Director, Industries and Commerce, P Tokugha Sema with winner of the Startup Innovation Challenge Competition 2025 at Handloom & Craft Pavilion, Naga Heritage Village, Kisama on December 8. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, December 8 (MExN): Sole Buddy (Aston) from Kohima College emerged as the winner of the Startup Innovation Challenge Competition 2025 held on December 8 at the Handloom & Craft Pavilion, Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.
The winning team received a cash prize of Rs 25,000, along with a trophy and certificates presented by the Department of Industries & Commerce and Start-up Nagaland.
Skill Lancing from St Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Jakhama, and Solution Centre from C-Edge College were adjudged first and second runners-up respectively.
According to a DIPR report, the event was organised by Educentre School of Business under its Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) programme, with the theme “Innovate, Build and Pitch.”
Shortlisted teams from six colleges: Kohima College Kohima; St Joseph’s College (Autonomous) Jakhama; C-Edge College, Chümoukedima; Eastern Christian College, Dimapur; Peren Government College, and Sao Chang College, Tuensang, were given 10 days to test their products in the market before presenting their ideas to the jury.
The winners were selected from the presentations.
Addressing the participants, P Tokugha Sema, Director of Industries & Commerce, Nagaland, emphasised the need for young entrepreneurs to cultivate a clear vision.
He described entrepreneurship as a lifelong journey requiring commitment, passion and perseverance, and encouraged students to strive for continuous growth.
Sema further highlighted the department’s efforts to promote innovation and establish Innovation Centres across all districts to ensure access to mentorship, opportunities, and platforms for young people to develop and scale their ideas, the State DIPR added.
