On June 19, 2025, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), in collaboration with Pernod Ricard India Foundation (PRIF), hosted PRAVAH in Guwahati—a flagship event under the PRIF Prakriti Incubation Launchpad, designed to spotlight sustainable innovation and circular entrepreneurship in North East India.

The event brought together an inspiring mix of government officials, industry leaders, social entrepreneurs and ecosystem enablers, all united by a shared vision for a greener, more inclusive future.

Championing Sustainable Innovation in the North East

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Jeevan Basavaraj, IAS, Secretary, Department of Innovation, Incubation and Startups, Government of Assam, emphasised the enormous potential of startups from North East India in driving sustainability and circularity. He applauded IIMCIP for its consistent efforts in nurturing the entrepreneurial landscape in the region.

Ajay Jain, Chairman of the IIMCIP Board and Member of the Board of Governors at IIM Calcutta, echoed this sentiment. “Entrepreneurs in North East India have both the drive and capability to scale their ventures nationally. What they need is focused guidance—and that’s exactly what we’re here to offer,” he shared.

The event was further enriched by the presence of esteemed dignitaries like Prabhat Kamal Bezbaruah, former Chairman of the Indian Tea Board and the Tocklai Tea Research Centre, and Bhaskar Jyoti Phukan, Managing Director of Numaligarh Refinery Limited.

 

Insights and Inspiration

A key segment of the event was a thought-provoking panel discussion on building a robust support system for green entrepreneurship. Moderated by Gaurav Kapoor, Chief Business Officer, IIMCIP, the panel featured Dr. Arup Misra, Chairman, Pollution Control Board, Assam; Anantika Singh, GM – CSR, Pernod Ricard India; and Achitra Borgohain, Founder, Binbag.

Another powerful moment was the inspiring story of David Gogoi, founder of Zerund Manufacturing and an IIMCIP-supported clean-tech entrepreneur. He shared his journey from crafting a college project prototype to building a venture now recognised by industry leaders like Gruhas Proptech, DLF Family Office, Anthill Ventures, Villgro, NEDFi and NRL.

 

Welcoming the Prakriti Incubation Launchpad Cohort

One of the event’s key milestones was the onboarding of the PRIF PRAKRITI Incubation Launchpad cohort, comprising 12 carefully selected startups from North East India that are creating impact at the crossroads of sustainability, circularity and social change. Over the coming months, these startups will receive dedicated support from IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, including mentorship, funding opportunities and strategic market linkages to help them scale their ventures across India.

 

Showcasing Impact: The PRIF UNNATI Report

Adding to the day’s highlights, an Impact Report was unveiled, capturing the impact of the PRIF Women Entrepreneurship Programme—an incubation initiative that has empowered 22 women-led ventures from across the country.