News & Announcement
North Sikkim Innovates 2026: Grand Pitching Event Begins in Mangan Under Sikkim INSPIRES
Mangan, October 13 (IPR): The two-day North Sikkim Innovates 2026 – Grand Pitching Event under the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative commenced today at the Conference Hall of the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Mangan, bringing together aspiring entrepreneurs from Mangan and Dzongu blocks to showcase their innovative business ideas and entrepreneurial potential.
Organised by the District Administrative Centre, Mangan, the event aims to identify promising business ventures, encourage innovation and strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing aspiring entrepreneurs with a platform to present their ideas before an expert panel.
The programme was attended by District Collector, Mangan-cum-Chairperson, Sikkim INSPIRES, Mr Anant Jain, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Mangan-cum-Nodal Officer, Sikkim INSPIRES, Mr Sandeep Kumar, Member Secretary ICFC, Mr Muksam Limboo, Members of the jury panel which included Mr Nitesh Poudyal, Consultant RAMP, Mr Ugen Palzor Lepcha of Mutanchi Lom Aal Shezum (MLAS) NGO, and noted entrepreneur Mr Tenzing Sangpo of Local Cafe and Sikkim Coffee, Mr Ram Kumar of IIM Calcutta and Mr Rishi Raj Pradhan of Tripti’s Bakery, participants, and officials and staff of the DAC, Mangan.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by SDM Mangan-cum-Nodal Officer, Sikkim INSPIRES, Mr Sandeep Kumar who briefed the participants on the objectives and proceedings of the pitching event.
Addressing the gathering, District Collector Mr Anant Jain congratulated the organising team for the initiative and encouraged the participants to approach the pitching session with confidence, clarity and a strong understanding of their business proposals. He highlighted the importance of effectively presenting business ideas, identifying opportunities for growth and utilising the platform to gain valuable experience and exposure.
The District Collector further emphasised that any financial assistance received through the initiative must be utilised judiciously to strengthen and expand the proposed enterprises. He encouraged participants to view the event not merely as a competition for grant support but as an opportunity to learn, refine their ideas and build sustainable businesses.
The jury panel also briefed the participants on the key aspects of a successful business pitch, including identifying market gaps, demonstrating the viability of business models, developing effective branding strategies, strengthening market linkages and exploring avenues for production and business expansion. The panel encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on practical solutions to existing market challenges and ensure that their proposed ventures respond to genuine local needs.
The panel appreciated the efforts of the district innovation team in introducing the initiative and creating a platform for local entrepreneurs. They stressed that the broader objective of the programme extends beyond seed funding to include enterprise development, market access, branding, financial sustainability and long-term business growth. Participants were also encouraged to understand the importance of proper grant utilisation and active engagement in the entrepreneurial process.
Following the introductory session and briefing by the jury, the pitching session commenced, with participants from Mangan and Dzongu presenting their respective business ideas before the panel for evaluation.
The second day of the event, scheduled for October 14, will feature pitching sessions for aspiring entrepreneurs from Kabi and Chungthang blocks, completing the district-level pitching process across all four blocks of Mangan District.
Following the completion of the pitching sessions, 15 promising ventures will be selected through the evaluation process. Each selected venture will be entitled to a grant of ₹3 lakh under Sikkim INSPIRES to support the development and growth of their businesses.
The initiative marks an important step towards nurturing grassroots innovation, promoting entrepreneurship and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in North Sikkim by empowering local aspiring entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into viable business ventures.
Organised by the District Administrative Centre, Mangan, the event aims to identify promising business ventures, encourage innovation and strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing aspiring entrepreneurs with a platform to present their ideas before an expert panel.
The programme was attended by District Collector, Mangan-cum-Chairperson, Sikkim INSPIRES, Mr Anant Jain, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Mangan-cum-Nodal Officer, Sikkim INSPIRES, Mr Sandeep Kumar, Member Secretary ICFC, Mr Muksam Limboo, Members of the jury panel which included Mr Nitesh Poudyal, Consultant RAMP, Mr Ugen Palzor Lepcha of Mutanchi Lom Aal Shezum (MLAS) NGO, and noted entrepreneur Mr Tenzing Sangpo of Local Cafe and Sikkim Coffee, Mr Ram Kumar of IIM Calcutta and Mr Rishi Raj Pradhan of Tripti’s Bakery, participants, and officials and staff of the DAC, Mangan.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by SDM Mangan-cum-Nodal Officer, Sikkim INSPIRES, Mr Sandeep Kumar who briefed the participants on the objectives and proceedings of the pitching event.
Addressing the gathering, District Collector Mr Anant Jain congratulated the organising team for the initiative and encouraged the participants to approach the pitching session with confidence, clarity and a strong understanding of their business proposals. He highlighted the importance of effectively presenting business ideas, identifying opportunities for growth and utilising the platform to gain valuable experience and exposure.
The District Collector further emphasised that any financial assistance received through the initiative must be utilised judiciously to strengthen and expand the proposed enterprises. He encouraged participants to view the event not merely as a competition for grant support but as an opportunity to learn, refine their ideas and build sustainable businesses.
The jury panel also briefed the participants on the key aspects of a successful business pitch, including identifying market gaps, demonstrating the viability of business models, developing effective branding strategies, strengthening market linkages and exploring avenues for production and business expansion. The panel encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on practical solutions to existing market challenges and ensure that their proposed ventures respond to genuine local needs.
The panel appreciated the efforts of the district innovation team in introducing the initiative and creating a platform for local entrepreneurs. They stressed that the broader objective of the programme extends beyond seed funding to include enterprise development, market access, branding, financial sustainability and long-term business growth. Participants were also encouraged to understand the importance of proper grant utilisation and active engagement in the entrepreneurial process.
Following the introductory session and briefing by the jury, the pitching session commenced, with participants from Mangan and Dzongu presenting their respective business ideas before the panel for evaluation.
The second day of the event, scheduled for October 14, will feature pitching sessions for aspiring entrepreneurs from Kabi and Chungthang blocks, completing the district-level pitching process across all four blocks of Mangan District.
Following the completion of the pitching sessions, 15 promising ventures will be selected through the evaluation process. Each selected venture will be entitled to a grant of ₹3 lakh under Sikkim INSPIRES to support the development and growth of their businesses.
The initiative marks an important step towards nurturing grassroots innovation, promoting entrepreneurship and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in North Sikkim by empowering local aspiring entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into viable business ventures.
