Mizoram Kailawn - Mizoram B-Contest & Entrepreneurship Summit 2019 was held today at Vanapa Hall, providing an interactive platform for seasoned and aspiring entrepreneurs alike, as well as stakeholders from the state government and private firms. This undertaking by the state government through the entrepreneurship development scheme - MEDMOC (Mizoram Entrepreneurship Development & Monitoring Committee), has become an annual event since 2017. This year's summit consisted of a Start-up Conclave in the first session followed by a Plenary Session in the afternoon. Hon'ble Chief Minister Mr. Zoramthanga graced the plenary as chief guest.

The Chief Minister in his address applauded the budding entrepreneurs for their efforts and for exploring sustainable ideas. He commented that today's event showed a clear picture of the potential of the youths and spoke about the importance given by the government towards entrepreneurship development. "We should shift our mindset and aspiration from being job-seekers to job creators" said Mr. Zoramthanga. Talking about the huge economic potential Mizoram possesses in terms of natural and human resources, he exhorted the gathering to continue to work in order to fully utilise this vast potential the land has to offer.

Chief Secretary Mr. Lalnunmawia Chuaungo also spoke on the occasion, commenting on how setting up of entrepreneurship ecosystem has been one of the highest priority of the country. Commenting on how 16 of the 40 finalists of the Kailawn B-Plan competition were women, and the importance given toward developing women entrepreneurs by NITI Aayog, the Chief Secretary felt hopeful of a good evaluation report. He also expressed his gratitude to the delegates from IIMCIP for being worthy partners in this endeavour.

Planning secretary Dr. C. Vanlalramsanga and Mr. Subhrangshu Sanyal, CEO, IIMCIP announced at today's E-Summit that four of the start-ups which partake in the B-plan competition singed an MoU with firms from outside the state, as well as an agreement for setting up an angel investor firm between notable firms in the state. Mr. Sanyal also commented on how thankful he is to the government of Mizoram for involving youth to transform the state, and how this investment has already created returns in the form of employment opportunities. Having mentored 120 startup in 3 years since the inception of Kailawn, 75% to 80% have continued with their business which is a good percentage, according to the IIMCIP CEO. A 2.6 crores.

Today's Mizoram Kailawn Entrepreneurship Summit was jointly organized by the Planning and Programme Implementation Department of the state government and IIM Calcutta: Innovation Park with their local business partner, Mizoram Consultancy Group (MzGC). The Business Plan Contest saw 456 applications out of which 40 finalists were chosen for a boot camp. Out of these, 20 contestants were selected for the next phase of the competition. The final 5 winners were announced in today's programme and awarded. Contestants Lalruatfela (Doorbell) and Lalrinpuii Hmar (Blue Montis) were awarded the Promising Idea Award with a cash money of Rs. 50,000 each. The winner of the B-Plan Contest is Francis Lalmalsawma Sailo (Zo Mushroom), awarded Rs. 4 lakhs, 1st runner up is Peter Vanlalhriata (Know Waste) with Rs. 3 lakhs and 2nd runner up is Dr. Vanramhlimpuii (Zonu Meat Processing) with cash award of Rs. 2 lakhs. All 40 finalists receive Appreciation Certificates.