Shillong, May 11, 2026: The Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship (IDE) Bootcamp 2026 was officially inaugurated at North-Eastern Hill University in collaboration with the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell and All India Council for Technical Education. The event witnessed the participation of more than 170 participants, entrepreneurs, resource persons, and team members from across the state, united in their shared commitment towards innovation and entrepreneurship.
The programme commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp and Saraswati Vandana, symbolizing the pursuit of wisdom and success. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Dinesh Bhatia, Coordinator and SPOC of the bootcamp, spoke on the transformation of entrepreneurship in India, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted India’s growing global innovation standing and encouraged students to innovate fearlessly for building a self-reliant nation.
The session became highly interactive with Mr. Vikas Verma, Managing Editor at MIC and AICTE, who shared inspiring examples of digital disruption and entrepreneurship through the success story of Netflix. His engaging interaction motivated participants to think creatively and embrace innovation enthusiastically. Guest speaker Mr. RajKiran Pund further motivated the students by assuring them that by the end of the bootcamp, every participant would confidently learn the art of pitching ideas effectively. He also shared that this was his tenth bootcamp, reflecting his commitment to nurturing young innovators.
Representing the university administration, Prof. Ghanashyam Bez appreciated the strong youth participation and especially acknowledged students who travelled from different regions to gain practical exposure in the startup ecosystem. Chief Guest Prof. S. Umdor, Pro-Vice Chancellor of NEHU, encouraged the participants to draw inspiration from their immediate surroundings and local culture. Referring to Khasi Ryndia, the traditional silk produced without harming silkworms, he highlighted how sustainability and indigenous practices can inspire globally relevant entrepreneurial ventures.
A major attraction of the event was the exhibition featuring innovative stalls by students, entrepreneurs, and local artisans from Shillong and nearby areas. The stalls showcased handmade crafts, herbal teas, crochet products, desserts, sustainable jewellery, local wines, eco-friendly products, and regional specialties, reflecting the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of Meghalaya.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Suktilang Majaw, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, faculty members, organizers, and students for their enthusiastic participation and contribution towards the success of the programme.
The IDE Bootcamp 2026 successfully highlighted the synergy between innovation, local culture, sustainability, and youth-driven entrepreneurship, providing participants with a valuable platform for practical learning and exposure to the startup ecosystem.
2026, North-Eastern Hill University
Designed & developed at Bioinformatics Centre, NEHU
