Tata Electronics to Launch Chip Packaging at ₹27,120 Cr Assam Facility by 2026

Tata Electronics is set to begin semiconductor chip packaging at its upcoming ₹27,120 crore OSAT facility in Jagiroad, Assam, with early qualification already underway to fast-track operations reported media outlets including the Economic Times. The plant is expected to start large-scale production by the end of 2026, serving global automotive and industrial clients.

Key Highlights of the Assam Unit

• Location: Jagiroad, Assam
• Investment: ₹27,120 crore
• Facility Size: ~1 million sq. ft. of cleanroom space
• Production Capacity: Up to 48 million chips per day once fully operational
• Timeline: Early qualification underway; full-scale operations targeted by end of 2026
• Sectors Served: Automotive, industrial, telecom, consumer electronics, AI-driven devices

Strategic Importance

• Global Trust Building: Tata Electronics is shifting a product line from its Vemagal, Karnataka OSAT unit to Assam to showcase scalability and reliability to overseas clients.
• Technology Transfer: A team from Vemagal will relocate to Jagiroad to replicate operations and accelerate readiness.
• National Push: Strengthens India’s semiconductor ecosystem under the India Semiconductor Mission, aligning with PM Modi’s vision of technological self-reliance.

Technical Features

• Packaging Technologies: Wire Bond, Flip Chip, and Integrated Systems Packaging (ISP) with plans for advanced packaging expansion.
• Cleanroom Qualification: Early validation ensures compliance with global standards, reducing risks of costly re-engineering.
• Partnerships: MoU signed with ASML for lithography systems, strengthening India’s semiconductor supply chain.

Comparison: Karnataka vs Assam Facilities

Facility	Location	Scale	Focus	Status
Vemagal OSAT	Karnataka	Small-scale	Initial shipments	Operational
Jagiroad OSAT	Assam	Large-scale (₹27,120 cr)	Automotive & industrial	Early qualification, full ops by end-2026

Risks & Challenges

• Execution Timeline: Early qualification helps, but delays in equipment installation could push back full-scale rollout.
• Global Competition: Competing with established OSAT giants in Taiwan and South Korea.
• Supply Chain Dependence: Smooth integration with upstream wafer fabs and downstream electronics manufacturers is critical.

India Approves Its First Underwater Road–Rail Tunnel Project, Worth $2 Bn

The Union Cabinet has approved a landmark ₹18,662 crore project to build India’s first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra River in Assam.

What Assam’s Brahmaputra project represents is India’s first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel, and one of only a handful globally.

Assam’s Chief Minister described it as the world’s second underwater road-rail tunnel, after the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link between Germany and Denmark, which is longer and still under construction. So, while it’s not the longest, it is among the most ambitious and unique — especially because it combines both road and rail under a major river in a seismic zone.

Project Details

• Length & Design: 15.79 km twin-tube tunnel, part of a 33.7 km greenfield corridor connecting Gohpur (NH-15) to Numaligarh (NH-715).
• Depth: Tunnel will sit about 32 meters below the riverbed.
• Capacity: Two road lanes in each direction, plus provision for a railway line.

Impact

• Travel Time: Reduces current 240 km detour (~6 hours) to just 34 km, cutting travel time to about 20 minutes.
• Economic Boost: Expected to generate 80 lakh person-days of employment and enhance freight, tourism, and security near the Indo-Tibet border.
• Strategic Importance: Strengthens connectivity in the Northeast, supports the Act East Policy, and adds Assam’s fourth rail crossing over the Brahmaputra.

Political & Regional Significance

• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hailed it as a historic milestone, thanking PM Narendra Modi and Minister Nitin Gadkari for advancing regional connectivity.

Adani to Invest ₹ ~63,000 Cr in Transformative Energy Projects in Assam

Adani Group will invest about ₹63,000 crore in Assam across two transformative energy projects — a 3,200 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power plant and two pumped storage facilities with a combined capacity of 2,700 MW. This marks the largest private sector investment in Northeast India to date.

Key Highlights

• Total Investment: ₹63,000 crore
• Adani Power Ltd.: ~₹48,000 crore for a 3,200 MW greenfield ultra-supercritical thermal power plant under the DBFOO (Design, Build, Finance, Own, Operate) model.
• Adani Green Energy Ltd.: ~₹15,000 crore for two pumped storage plants (PSPs) with a combined capacity of 2,700 MW. 
• Government Support: Both projects have received Letters of Award (LoAs) from the Assam government.
• Coal Linkage: The thermal plant will source coal under the SHAKTI policy, ensuring fuel security.
• Employment Impact: Expected to generate ~30,000 jobs during the project phase, boosting local livelihoods.
• Tariff: Adani Power won the thermal project with a competitive tariff bid of ₹6.30 per kWh.

Strategic Importance

• Regional Development: This is the largest-ever private investment in Northeast India, catalyzing industrial growth in Assam.
• Energy Security: The projects will significantly enhance Assam’s power generation capacity, reducing dependence on imports and stabilizing supply.
• Green Transition: Pumped storage facilities will support renewable integration, balancing intermittent solar and wind power.
• Economic Boost: Gautam Adani emphasized that these projects will energize and catalyze progress across the entire northeastern corridor.

Why It Matters

For Assam: Strengthens infrastructure, creates jobs, and positions the state as a key energy hub.

For India’s Northeast: Signals confidence in the region’s potential, attracting further private and public investments.

For Adani Group: Reinforces its role as a leading energy player, balancing conventional and renewable portfolios.

This announcement is a landmark in India’s energy and regional development story — combining scale, sustainability, and strategic impact.

Sources:

Assam to Have India’s 1st Space Junk Monitoring Radar Under ISRO’s Project Netra

Assam is set to host India’s first space debris monitoring radar under ISRO’s Project Netra. The radar will be established in Chandrapur, near Guwahati, and will be capable of detecting objects as small as 10 cm within a range of 2,000 km. This initiative is part of ISRO’s broader effort to enhance space situational awareness and safeguard India’s growing satellite assets.

The project is expected to be completed within a year and represents an investment of approximately ₹1,000 crore. The state government has allotted 200 bighas of land for the facility and assured. Once operational, it will significantly reduce India’s dependence on foreign sources for tracking space.

This news comes within a month after Assam's state government has announced that it is gearing up to launch its own satellite system, ASSAMSAT, with technical assistance from ISRO.

India has been making significant strides in space debris monitoring and mitigation, but it still lags behind some of the more established spacefaring nations in terms of infrastructure and investment.

It was in April 2022, when ISRO announced that it aims to attain self-reliance in safeguarding the valuable space assets, ISRO will establish Space Surveillance and Tracking network with RADARS and Optical Telescopes under the project Network for Space Objects Tracking and Analysis (NETRA).

Project Netra is India’s initiative for space situational awareness (SSA), which includes radar and optical telescopes to track debris.

India aims to eliminate debris from all its space missions by 2030, setting a global precedent.

India has Space Situational Awareness Control Centre, which was established in 2020 to serve as India’s hub for monitoring space traffic.

Assam to Launch Its Own Satellite System, with ISRO's Help

Assam is gearing up to launch its own satellite system, ASSAMSAT, with technical assistance from ISRO. The state government is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ISRO soon, and the initial groundwork for the satellite system is expected to be in place by the end of this year.

ASSAMSAT will consist of four to five low-earth orbiting satellites, each focusing on different regions of the state. The command and control center for these satellites will be located in Guwahati. The project aims to enhance disaster management, security (including monitoring illegal infiltration), wildlife tracking, agricultural land use analysis, and road network monitoring. Additionally, it is expected to encourage private sector participation in Assam’s space initiatives.

This is a huge step for Assam in terms of technological advancement and scientific research.

The ASSAMSAT satellites are being developed in collaboration with IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre) and ISRO.

Additionally, the project aims to involve students from Assam, who will get hands-on experience in building experimental satellites with support from IN-SPACe and ISRO.

ISRO will also assist Assam in data acquisition and processing, ensuring that the satellite system is effectively utilized for disaster management, forest and agricultural monitoring, land administration, water resource management, and urban planning.

Additionally, ISRO is helping the Assam government develop policy guidelines for using space-based data in governance and environmental monitoring.

Beyond the technical aspects, ISRO is fostering scientific education by allowing 800 students from the Northeast, including 100 from Assam, to visit ISRO's research centers and projects 1 2. This initiative aims to inspire young minds and promote interest in space science and technology.

Adani, Reliance Pledged to Invest Rs. 50000 Crore Each, in Assam

Asia's top Industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani have announced significant investments in Assam. During the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment & Infrastructure Summit 2025 in Guwahati, they each pledged to invest Rs. 50,000 crore in the state.

Mukesh Ambani's investment will focus on:

• Making Assam technology and AI-ready
• Green and nuclear energy
• Supply chain of food and non-food products
• Expanding Reliance's retail stores
• High-end hotel and hospitality economy

Gautam Adani's investment will span across:

• Development of airports and aerocity
• City gas distribution network
• Power transmission
• Cement and road construction

This substantial financial commitment is expected to drive significant economic growth and development in Assam.

Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, during the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment & Infrastructure Summit 2025, said

At the 2018 investment summit, I announced an investment of Rs 5,000 crore. Since then, the investments have crossed Rs 12,000 crore. This amount will quadruple and we will invest Rs 50,000 crore in the next five years.

"Reliance will establish an AI-ready Data Center in Assam, which will benefit students with AI-assisted teachers, patients with AI-assisted doctors, agriculture with AI-assisted farmers, and AI will help Assam’s youth to learn from home and earn from home."

Reliance will build a luxurious, seven-star Oberoi hotel in the heart of Assam, " said the Reliance Industries Chairman.

Gautam Adani, the promoter of Adani Group, said

I announce today, the Adani Group’s commitment to invest Rs 50,000 crores in Assam..... Our investment will span across airports, aero-cities, city gas distributions, transmissions, cement, and road projects.

"Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, every time I meet you, I leave inspired. I have known no recent first-time Chief Minister who has ignited such hope and then transformed that hope into action and remarkable progress." said Adani. 

Tata Electronics' $3.2 Bn Assam Semiconductor Plant To Be Operational In 2025

Tata Electronics is embarking on an ambitious project—a ₹27,000-crore (approximately USD $3.2 Billion, as per current exchange rate) chip assembly plant in Assam. The semiconductor plant is slated to become operational in 2025 and will create 27,000 jobs initially. This was told by Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran on the occasion of the chip plant's Bhumi Pujan ceremony on Saturday.

Using indigenously-developed technologies, the plant aims to produce 4.83 crore chips per day. All three major technologies deployed in this plant are developed in India, making it a noteworthy milestone for the semiconductor industry in the country.

Chandrasekaran said that the company has already employed 1,000 people from Assam and as the facility expands it will bring entire semiconductor ecosystem companies.

The Bhumi Pujan (foundation stone laying) ceremony was held in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran. The project received approval from the Union Cabinet in February 2024, and construction began shortly thereafter. This development is a significant step toward bolstering India's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities and fostering economic growth.

By establishing indigenous chip manufacturing facilities, India aims to reduce reliance on imports, especially in critical sectors like telecommunications, automotive, and consumer electronics.

Facilities like Tata Electronics’ plant are investing in advanced packaging methods, such as 2.5D and 3D packaging. These techniques enhance chip performance, reduce power consumption, and enable miniaturization.

Semiconductor projects like this will create thousands of high-skilled jobs, contributing to economic growth and skill development. Local chip production encourages innovation by fostering collaboration between academia, startups, and established players.

India can compete globally in emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and 5G with reliable access to chips. Domestic production enhances supply chain resilience, reducing vulnerability to global disruptions.

Tata Motors Opens New 1 Lakh Sq. Ft. Commercial Vehicle Spare Parts Warehouse in Guwahati

First-of-its-kind integrated warehouse facility spans 1 lakh square feet, ensures seamless availability of Tata Genuine spare parts in the North East

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has announced the inauguration of a new commercial vehicle spare parts warehouse in Guwahati. The state-of-the-art facility is fully digitalised and spans across 1 lakh square feet, stocking spare parts for the entire commercial vehicle portfolio. The addition of the new facility will enable the company faster turnaround times and easier availability of spares at Tata Authorised Service Stations in the North East.

Equipped with world-class infrastructure and safety measures, the facility will unlock greater customer value proposition through digitalised warehouse processes. Tata Motors has partnered with Delhivery, India’s largest fully integrated logistics services provider, to leverage its technology-enabled warehousing and transportation solutions. The facility also boasts cutting-edge storage systems catering to diverse needs, including gravity spiral and vertical reciprocating conveyors. Additionally, a designated area for handling medium and heavy vehicle body parts has been integrated to ensure seamless operations.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Vikram Agarwal, Head – Spares and Non Vehicular Business, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, “The inauguration of the new warehouse in Guwahati is a testament to Tata Motors’ customer-centric approach and will further enhance the vehicle ownership experience by ensuring easy availability of spares. The new warehouse will enable smarter inventory management at Tata Authorized Service Stations in the region, thereby enhancing service quality and vehicle uptime. This new facility brings us closer to our customers in the fast-progressing region of the North East, making logistics more efficient.”

Tata Motors offers an extensive range of sub-1-tonne to 55-tonne cargo vehicles and 10-seater to 51-seater mass mobility solutions, ranging in small commercial vehicles and pickups, trucks, and buses segments to address the evolving needs of logistics and mass mobility segments. The company ensures unparalleled quality and service commitment through its extensive network of 2500+ touchpoints, manned by trained specialists and backed by easy access to Tata Genuine Parts.

Tata Group to Build the Nation’s 1st Indigenous Semiconductor Assembly and Test Facility in Assam

INR 27,000 crore investment in a greenfield facility in Assam for assembly and testing of semiconductor chips for applications across automotive, mobile devices, artificial intelligence (AI), and other key segments to serve customers globally.

In a significant step towards creating an end-to-end semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in India, Government of India has approved a proposal by Tata Electronics to build a state-of-the-art, greenfield semiconductor assembly and test facility in Jagiroad, Assam. The facility will be built with an investment outlay of INR 27,000 crore and is expected to generate over 27,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region.

Tata Electronics Pvt Ltd (wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons Pvt Ltd) will build this facility focusing on three key platform technologies - Wire Bond, Flip Chip, and a differentiated offering called Integrated Systems Packaging (ISP), with plans of expanding the roadmap to advanced packaging technologies in the future. These technologies are extremely critical for key applications in India – like automotive (especially electric vehicles), communications, network infrastructure and others.

Tata Electronics has already made significant investments in indigenous technology development for all these platforms and has put together a very credible team with over 1,000+ years of global domain experience to drive this project. The proposed facility will serve the growing global demands across key market segments like AI, industrial, and consumer electronics.

The construction of the facility is scheduled to start this year with the first phase of the facility becoming operational by mid-2025 and will provide an immense boost to industrialization in North-East India. The project is envisioned under the Government of India’s Semiconductor policy being driven by the India Semiconductor Mission and the Government of Assam’s Electronics policy.

Semiconductor assembly and test is a critical part of the semiconductor value chain where wafers manufactured by semiconductor fabs are assembled or packaged and then tested before they are finally used in the desired product. Innovations in semiconductor assembly and test are driving increased performance, reduced form factor, and reduced costs of semiconductor chips.

Commenting on the announcement, N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons said, “We are in a unique time for the electronics manufacturing market globally and the world is seeking a more secure and resilient electronics supply chain. With our announcement of the semiconductor fab and this strategic project in semiconductor assembly and test, we will be enabling our global customers to base a key part of their semiconductor value chain in India. Alongside mitigating global supply chain risks, I am confident that this project will have a transformational impact towards technology led industrialization and job creation in the Northeast in particular.

Under the decisive leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India has developed a comprehensive central and state semiconductor policy. This along with support from Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, India Semiconductor Mission and the Government of Assam has made this announcement possible.”

Dr Randhir Thakur, CEO & MD, Tata Electronics said, “The strategy of serving across the semiconductor value chain is our differentiator and will enable Tata Electronics to deliver complete system offerings to customers. We have a critical window of opportunity where we see tremendous customer pull from global players for manufacturing in India and we plan to capitalize on this opportunity and leapfrog through technology innovation. This investment will go a long way in putting India on the map of global semiconductor manufacturing and in spurring a complete domestic ecosystem for high technology manufacturing while being an enabler for the indigenous product ecosystem.”

The proposed facility in Jagiroad is strategically located with access to abundant water and green power – a key sustainability consideration for the Tata group and its customers globally. Assam is also closer to the current semiconductor packaging & test hubs in countries like Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore. Assam has technical and engineering workforce available from the entire North-East India, providing a stable talent pool for this project as well as the ecosystem development that this project will seed. This new initiative from Tata Electronics will bring to India a portfolio of cutting-edge semiconductor technologies, advanced skill set and talent, and a network of semiconductor manufacturing suppliers and ecosystem partners, resulting in foundational development of indigenous semiconductor ecosystem in India. This Assembly & Test facility will be able to directly ship semiconductor chips to end-users and OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in India and the world.

About the Tata group

Founded by Jamsetji Tata in 1868, the Tata group is a global enterprise, headquartered in India, comprising 30 companies across ten verticals. The group operates in more than 100 countries across six continents, with a mission ‘To improve the quality of life of the communities we serve globally, through long-term stakeholder value creation based on Leadership with Trust’.

Tata Sons is the principal investment holding company and promoter of Tata companies. Sixty-six percent of the equity share capital of Tata Sons is held by philanthropic trusts, which support education, health, livelihood generation and art and culture.

In 2022-23, the revenue of Tata companies, taken together, was $150 billion (INR 12 trillion). These companies collectively employ over 1 million people. Each Tata company or enterprise operates independently under the guidance and supervision of its own board of directors. There are 29 publicly listed Tata enterprises with a combined market capitalization of $350 billion as of February 2024.

About Tata Electronics

Tata Electronics is a global player in the electronics manufacturing business with fast emerging capabilities in Electronics Manufacturing Services, Semiconductor Assembly & Test, Semiconductor Foundry, and Design Services. Founded in 2020 as a greenfield venture of the Tata group, the company aims to better serve global customers through integrated offerings across a trusted electronics and semiconductor value chain. With a fast-expanding workforce, the company presently employs over 15,000 people and has facilities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in India. Tata Electronics also aims to work towards creating a conscientious socio-economic footprint by employing large number of women in its workforce and providing necessary assistance to local communities in health, hygiene, and education.

Guwahati Residents Get Fleet of 100 Tata Ultra Electric Buses

Guwahati takes the green route with 100 Tata Motors electric buses

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has recently announced that it has supplied 100 electric buses to Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC).

The 9-metre, air-conditioned Tata Ultra electric buses that will ply on the roads of Guwahati are designed to provide a safe, comfortable and convenient intra-city commute. These zero-emission buses are indigenously built on a next-gen architecture, equipped with the latest features and are powered by advanced battery systems. The buses were launched by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on 1 January 2024.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Rohit Srivastava, Vice President & Business Head – CV Passengers, Tata Motors, said, “Making public transport more effective and efficient is our mission and we are thankful to the Assam State Government and the ASTC for giving us the opportunity to supply a modern fleet of electric buses. Built with cutting-edge technology and rigorously tested under varied conditions, these buses are eco-friendly and will make public transportation safe, comfortable, tech driven and more efficient. We are elated to have our Tata Ultra electric buses inducted and operational to serve the residents of Guwahati.”

To recall, in mid last week, Tata Motors delivered 100 Starbus EVs (Electric Buses) to Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). Prior to this, in November, the Tata company supplied the first batch of Ultra EV air-conditioned electric buses to Srinagar Smart City Limited, via TML Smart City Mobility Solutions (J&K) Pvt Ltd, a Tata Motors Group company.

Till date, Tata Motors has supplied over 1,500 electric buses across multiple cities in India, which have cumulatively clocked more than 10 crore kilometres, with an uptime of over 95%.

The Tata Ultra EV, is a cutting-edge e-bus that sets new benchmarks for urban city commuting. With its full-electric drivetrain, this state-of-the-art vehicle optimises energy consumption, resulting in low energy usage and operational costs. It offers features like ease of boarding, comfortable seating and driver-friendly operations, while ensuring zero emissions.

Equipped with electronic stability control, electronic brake distribution, air suspension, Intelligent Transport System (ITS) and panic button among other advanced features, it prioritises comfort and safety for its commuters. This electric bus embodies the commitment to cleaner public transport and is an ideal choice for urban passenger transportation needs.

Tata Power and Assam Govt Collaborate for 10 Advanced EV Chargers Network in Guwahati

Tata Power signs MoU with Assam Government to set up EV charging network in Guwahati

Tata Power EV Charging Solutions Limited (TPEVCSL) , a Tata Power Group Company and one of the leading EV Charging solutions provider formally announced its forthcoming collaboration with the Assam Government, aimed at augmenting the electric vehicle ecosystem. This significant partnership, formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will introduce the convenience of EV charging infrastructure in the dynamic city of Guwahati.

As part of this initiative, Tata Power is poised to deploy a network of 10 advanced EV chargers strategically situated across 10 pivotal locations as a pilot within the city, with key installations planned for high-traffic areas such as Dispur.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place in the esteemed presence of Assam's Hon’ble Transport Minister, Excise & Fisheries Shri. Parimal Suklabaidya, alongside a distinguished gathering of dignitaries including the Secretary Transport to the Govt. of Assam Mr. Adil Khan (IAS), Dr. Rabin Kumar ( IPS) - Commissioner of Transport-Assam, representing the state's highest officials, Mr Virendra Goyal, Head- Business development (EV Charging), Tata Power, along with key officials from the Transport Ministry. This undertaking underscores Tata Power's unwavering dedication to advancing sustainable and eco-friendly mobility, aligning seamlessly with the Assam Government's vision to foster environmentally-conscious transportation solutions and bolster the adoption of electric vehicles throughout the region.

The Hon’ble Transport Minister of Assam, Shri. Parimal Suklabaidya stated, "In our collaboration with Tata Power, a prominent leader in the electric charging sector, we exemplify our shared vision of advancing sustainability and improving the quality of life for the people of Assam. This initiative not only guarantees cleaner and more sustainable transportation but also a notable enhancement in the lives of our citizens. Together, we stand resolute in our commitment to shaping a better world and a brighter future for the people of Assam.”

Mr. Virendra Goyal, Head of Business Development (EV Charging) at Tata Power, articulated the company's strategic approach to its expansion and charger deployment in niche areas within Assam, stating, " In our steadfast pursuit of network expansion, we are meticulously exploring distinctive locations for charger deployment. Tata Power through its expansive network is driving adopting and mitigating range anxiety while driving EV adoption in Assam . With each passing day, we are steadfastly progressing towards solidifying Tata Power's position as a prominent player in this transformative sector. We are thrilled to partner with the Assam Government and reinforce our commitment to actively support their e-mobility initiatives, thereby contributing to the realization of cleaner and more sustainable urban environments."

Nestled in the scenic landscapes of India's Northeast, Assam, one of the 'Seven Sisters,' is renowned for its lush tea gardens, the majestic Brahmaputra River, rich cultural heritage and its tourist spots. As Tata Power embarks on an initiative to establish an extensive electric vehicle charging network in Guwahati, it seeks to not only advance modern transportation but also enhance the region's natural beauty. This strategic MoU underscores Tata Power and Assam government’s commitment to a cleaner, greener Guwahati, aligning with Assam's vision for sustainable urban development and environmental preservation. This partnership signifies a significant step toward realizing a cleaner and more beautiful future for Assam, embracing the electric mobility transformation seamlessly within its picturesque landscapes.

Tata Power has solidified its position as a leader in the electric vehicle charging sector, boasting a substantial market share of nearly 60%. Their expansive nationwide network, reaching more than 420 cities, offers a wide array of charging solutions, including over 59,000 home chargers, 4,800 public and semi-public charging points, and 430 bus charging stations. Notably, this network is continuously expanding, underscoring Tata Power's unwavering commitment to enhancing electric vehicle charging accessibility across the nation.

To remind, in early July this year, Tata Power launched the EZ CHARGE card, an advanced RFID (Radio-frequency identification) card that promises to redefine the EV charging experience for lakhs of electric vehicle (EV) owners across the country.

CIIE.CO in Partnership with the Govt of Assam to Accelerate 100 Agri Startups of North East India

CIIE.CO, the Startup continuum of IIM-A in collaboration with the government of Assam, will be supporting 100 startups, particularly in the agriculture sector, originating from Assam and the North East region as part of the Assam Agri Growth Lab initiative. This initiative has received funding from the World Bank and has already demonstrated remarkable success, with its first-year cohort witnessing the successful acceleration of 25 startups.

As part of the initiative, Assam Agri-business and Rural Transformation Project (APART) and ICCSPL have launched the second cohort of their program, known as Cohort 2.0, for continued efforts in supporting agribusiness entrepreneurs. Building upon the success of the first cohort, which saw 25 startups achieve remarkable outcomes such as a 20% average turnover increase and mobilising INR 8.26 crore in finance, the program is now witnessing the participation of 29 enterprises in its ongoing second cohort. Notably, there has been a significant rise in women-led startups, increasing from 32% to 45%. Furthermore, the program has expanded its reach, now encompassing 12 districts.

The program further aims to highlight the thriving startup ecosystem in Assam and attract investors. The goal is to position Assam as a hub for entrepreneurial activity and gain national visibility for these entrepreneurs. It will assist in developing new products, adopting innovative technologies, and improving quality standards. It also provides guidance in refining business pitch, facilitating access to finance and streamlining licensing processes.

"The startup ecosystem in Assam is brimming with untapped potential. The AAGL Program aims to unlock this potential by equipping entrepreneurs with the tools and resources to thrive. By offering mentorship, access to funding, and industry collaborations, we are empowering startups to overcome barriers and accelerate their growth trajectory," said Chintan Bakshi- Partner- Incubation- CIIE.CO.

Over the course of eight months, the program provides a comprehensive range of support, including virtual diagnostic and mentoring clinics tailored to individual founders, focusing on areas such as packaging, distribution channels, communication, markets, quality, and other forms of technical assistance. Each year, the program extends its support to 25 agribusiness enterprises. As part of the second cohort, participants can anticipate a wealth of benefits, including entrepreneurial workshops, business sessions, technical assistance, guidance on compliance, market linkages, and access to finance. 

With this, CIIE.CO will aim to drive agri-based innovation, foster sustainable growth, and empower entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector. By providing comprehensive support and resources, the program will enable agri and allied enterprises to flourish, contribute to the local economy, and create lasting impact.

About Assam Agribusiness Growth Lab (AAGL):

Assam Agribusiness Growth Lab (AAGL) is an innovative program launched by CIIE.CO in association with APART and co-implemented by ICCSPL. It aims to support and accelerate the growth of agri and allied enterprises in Assam. By providing comprehensive assistance and resources, AAGL strives to create a thriving agribusiness ecosystem that drives economic growth and improves livelihoods in the region.

About CIIE.CO:

CIIE.CO is the Startup Incubator of IIM-Ahmedabad and a leading catalyst in India's entrepreneurial ecosystem. It nurtures innovative startups, provides them mentorship and support, and connects them with relevant stakeholders to accelerate their growth and impact.

Assam Students Design IoT-based Portable Ventilator to Fight COVID-19

In response to the prevailing situation of Covid-19 and subsequent shortages of ventilators, Department of Electrical Engineering, Tezpur University has undertaken an initiative to design a portable ventilator, an essential instrument for patients who are unable to sustain the level of ventilatory necessary to maintain the gas exchange functions.

The initiative was part of a project, awarded as the ‘Best Innovative Engineering Idea’ under the banner of Prof. Aparna Kumar Padmapati Annual Scholarship from Assam Engineering College Class 88 Foundation for year 2020-21, an initiative of alumni of Assam Engineering College who passed out in 1988, popularly known as AEC Class 88 Foundation.

A group of Electrical Engineering students comprising- Mr. Bihung Muchahary, Mr. Aniket Raj, Mr. Manish Kumar and Ms. Ankita Das are working in the project under the guidance of Mr. Chiranjit Adhikary, Ex-Guest Faculty, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Ms. Firdausa Ahmed, Guest Faculty member of Dept. of Electrical Engineering and the project is supervised by Prof. Soumik Roy, Head, Department of Electrical Engineering.

“The purpose of the project is to design a portable mechanical ventilator by automating the operation of 'Ambu Bag' with volume control ventilation which can be used in respiratory failure”, explained Prof. Soumik Roy.

An “Ambu Bag” is a hand-held device commonly used to provide positive pressure ventilation to patients who are not breathing adequately or have severe problem in breathing.

SOURCE - Tezpur University

Microsoft to Back Startup Ecosystem in Assam

A comprehensive global programme of the Microsoft designed to support startups as they build and scale their companies would collaborate with the Assam government to back the startup ecosystem in the state.

A team of the Microsoft for Startups met officials of the state industries and commerce department here on Monday, an official release said.

The tech giant also submitted a proposal to the department for facilitating its know-how on advanced
technological system, cloud computing and artificial intelligence to the startup incubates for national and international exposure, it said.

Microsoft would also conduct reach-out programmes to encourage the entrepreneur community of the State.

The company, in association with the Assam government, would also organise a Startup Summit among all stakeholders in Guwahati, in April.

The Microsoft team also visited the state-owned marquee incubation centre, 'the Nest', and was highly
impressed by the infrastructure set up at Ambari.

Industry department's Commissioner and Secretary K K Dwivedi said the state government would provide all-out support to make the endeavours of Microsoft fruitful.

He pointed out that these programmes would highly benefit in creating employment and entrepreneurship among the people of Assam.

GBA India Joins Discussion on building Innovation Ecosystem for Assam and Tamil Nadu Govts

Governments have always been enablers of emerging technology ecosystems across the world. For any technology to thrive and achieve mass adoption, a governmental push is a must. For India, to take a pole position in the fourth industrial revolution, a structured and consultative approach towards AI, Blockchain IoT, and ML is the need of the hour. 

Some countries have been forward-thinking and have had a positive messaging on blockchain — Estonia, Dubai, Singapore, to name a few. Even when countries like the United State were dithering on a pan-country blockchain policy, Delaware took the lead in framing blockchain policy guidelines. In India, states like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala have been at the forefront of blockchain adoption, but a national blockchain policy is nowhere in sight.

 





I had the privilege to join one of the brainstorming sessions organized by Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency (TNeGA). TNeGA is a State Nodal Agency, formed to support and drive all e-Governance initiatives of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The agency has a "Center of Excellence" tasked to create low cost, scalable and indigenous solutions for the Tamil Nadu government. 

Assam government's e-Gov division, too, has been forthcoming and want to make the most of blockchain, artificial intelligence, internet of things, and machine learning. GBA India will be conducting a workshop on Blockchain Technology organized by the Information Technology Department, Government of Assam on 19th August, 2019 to discuss the potential of this technology and thereby enable the stakeholders of State Government Departments to leverage the benefits of this technology in the field of e-governance and other sectors for socio-economic development of the State. 

The Workshop is scheduled to be held at Assam Administrative Staff College. The session is from 1 PM to 4 PM, wherein Officers of various Departments of Government of Assam and technical personnel from the Departments shall participate. 

[caption id="attachment_133140" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Sharat Chandra[/caption]

The above content is authored by Sharat Chandra from Lattice80 Global 100 Blockchain Influencer | Thinkers360 Top 20 Global Thought Leaders & Influencers on GovTech President, GBA India www.gbaindia.org 

Assam's Numaligarh Refinery Ties with IIT-Guwahati for Startup Incubation

Startup revolution in north east India seems to have begun and Assam is likely to lead the torch of "Start-up India Stand-up India" initiative once set by PM Modi in 2016.

Assam-based Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) has signed a MoU with IIT Guwahati (IIT-G) for incubation of Startups under its Startup funding initiative ‘iDEATION’.

https://twitter.com/NRL_MoPNG/status/1099254641705897984

With this partnership, NRL will facilitate incubation facility and mentoring to the Startups sponsored and selected by NRL through iDEATION at the established Technology Incubation Centre (TIC) of IIT-Guwahati.

Notably, it was in 2016 when the IIT-G had decided to throw open its state-of-the-art incubation centre to students from other educational institutions in the region.

The development comes within a month after Assam's Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had inaugurated a state-owned incubator initiative called 'Assam Startup The Nest' in Guwahati, which will facilitate growth of at least 1,000 startups over the next five years.

Related - How A Guwahati Startup Is Creating Jobs In Secluded North-East India

iDEATION was launched by NRL in July 2017 for nurturing and boosting a startup ecosystem in the North East and had also launched an initial fund of Rs 10 Crore as a grant for startup ventures in the region.

The first edition of the initiative saw funding to the tune of Rs. 1.29 crore being allotted to four selected startup projects as seed funding and scale-up funding.

The 2nd edition launched in February 2018, too, garnered a huge response from the intrepid entrepreneurs of the northeast.

Numaligarh Refinery is located at Morangi, Golaghat district, Assam in India is a joint venture between Bharat Petroleum, Oil India and Government of Assam.

Source - NorthEast Now

 

World Bank Group to offer $1.4 million to 12 social enterprises in the North-East India

12 enterprises from the northeastern states of Mizoram, Assam and Meghalaya have been awarded with grants worth $1.4 million (approx. Rs. 8.4 Crore) by the World Bank’s Development Marketplace, which is a competitive grants programme. The grants have been provided for development activities in these enterprises.

These 12 enterprises were selected after an exhaustive screening of about 200 proposals received from organizations that were already operational in the North-Eastern states and across the country. Name and list of those 12 enterprises however are yet not been disclosed.

According to the news announced on 19^th July in Guwahati, nine out of the twelve enterprises have got $ 150,000 each to kick start development projects over next 2 years.  The rest three enterprises have been given $25,000 each which needs to be focused on capacity building.

Majority (7 of 12) of the enterprises awarded with grants are working in the health-care sector. The other sectors which were given the grants include education, water and sanitation and Financial services.

According to Anil Sinha, who is the Regional Head, Inclusive Business at International Finance Corporation, South Asia, arranging start-up finance for unproven models and management bandwidth is one of the most difficult tasks faced by these enterprises. The International Finance Corporation is considered World Bank’s private sector lending arm. Sinha also added that encouraging these social enterprises to grow is a big hurdle towards creating maximum impact.

SAS Poorna Arogya Healthcare, which was started in 2010 in Karnataka and is now expanding to the state of Assam, is one of the enterprises awarded with the grant. The institution provides healthcare insurances. It has partnered with microfinance organizations like Grameen Kota in order to spread the message about their services among the target audience. It also has a network of 4.5 lakh women workers.

GNRC, which has three low cost hospitals in Assam with the first one establishing in 1987 has also been awarded with the grant. The unique thing about this organization is that it makes available diagnostics tests like ECG and X-ray at 60% of the usual market cost. It even started with mobile medical vans in 2012 for people who are unable to come to the hospital due to their condition or are situated far away.

Shija Hospitals and Research Institute, which aims at making available super-specialty healthcare facilities in Mizoram at affordable rates has also been given grant. ERC, an enterprise providing eye-care services at affordable prices in Assam has also been awarded with the grant.

Grants worth $3 million have been awarded by the World Bank Development Marketplace since it was started in India in 2011.

World Bank Group to offer $1.4 million to 12 social enterprises in the North-East India

12 enterprises from the northeastern states of Mizoram, Assam and Meghalaya have been awarded with grants worth $1.4 million (approx. Rs. 8.4 Crore) by the World Bank’s Development Marketplace, which is a competitive grants programme. The grants have been provided for development activities in these enterprises.

These 12 enterprises were selected after an exhaustive screening of about 200 proposals received from organizations that were already operational in the North-Eastern states and across the country. Name and list of those 12 enterprises however are yet not been disclosed.

According to the news announced on 19^th July in Guwahati, nine out of the twelve enterprises have got $ 150,000 each to kick start development projects over next 2 years.  The rest three enterprises have been given $25,000 each which needs to be focused on capacity building.

Majority (7 of 12) of the enterprises awarded with grants are working in the health-care sector. The other sectors which were given the grants include education, water and sanitation and Financial services.

According to Anil Sinha, who is the Regional Head, Inclusive Business at International Finance Corporation, South Asia, arranging start-up finance for unproven models and management bandwidth is one of the most difficult tasks faced by these enterprises. The International Finance Corporation is considered World Bank’s private sector lending arm. Sinha also added that encouraging these social enterprises to grow is a big hurdle towards creating maximum impact.

SAS Poorna Arogya Healthcare, which was started in 2010 in Karnataka and is now expanding to the state of Assam, is one of the enterprises awarded with the grant. The institution provides healthcare insurances. It has partnered with microfinance organizations like Grameen Kota in order to spread the message about their services among the target audience. It also has a network of 4.5 lakh women workers.

GNRC, which has three low cost hospitals in Assam with the first one establishing in 1987 has also been awarded with the grant. The unique thing about this organization is that it makes available diagnostics tests like ECG and X-ray at 60% of the usual market cost. It even started with mobile medical vans in 2012 for people who are unable to come to the hospital due to their condition or are situated far away.

Shija Hospitals and Research Institute, which aims at making available super-specialty healthcare facilities in Mizoram at affordable rates has also been given grant. ERC, an enterprise providing eye-care services at affordable prices in Assam has also been awarded with the grant.

Grants worth $3 million have been awarded by the World Bank Development Marketplace since it was started in India in 2011.