The IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Assam Innovation and Startup Foundation (AISF) to strengthen Assam’s start-up and entrepreneurship ecosystem. The collaboration aims to promote innovation-led growth, job creation, and inclusive development across the State.

About the Partnership

• The agreement supports the objectives of the Assam Startup Policy 2025, which envisions Assam as a leading start-up hub in the Northeast.
  
• IIMCIP, a not-for-profit entity under IIM Calcutta, will provide mentoring, funding, and capacity-building support to start-ups incubated under AISF.
  
• AISF, a Section 8 company under the Assam government’s Department of Innovation, Incubation and Startups (DIIS), promotes start-ups through incubation and networking.
  
• IIMCIP’s track record: Over 2,000 start-ups mentored, 130 ventures seed-funded, ₹2,000 crore raised, and a cumulative valuation of nearly ₹8,000 crore.
  
• The collaboration will also emphasise women’s entrepreneurship, market access, and investor connect for Assam’s innovators.
  

Exam Hook – UPSC Prelims Question

Which of the following statements about the IIMCIP–AISF partnership is/are correct?

1. It aligns with the Assam Startup Policy 2025.
   
2. AISF is a Section 8 company under the Assam government.
   
3. IIMCIP functions under the aegis of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta.
   

Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

One-line wrap:
The IIMCIP–AISF partnership marks a new phase in Assam’s journey toward an innovation-driven, inclusive start-up economy.

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