By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 17: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Friday launched ProBites, a student-led brand offering healthy, probiotic-based snacks, on a pilot basis during the ‘Future Founders’ Felicitation and ProBites Pilot Launch’ programme organised by the St. Anthony’s College Centre for Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Incubation (SACCEII) at the Dominic Conference Hall here.
Developed under SACCEII’s incubation and mentorship, ProBites offers a range of gut-friendly products such as probiotic yoghurt, curd, and banana chips. Designed to be both nutritious and accessible, the product integrates scientific research with entrepreneurship and aims to promote wellness across the state.
Founded by final-year Biochemistry students Bynraplang Nongphud, Sachen M. Sangma and Shanborlang Sunn of the Class of 2025, ProBites represents the spirit of innovation that SACCEII seeks to instil in its students.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Sangma commended the efforts of SACCEII and St. Anthony’s College and delivered a presentation highlighting the state’s economic growth and long-term vision.
He noted that Meghalaya’s GSDP has grown from $4.4 billion in 2018 to $6.6 billion today, with a target of $10 billion (Rs 85,000 crore) by 2028. He outlined ten priority areas, including investment promotion, entrepreneurship, tourism, culture, heritage, agriculture and urban transformation, while emphasising inclusive growth through housing, connectivity, healthcare, drinking water, power supply and quality education.
“While we grow as an economy and target $10 billion by 2028, we must commit ourselves as a government to ensuring that growth includes housing for all, connectivity and mobility, affordable healthcare, drinking water, power supply, and an empowered economy,” he said.
The chief minister also highlighted Meghalaya’s economic achievements over the past seven years, including the tripling of the state budget and the implementation of significant externally aided projects. “Out of the 80% (loan from external agencies), only 10% is the share that we, as a state government, have to pay, while 90% is repaid by the Government of India. So, this is not really a loan,” he explained. Speaking on employment, tourism and skill development, he emphasised that tourism alone could create nearly 60,000 jobs by 2028, with programmes like Skills Meghalaya and PRIME supporting thousands of youths. “We have broken down every sector to achieve the $10 billion economy,” he added.
The chief minister also highlighted women’s empowerment and socio-economic development, citing the expansion of Self-Help Groups from 5,800 in 2018 to 51,000 today. “We realised that a key solution to reducing maternal mortality is actually improving the economic productivity of women in our society,” he said.
On culture, arts and youth engagement, he mentioned the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme and initiatives in film, theatre and sports. “Youngsters require activity and engagement. They need to be busy, and we felt that music, arts, and sports provide an excellent avenue,” he observed.
He underlined the importance of IT and entrepreneurship for Meghalaya’s future, citing collaboration with Nvidia for AI and quantum computing labs.
On entrepreneurship, the chief minister urged young people to take early risks. “I was clear that if there is one thing I want to promote for the youth, it is entrepreneurship. That’s why we started the PRIME programme. If you want to start a business and take a risk, now is the time,” he said.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA), who was the guest of honour, highlighted the achievements of the PRIME programme, which has incubated around 300 startups and distributed Rs 38 crore in funding to entrepreneurs, in addition to Rs 146 crore sanctioned under Chief Minister-led initiatives. She noted that 24 colleges, including St. Anthony’s, have been supported under the academia sector, with a total allocation of Rs 6.38 crore per institution, of which Rs 30 lakh has been effectively utilised by St. Anthony’s College.
The event also featured the Felicitation of Future Founders, recognising student innovators and entrepreneurs from SACCEII’s Business Incubation and Certificate Programme in Practical Entrepreneurship. The awardees were celebrated for their creativity, determination, and leadership in developing early-stage ventures aligned with Meghalaya’s evolving startup ecosystem.
Adding to the occasion’s vibrancy was a Student Venture Exhibition, where participants showcased their innovative products and prototypes—ranging from eco-friendly lifestyle brands and digital solutions to artisanal crafts and culinary ventures. The exhibition served as a platform for dialogue, feedback, and potential collaborations between students, visitors, and industry professionals.
