Press Release
Press Release from District Administrative Centre, Gangtok
Information & Public Relations Department
The first two days of the Pitching Session under the “Strengthening Entrepreneurship Ecosystem” one of the various initiatives of the District Administrative Centre (DAC).
Gangtok, under the banner of Sikkim INSPIRES, were successfully conducted at the Mini Conference Hall of the District Administrative Centre, Sichey, Gangtok on 16th and 17th March 2026.
The pitching sessions are being held for over 72 registered participants from across the district, providing them with a platform to present their innovative ideas and business ventures before an expert panel. The sessions will continue until 20 March 2026, at the conclusion of which five winners will be selected, each to receive seed funding (challenge fund) of ₹3 lakh to support the development and implementation of their ventures.
The pitching sessions on both days were attended by a panel of judges consisting of distinguished local entrepreneurs, including Ms. Rinzing Choden, Founder of Agapi Sikkim; Mr. Tenzin Sangpo, Founder of Sikkim Coffee & Local Café; Mr. Dewakar Basnett, Founder of 24hrs Inspired; Mr. Abhimanyu Dhakal, Founder of UUNCHAI Himalayan Food Ltd.; Ms. Sernya Palmo, Founder of Palmo Handicrafts; and Mr. Nitish Poudyal, Marketing Consultant, Commerce & Industries Department. The panel also included guest judge Mr. Prem Prakash, Founder of Sarvahitey. The sessions were also attended by Mr. Tushar G. Nikhare, District Collector, Gangtok, along with special guests Ms. Ganga Pradhan, Retired IAS and presently serving as Member, Institute for Transformation of Sikkim (ITS), and Mr. Chewang Norbu Bhutia, Founder of Crafted Fibers, who sat through the presentations and interacted with the participants, with various officers from the District Administration Gangtok also being present during the session.
Participants during the session presented a diverse range of ideas spanning sectors such as food and hospitality, creative industries, social enterprises, technology-driven solutions, and local value-addition initiatives. The panel provided constructive feedback, guidance, and encouragement to help participants refine their concepts and strengthen their business proposals.
Following the successful completion of the Project PAILA workshops, conducted in collaboration with the CSR Department of Sun Pharma and implemented by the Stars of Hope NGO, this initiative represents the next phase of efforts by the District Administration to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and promote innovation, self-employment, and sustainable economic growth within the state.
The District Administrative Centre reaffirmed its dedication to creating an enabling environment for innovation and enterprise, and encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to continue pursuing their ideas with determination and long-term vision.
Gangtok, under the banner of Sikkim INSPIRES, were successfully conducted at the Mini Conference Hall of the District Administrative Centre, Sichey, Gangtok on 16th and 17th March 2026.
The pitching sessions are being held for over 72 registered participants from across the district, providing them with a platform to present their innovative ideas and business ventures before an expert panel. The sessions will continue until 20 March 2026, at the conclusion of which five winners will be selected, each to receive seed funding (challenge fund) of ₹3 lakh to support the development and implementation of their ventures.
The pitching sessions on both days were attended by a panel of judges consisting of distinguished local entrepreneurs, including Ms. Rinzing Choden, Founder of Agapi Sikkim; Mr. Tenzin Sangpo, Founder of Sikkim Coffee & Local Café; Mr. Dewakar Basnett, Founder of 24hrs Inspired; Mr. Abhimanyu Dhakal, Founder of UUNCHAI Himalayan Food Ltd.; Ms. Sernya Palmo, Founder of Palmo Handicrafts; and Mr. Nitish Poudyal, Marketing Consultant, Commerce & Industries Department. The panel also included guest judge Mr. Prem Prakash, Founder of Sarvahitey. The sessions were also attended by Mr. Tushar G. Nikhare, District Collector, Gangtok, along with special guests Ms. Ganga Pradhan, Retired IAS and presently serving as Member, Institute for Transformation of Sikkim (ITS), and Mr. Chewang Norbu Bhutia, Founder of Crafted Fibers, who sat through the presentations and interacted with the participants, with various officers from the District Administration Gangtok also being present during the session.
Participants during the session presented a diverse range of ideas spanning sectors such as food and hospitality, creative industries, social enterprises, technology-driven solutions, and local value-addition initiatives. The panel provided constructive feedback, guidance, and encouragement to help participants refine their concepts and strengthen their business proposals.
Following the successful completion of the Project PAILA workshops, conducted in collaboration with the CSR Department of Sun Pharma and implemented by the Stars of Hope NGO, this initiative represents the next phase of efforts by the District Administration to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and promote innovation, self-employment, and sustainable economic growth within the state.
The District Administrative Centre reaffirmed its dedication to creating an enabling environment for innovation and enterprise, and encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to continue pursuing their ideas with determination and long-term vision.
