastern College secured the first and second runner-up positions at the event held on 22 April 2026.