Aizawl, Jan 28: The Lalduhoma, Chief Minister of Mizoram, on Tuesday formally launched the Mizoram Bana Kaih Venture Capital Fund and the Startup Readiness Level (SRL) at the National Startup Day – Mizoram Edition held at Aijal Club.
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| Image Courtesy: DIPR Mizoram |
The event was organised by the Mizoram Startup Mission under the Planning & Programme Implementation Department, in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
The programme was attended by Dr. Vanlalthlana, Minister for Higher & Technical Education; Shri F. Rodingliana, Minister for Commerce & Industries; and Shri Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister for Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (LESDE).
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said Mizoram has long had skilled and innovative individuals, but many entrepreneurial ideas failed to grow due to lack of capital, mentorship, and structured support. He said the Bana Kaih Venture Capital Fund was created to bridge these gaps and clarified that it is not a grant or donation, but an investment based on trust and growth potential.
The fund aims to support scalable, innovative, skill-based, industry-oriented, and technology-driven enterprises. Emphasising that financial support alone is insufficient, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of institutional trust and structured guidance, which the Startup Readiness Level seeks to provide.
He explained that SRL will officially recognise startups, improve their visibility to investors, banks, and large firms, and help policymakers design more effective schemes using accurate data. The initiative is expected to make Mizoram’s startup ecosystem more transparent, credible, and investment-ready.
The Chief Minister said these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to youth-led development and urged young people to see entrepreneurship as a viable and respectable career. He also expressed gratitude to the Mizoram Startup Mission, DPIIT, and LESDE for their support.
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Shri Lalrinzuala, CEO of the Mizoram Startup Mission, informed that the Bana Kaih Venture Capital Fund will have a target corpus of ₹100 crore, with ₹20 crore committed by the state government. The fund will be registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as a trust under the name Senhri Investment Fund and will operate in compliance with national regulations.
During the event, the Mizoram Outstanding Entrepreneurs & Startups Award 2026 was presented, with the Ecosystem Enabler Award conferred on Dr. C. Vanlalramsanga, IES. Shri Lalmalsawma Pachuau delivered the welcome address, while Lalremtluangi from the MZU Incubation Centre presented an overview of the Startup Readiness Level.
