Manipur on entrepreneurship map with 'Made in Ukhrul' project

The recently concluded entrepreneurship summit in the serene hill district of Ukhrul created a platform for the youth to pitch their ideas to potential investors and in turn showcase their products for business expansion.

The entrepreneurship summit aimed towards for a sustainable livelihood.

The 'Made in Ukhrul', Entrepreneurship Conclave cum Trade Fair under the theme 'Sustainable Ukhrul 2030', showcased glimpses of art and craft and locally produced products by emerging local entrepreneurs.

Even though such an initiative is new, the level of enthusiasm and positive vibes of the people is worth mentioning.

People across the hill district thronged the Bakshi Ground Indoor Stadium at Hungpung town in the district and marveled at the locally produced products exhibited in the event.

Hill Wild which conducted the event, created a market for building contacts for start-ups with the buyers from outside the state.

"My partner and me, when we started off as entrepreneurs we faced a lot of problems and challenges along the way. So, we thought it would be better to have an event where entrepreneurs facing the same challenges could be connected," said CEO and Co-Founder, Hill Wild, Leiyolan Vashum.

With only 26 exhibitors featuring during the first edition, the second edition saw a whopping 92 entrepreneurs cum exhibitors displaying out-of-the-box products ranging from organic food items to clothing and home decor products in the two-day event.

The summit also laid an emphasis to promote organic products as many entrepreneurs showed an interest for venturing into the food business.

One of the major attractions at the event was the introduction of the pilot project on sanitary pad manufacturing undertaken by the Highlander Holdings Pvt. Ltd.

"The problem with making deals with other entities from outside state is that we are quite nascent when it comes to GST registration and enterprise registration. So to encourage, we have put up a stall for the Autonomous District Council. They issue licenses for enterprises as well, so it is one of the initiatives that we have undertaken," added Leiyolan.

The event not only created a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their products but also gave them a rare opportunity to interact with some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country as their speakers at the conclave.

"I do this beading work since young, so it's a hobby turned business and all the materials are import from Delhi. So it is hard to sustain here but still I am trying my best and expand my business into other countries, "said Angel Khamrang, an entrepreneur.

Karma Bhutia, founder and chief executive of online handicrafts retailer iShippo, Satabdee Borah, CEO of GNRC Hospital Sixmile and Totalstart Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Developer Chairman Dr. Suryanil Ghosh and various other interacted with indigenous entrepreneurs and brainstormed on various challenges, scopes and success on entrepreneurship.

Moreover, the event also introduced a pitching competition for the exhibitors to help them expand their business. And among the many participants, Pamchui Shimray of Ceepee Handlooms emerged as the winner of Rs. 1 lakh.

Founded by Leiyolan Vashum and Zeinorin Stephen Angkang, Hill Wild is a community based movement focusing on economic sustainability. The emerging duo are successful chocolatiers who use exotic pumpkin seeds in their products.