IT sector in Nagaland to receive boost

An artist impression of the floor plan for a section of the startup incubation centre which is set to be launched in Kohima this month. 
 

State of the art start-up incubation centre to be launched in Kohima this month
 

Ketholeno Neihu 
Kohima | September 1

Even as the state transforms its public services and governance ecosystem towards Information Technology (IT), the niche for direct and indirect employment of IT professionals and entrepreneurs in Nagaland has lacked in many spheres, despite having talented professionals and untapped potential.

According to the first-ever state start-up rankings on the basis of the start-up policy framework formulated by the Central Government, Nagaland state was among the laggards listed under the ‘beginners’ category. The ranking was released by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) in December 2018, 

To facilitate and act as a catalyst for IT with world class technology and infrastructural facilities, a state of the art Information Technology (IT) startup incubation centre—Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) is all set to be launched this September. It is coming up at the new IT & C Directorate, Thizama road in Kohima. 

The services and perks provided through the STPI, which are synonymous with excellent infrastructure and statutory support, will play a seminal role in giving young local entrepreneurs and professionals in the IT and ITeS (IT-enabled Services) sector. It will also provide an outlet to establish their startup companies at negligible cost. 

 

Infrastructural capacity & facilities 
The 2-storey infrastructure in the basement and ground floor has reportedly been established in a 18,137 sq ft work area, which includes work stations, cubicles, manager cabins, discussion rooms and conference halls. 

The 100-seater incubation centre will provide ready-to-use high-speed internet bandwidth, plug-and- play facility, easy to access STPI portal, access to software export and import facilities. It has serviced office space facility for both Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs). The space will be fully air-conditioned incubation space, uninterrupted power supply system, standby DG power system, 24 X 7 security system and access control & fire alarm system. 

The STPI has been set-up with the help of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), New Delhi while the space has been provided by the State Government’s IT Department.  

Additionally, the incubation centre will also host a Centre of Excellence in emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain technology and other new areas, where students and innovators can utilize the space for research and development of new innovative solutions. 

STPI also provides mentoring of innovators by expert venture capitalists from across the country to help them turn their ideas and innovations into commercially viable products and services.

 

Opportunities for start-ups  & professionals
While the commissioning will take in September, augmentation will take place as and when required, a source informed. While nominal fee will be charged for services, the space will be given for free for some time.  

The STPI, which is a first of its kind in the state, looks towards utilizing the pool of talents in the state by helping local entrepreneurs in mentoring, nurturing and expanding their business to become export oriented software companies. This can also attract IT professionals and entrepreneurs with working experience in the state and outside to work in Nagaland without hassle. 

Further, the software products of the state can acquire a face outside the state, along with the advantage of doing software business both in India and abroad by just sitting in the incubation facility provided at the STPI. 

It also looks at improving the economy of the state through software exports and IT enabled services. Innovators and entrepreneurs in the IT and ITeS sector will be able to register and utilize the facilities provided by the incubation centre. 

STP registered units can also avail 100% duty free of all the imports of Hardware & Software. Import of second hand capital goods is also permitted.

The STP unit can perform domestic business subject to 50% of foreign exchange earned with prior permission from the Director of STPI's. The units can also undertake commercial training. STP units also regulate the IT business through licensing and act as a link between the customer and government authorities and agencies.

 

About STPI
The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) is an autonomous Society set up by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India in 1991, with the objective of encouraging, promoting and boosting the Software Exports from India.

It maintains internal engineering resources to provide consulting, training and implementation services. Services cover Network Design, System Integration, Installation, Operations and maintenance of application networks and facilities in varied areas.

The STPI aims to implement Software Technology Park (STP)  and Electronic Hardware Technology Park (EHTP) schemes, set up & manage the infrastructure facilities and provide other services and consultancy services for the startups of Information Technology(IT)/Information Technology Enabled Services(ITES) industries. 

It also acts as a resource center for member computer software exporting units by offering general infrastructure facilities like ready to use built up space, centralized computing and High Speed Data Communication(HSDC) facilities, designed and developed state-of-the-art HSDC Network.

The STPI in Kohima is scheduled to be inaugurated by the Union Minister for Information Technology.