Startup Policy Sikkim 2025
Officially aligned
Govt Backed
C&l Dept + SEED Cell
National Pitch Events
Stage 5 - National Exposure

Sikkim RISE

REALIZING IDEAS  ·  SHAPING ENTREPRENEURS

A multi-stage ideathon and startup talent hunt across all districts – taking every innovator from raw idea to susrtainable venture.

Funding Linkages
Mentorship
Industry experts, SEED Cell
Incubation Acess
ATTC Bardang, CCCT Chisopani
Official Programme · Sikkim INSPIRES 2025

Sikkim

RISE

Realizing Ideas · Shaping Entrepreneurs

Sikkim’s official pathway for building the next generation of investor-ready startups.

Sikkim’s official pathway for building the next generation of investor-ready startups.

What is Sikkim RISE

A government-backed startup talent hunt — from raw idea to sustainable venture.

A multi-stage ideathon and startup talent hunt designed to take innovators from raw idea to investor-ready startup — built across all  districts of Sikkim, backed by policy, and powered by people.

Sikkim RISE is an offshoot of the Sikkim Startup Policy 2025 –  designed to build the pipeline of business innovation across the state, sector & district by district.

6

Districts Covered

3

Thematic Tracks

Government Backed

An initiative of the Commerce & Industries Department, Govt of Sikkim — organized in collaboration with SEED Cell under the Sikkim INSPIRES Program.

Multi-Stage Journey

From district ideathon to state competition to national pitch events - five progressive stages with structured support at every step of the way.

Across All Districts

All districts - inclusive by design, ensuring no idea is left behind regardless of location.

Policy-Aligned

Fully aligned with the Sikkim Startup Policy 2025, targeting 500+ startups and creating a structured, long-term innovation pipeline for the state.

Thematic Tracks

Where are you in your journey?

Idea

For those starting with an idea.

Prototype

For those building or testing a solution.

Revenue

For those already generating revenue.

Every stage has a place here. Start where you stand.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Built for every kind of

innovator in Sikkim

Students & Youth

Women Innovators

Artisans & Craftsmen

Rural Innovators

Early-Stage Startups

Local Entrepreneurs

Agri-Innovators

Self Help Groups

FOCUS AREAS

Build in sectors that define Sikkim's future.

Multiple high-potential sectors aligned with Sikkim’s vision of sustainable, inclusive, and tech-enabled growth. Find your domain and build something that lasts.

01

Agriculture & Organic Farming

02

Tourism & Hospitality

03

Renewable Energy & Sustainability

04

Handicrafts & Local Artisans

05

Food Processing & Preservation

06

Waste Management & Circular Economy

07

Women Empowerment & Social Impact

08

Logistics & Market Access

09

Disaster Management

10

Technology

11

& More

01

Agriculture & Organic Farming

AGRI-TECH
02

Tourism & Hospitality

TRAVEL
03

Renewable Energy & Sustainability

CLEANTECH
04

Handicrafts & Local Artisans

CULTRURE
05

Food Processing & Preservation

FOODTECH
06

Waste Management & Circular Economy

GREENTECH
07

Women Empowerment & Social Impact

SOCIAL
08

Logistics & Market Access

LOGISTICS
09

Disaster Management

SAFETY
10

Technology

TECH
11

& More

More

FOCUS AREAS

Build in sectors that define Sikkim's future.

01

Agriculture & Organic Farming

AGRI-TECH
02

Tourism & Hospitality

TRAVEL
03

Renewable Energy & Sustainability

CLEANTECH
04

Handicrafts & Local Artisans

CULTRURE
05

Food Processing & Preservation

FOODTECH
06

Waste Management & Circular Economy

GREENTECH
07

Women Empowerment & Social Impact

SOCIAL
08

Logistics & Market Access

LOGISTICS
09

Disaster Management

SAFETY
10

Technology

TECH
11

& More

More

THE ECOSYSTEM

INCUBATION SUPPORT

Structured incubation — from idea stage to business-ready.

Selected participants gain access to a dedicated incubation environment through partner institutions — providing the infrastructure, mentorship, labs, and market access needed to transform ideas into active, scalable businesses.
 

Partner Institutions

Expert Mentorship

Labs & Infrastructure

Market Access

Idea to Business Ready Centres

ATTC Bardang

Advanced Technical Training Centre 
Bardang, Singtam

CCCT Chisopani

Centre for Crafts & Commerce Training 

Chisopani

INCUBATION SUPPORT

WHAT YOU GET

Real Support, Real Outcomes

FAQ

Common questions, clear answers.

Who is eligible to apply for Sikkim RISE?

Any resident of Sikkim — or student studying at a Sikkim-based institution — with an idea, prototype, or early-stage business can apply. Both individual and team applications are welcome. Ideas must be original and aligned with one or more of the nine thematic sectors.

Do I need a registered business to apply?

No. A registered business is not required. Sikkim RISE is designed for all stages — applicants at the idea stage are equally welcome. A concept or problem statement is sufficient to begin your application.

Is there a participation fee?

Participation in Sikkim RISE is completely free. The programme is funded and operated by the Government of Sikkim under the Sikkim INSPIRES Project — backed by the Commerce & Industries Department.

What happens after I register?

After registration, applicants are shortlisted for the District Ideathon in their respective district. Shortlisted teams are notified by RISE coordinators and guided through pitch preparation before the event takes place.

What sectors are supported under RISE?

RISE supports nine priority sectors: Agriculture & Organic Farming, Tourism & Hospitality, Renewable Energy, Handicrafts & Local Artisans, Food Processing, Waste Management & Circular Economy, Women Empowerment & Social Impact, Logistics & Market Access, and Disaster Management — and many more beyond these.

How does the mentorship programme work?

Selected participants receive up to six months of structured mentorship through the SEED Cell ecosystem — including one-on-one sessions, group workshops, and access to domain experts, industry leaders, and startup coaches. Mentorship is sector-specific and tailored to each team's stage.

Can I apply if I am from a rural area?

Absolutely. District-level events are conducted across East, West, North, and South Sikkim — ensuring rural innovators have an equal opportunity to participate without traveling to Gangtok.

What happens after the national pitch event?

RISE doesn't end at Stage 5. Top performers receive direct introductions to investors, incubators, and government funding bodies. RISE maintains active alumni support through the SEED Cell network — ongoing mentorship, funding linkages, and priority access to future programmes.

when will the district-level events take place?

Event dates and district-specific timelines will be announced shortly. Stay tuned to this page and official channels of the Commerce & Industries Department, Government of Sikkim, for confirmed schedules. Registered applicants will be notified directly.
APPLICATIONS OPEN · STATEWIDE SELECTION PROCESS

Take your idea

from raw to real.

Start your journey with Sikkim RISE — the official startup programme of the Government of Sikkim, organized by the Commerce & Industries Department in collaboration with SEED Cell.