Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known for beautiful beaches, ethnocentric tribes, and tropical forests. However, not many would know that it is the first and the only Union Territory to host a startup policy! On 30 December 2018, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the Innovation and Startup policy for Andaman & Nicobar Islands, making it the first UT to have a dedicated policy for startups. Invest India team helped the UT in drafting the startup policy, drafting the operating guidelines to implement the policy and creating a website for the startup ecosystem. Such efforts have led to an increase in the spirit of entrepreneurship and the number of startups in the UT.
The Andaman & Nicobar UT Administration, along with Startup India team at Invest India organized a one-day startup workshop at Port Blair on 5 July 2019. The workshop was attended by more than 150 startups, students and entrepreneurs. Secretary Industries, A&N islands, Shri Indu Shekhar Mishra launched the startup website for Andaman’s Startup Policy. This website will enable local startups to apply and gain the benefits offered under the scheme. Invest India conducted a Startup India session in the workshop to sensitize the audience about the benefits offered by the Central Government.
The pitching session produced ideas from diverse domains, ranging from utilizing ocean resources like seaweeds and sea urchins to creating a platform for servicing of cars. A young girl with a post-doctorate degree pitched an idea to increase the production of seaweeds and sea urchins. Even poor internet connectivity on the islands couldn’t stop a budding entrepreneur from creating an online platform to sell beautiful handicrafts and artifacts.
The event was covered by their daily newspaper, the Telegraph, and by Andaman Chronicle. With a positive intent from the UT Administration of A&N islands and with full support from Invest India, the future of entrepreneurship in those beautiful islands looks promising!
