A group of promising Meghalaya-based startups has been selected to participate in Vienna UP 2025, one of Europe’s largest and most prestigious global startup festivals. The participation marks a proud moment for the northeastern state and reflects the growing strength of innovation and entrepreneurship beyond India’s major metropolitan centers.
Scheduled to take place in Vienna, Austria, in May 2025, Vienna UP 2025 brings together startups, investors, innovators, and ecosystem enablers from across the globe. The event serves as a global platform for showcasing cutting-edge ideas, forging international partnerships, and attracting investment into emerging markets.
A Historic Milestone for Meghalaya’s Startup Ecosystem
This is the first time startups from Meghalaya will participate in Vienna UP, signaling the state’s arrival on the global entrepreneurial map. The delegation will include early-stage and growth-stage startups selected through a competitive process facilitated by the Meghalaya Startup Mission, an initiative supported by the state government to nurture local innovation and entrepreneurship.
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Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who has been actively promoting startups in the region, congratulated the selected entrepreneurs. “This is a proud moment for Meghalaya. Our startups are not just solving local problems but are now ready to take their solutions to the world stage. Vienna UP 2025 offers them the perfect platform to connect, grow, and inspire,” he said.
Startups Leading the Charge
The selected startups span a diverse range of sectors, including agritech, sustainable fashion, food processing, eco-tourism, and digital services. Among them are:
- Zizira: A Shillong-based agritech startup working with indigenous farmers to deliver high-quality, organic products globally.
- TribeEco: Focused on sustainable textiles and handicrafts, this startup empowers tribal artisans while promoting eco-friendly fashion.
- MeghCraft: A digital platform connecting local artisans with international buyers.
- HillSpice Foods: Specializing in organic spices and packaged traditional foods sourced from Meghalaya’s remote villages.
These startups have been mentored and funded under the Meghalaya Startup Policy and will now have a chance to pitch their ideas to international investors and collaborate with global innovators.
Why Vienna UP Matters
Vienna UP 2025 is more than just a tech event—it is a hub of global startup culture. Organized by the Vienna Business Agency, the week-long festival features pitch competitions, panel discussions, startup expos, investor meets, and workshops. It attracts participation from over 30 countries and focuses on sustainability, impact-driven business models, and cross-border collaboration.
For Meghalaya’s startups, participation in Vienna UP means access to:
- Global investor networks
- Partnership opportunities with European startups
- Exposure to international market trends
- Validation and visibility for their business models
Such exposure can significantly accelerate the growth trajectory of these startups and open doors to global expansion.
Government Support and Vision
The Meghalaya government has been actively supporting young entrepreneurs through capacity-building workshops, incubation support, seed funding, and market access. The Meghalaya Startup Mission, in collaboration with Invest India and Startup India, has been instrumental in scouting and preparing startups for global platforms like Vienna UP.
Speaking about the initiative, government officials emphasized that such international exposure is critical to building a resilient and globally competitive startup ecosystem in the Northeast. The state aims to position itself as a hub for sustainable and socially impactful enterprises.
A Boost for Northeast India
The participation of Meghalaya startups in Vienna UP 2025 is not just a state-level achievement—it is a beacon of progress for the entire Northeast region. Often overlooked in the national startup narrative, this region is now proving that innovation and entrepreneurship are thriving even in the country’s most remote areas.
With their inclusion in Vienna UP 2025, Meghalaya startups are stepping onto the global stage with confidence and creativity. This milestone reflects the success of focused government policies and the sheer determination of local entrepreneurs to make a mark internationally. As the world looks to more diverse and inclusive innovation hubs, Meghalaya is emerging as a powerful voice from India’s Northeast.