NE Vent 4: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Northeast India

The Hub Jorhat at Bosco Institute launches Women Entrepreneurship Incubation Programme – NE Vent 4

The entrepreneurial landscape in Northeast India has taken another significant leap forward with the launch of NE Vent 4, the fourth edition of the Women Entrepreneurship Incubation Programme by The Hub Jorhat at Bosco Institute. The inauguration took place on February 7, 2025, at The Hub Jorhat Auditorium, marking the beginning of a new journey for women entrepreneurs across the region.

About NE Vent 4

NE Vent is a structured six-month-long incubation programme designed to provide budding entrepreneurs with the necessary tools, mentorship, and financial support to build and sustain their enterprises. The programme includes:

• Business Model Development: Entrepreneurs refine their business ideas and develop viable models.
• Financial Planning: Training on managing business finances effectively.
• Legal Compliances: Sessions on regulatory frameworks and business laws.
• Investor Pitching: Participants present their ideas to investors for funding opportunities.
• Seed Fund Support: Post-pitching, selected entrepreneurs receive financial assistance to scale their ventures.
• Long-term Handholding: Continued mentorship and support beyond the incubation period.

Inaugural Highlights

The event commenced with an exhibition and stalls showcasing the products crafted by the incubated women entrepreneurs. This was followed by a formal inauguration ceremony in the auditorium, attended by distinguished guests and industry leaders who shared insights on entrepreneurship and innovation.

Keynote Speakers and Insights

• Prof. J.P. Sampath, Director of the National Institute of Design, emphasized the role of innovation in community development. He invited participants to visit NID Assam and explore its vast resources for entrepreneurs.
• Smt. Leena Saikia, Managing Director and CEO of Frontal Agritech, spoke on promising sectors for entrepreneurship. She shared her inspiring journey of taking bhoot jolokia (ghost pepper) to international markets.
• Shri. Biswajit Hazarika, Managing Director of Trans Virtual Pvt. Ltd., recounted his entrepreneurial journey from a small startup in 2002 to a diversified enterprise spanning biotechnology and digital marketing, with a presence across India and abroad.
• Mr. Pankaj Barua, Head Portfolio Manager at IIM CIP, addressed the challenges entrepreneurs face and strategies to overcome them.
• Smt. Nidhi Gupta, Chief Facilitator of the Incubation Programme, highlighted the resilience of women entrepreneurs who balance multiple roles alongside their business aspirations.

Exploring the Hub Makerspace

The event concluded with a guided walk through The Hub Makerspace, the first of its kind in Northeast India. This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with advanced tools such as:

• Laser Cutters
• 3D Printers
• Robotic Arms
• Power Tools

The Makerspace provides an ecosystem where innovators can prototype, experiment, and bring their ideas to life.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

The core objective of NE Vent 4 is to empower and encourage women entrepreneurs in Northeast India by providing them with structured support, financial aid, and technical guidance. This initiative is a testament to The Hub Jorhat at Bosco Institute’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for aspiring entrepreneurs in the region.

With NE Vent 4 in motion, the future of women entrepreneurship in Northeast India looks promising, driven by innovation, resilience, and unwavering support from institutions like The Hub Jorhat.