Shillong, May 8: A group of 12 promising startups from Meghalaya’s PRIME Entrepreneurship Program is set to travel to Austria to participate in Vienna UP 2025, one of Europe’s leading startup festivals that brings together innovators, investors, and business leaders from across the globe.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced the development on social media, calling it a major milestone for the state’s entrepreneurial journey.
“12 startups who are part of our PRIME Entrepreneurship Program are headed to Austria to participate in the Vienna UP 2025 event. This global platform offers our entrepreneurs a valuable opportunity to connect with international peers, investors, and industry leaders,” he wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) handle.
Highlighting the value of international exposure, the Chief Minister added, “Exposure to global markets and ecosystems is crucial for our startups to broaden their perspective, open avenues for cross-border collaborations, and accelerate their growth potential. Excited to see how these experiences translate into something meaningful.”
Before their departure, the startup founders met with the Chief Minister and expressed their gratitude for the opportunity, pledging to make the most of the experience.
Freddy Ranee, one of the entrepreneurs, described the trip as a game changer. “This will really help, as it will give us a lot of exposure. We think we know everything by doing things locally, but unless we go out and explore the potential market, we won’t be able to learn and grow in ways we can’t even imagine. This kind of exposure is vital for small businesses like ours, especially cottage industries, to move to the next level,” he said.
Dr. E. Marbaniang, another participant, echoed the sentiment, underlining the importance of the festival. “The festival is not just any event—it’s a platform where startups like us can gain exposure and connect with others from around the world. It’s a great opportunity for networking.”
He added, “We still have a long way to go. With 12 startups from different sectors heading to the event, we will return with more knowledge and a better understanding of what we can do and improve upon back home.”
Another entrepreneur, Jayant, highlighted the long-term benefits of international exposure. “If we get global exposure, we can grow not just in the domestic market but internationally too. It all depends on the sector a startup is in, and how we use the learnings for the future,” he said.
A member of the Chicken Wagon team also shared his expectations, stating, “I’m from the Chicken Wagon team, and from my side, I want to explore, learn, and return with better knowledge and a clearer outlook on what we are doing.”
The Vienna UP 2025 festival is expected to serve as a springboard for these budding entrepreneurs, offering them global visibility, valuable insights, and connections that could shape the future of innovation in Meghalaya.
