By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 10: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, currently on a visit to Meghalaya, will inaugurate the IICA North-East Conclave 2025 at the prestigious IIM Shillong campus on July 11–12. The conclave is being organised by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
The two-day flagship event, themed ‘From Ideation to Incorporation’, aims to nurture the startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem across the Northeastern region. It is envisioned as a catalyst for innovation, incubation, and enterprise development through strategic policy discussions, institutional partnerships, and improved access to capital.
A key highlight of the conclave will be the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs North-East Regional Campus in Shillong, to be conducted by the Union Finance Minister.
To institutionalise regional collaboration, IICA will sign seven strategic MoUs with key institutions, including the Meghalaya Administrative Training Institute (MATI), Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI), and the National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam.
The conclave will also feature a Startup Exhibition, showcasing 39 startups, FPOs, financial institutions, and incubators from across the Northeast. The platform is designed to highlight regional innovation and foster meaningful connections with investors and ecosystem enablers.
Later, the FM will visit the Shillong Tech Park and inaugurate an exhibition of farmers and entrepreneurs at the Lariti International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture.
On July 12, she will engage in an interaction with industry stakeholders, women self-help groups, Lakhpati Didis, and food producer organisations. Sitharaman will also meet beneficiaries of the Payment for Ecosystem Services Programme and visit the vibrant Sohbar village.
On the final day of her visit, the Finance Minister will visit Ramakrishna Mission Higher Secondary School in Sohra.
