Abstract Youth entrepreneurship in North-East India has emerged as a significant force for socio-economic transformation, innovation, and regional development. The region’s rich natural resources, cultural diversity, traditional crafts, and growing digital connectivity provide immense opportunities for young entrepreneurs across sectors such as agriculture, tourism, handicrafts, technology, food processing, and services. However, despite strong aspirations and creative potential, young entrepreneurs face multiple challenges including limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, weak market linkages, lack of mentorship, bureaucratic hurdles, and social pressures favoring conventional employment. The study examines the evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem in North-East India and highlights the role of government initiatives, educational institutions, incubators, digital platforms, and public-private partnerships in nurturing youth-led enterprises. It also explores how technology, local networks, and community support systems are enabling young entrepreneurs to overcome barriers and create sustainable business models rooted in local culture and resources. The paper concludes that strengthening entrepreneurial education, financial inclusion, skill development, mentorship, and policy implementation is essential for unlocking the immense entrepreneurial potential of the youth in North-East India and ensuring inclusive regional growth.
Rajashree Das Gupta (Fri,) studied this question.