For any queries or concerns please call us at +91 8597971367
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 ENTREPRENEURSHIP
A multi-stage ideathon and startup talent hunt across all districts – taking every innovator from raw idea to sustainable venture.
Funding Linkages
Mentorship
Industry experts, SEED Cell
Incubation Acess
ATTC Bardang, CCCT Chisopani
Click here to know to know how to register.
Click here to know to know how to register.
Event
Roadmap
Sikkim RISE
REALIZING IDEAS · SHAPING ENTREPRENEURSHIP
A multi-stage ideathon and startup talent hunt across all districts – taking every innovator from raw idea to sustainable venture.
Event Road Map
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.
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
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.
Eleven 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
THE ECOSYSTEM
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
Our Business Ready Incubation Centers
ATTC Bardang
Advanced Technical Training Centre
Bardang, Singtam
- Advances Technical Training
- Infrastructure & Labs
- Industry-aligned programs
CCCT Chisopani
Centre for Crafts & Commerce Training
Chisopani
- Skills for crafts & commerce
- Hands-on training
- Entrepreneurship support
INCUBATION SUPPORT
OUR INCUBATION JOURNEY
Empowering Ideas, Building Impact.
Our incubation program follows a structured journey that supports innovators at every stage, from outreach to exposure
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.