Tripura CM Manik Saha Launches Innovation Challenge, Digi-SAPNE 3.0

By Thetripurapost Desk, Agartala
Oct 01, 2026
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Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha has called upon students and educated young people to combine their creativity with technology and transform innovative ideas into practical projects, businesses and public services.

The Chief Minister was speaking at Agartala Women's College after inaugurating the Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026, Mukhyamantri Yuva Yogayog Yojana for the 2025-26 academic session, and Digi-SAPNE 3.0.

The programmes are aimed at encouraging innovation, strengthening technology-based skills and creating opportunities for young people to participate in startup, entrepreneurship and development-oriented activities.

Manik Saha Says Youth Talent Must Be Connected With Technology

Addressing the gathering at the Matangini Pritilata Hall, the Chief Minister said Tripura has no shortage of talented students and young people. According to him, connecting their abilities with modern technology can encourage them to work on innovative solutions.

He said the state government is seeking to use the ideas and talent of students and youth in developmental activities.

Saha also described the younger generation as an important force in building a developed India, commonly referred to as Viksit Bharat.

The Chief Minister said technological advancement will increasingly shape the lives of future generations and therefore young people need opportunities where their creativity can be converted into useful outcomes.

Seva First Innovation Challenge Focuses on Key Development Areas

According to the Chief Minister, the Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026 has been designed around several broad areas of national development.

These include:

Transparent and stable governance
Food security and prosperity
Health and social integration
Education and skill development
National protection and security

The broader objective, he said, is to encourage people to contribute innovative ideas to important sectors.

Saha also referred to the initiatives and programmes through which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged students and young people to engage with technology and innovation.

He mentioned Mann Ki Baat and Pariksha Pe Charcha in this context, saying such platforms provide opportunities for interaction with students and youth and encourage them to share their ideas.

63,249 Youth Benefited Under Mukhyamantri Yuva Yogayog Yojana

The Chief Minister highlighted the implementation of the Mukhyamantri Yuva Yogayog Yojana over the past five years.

According to the figures presented at the event, 63,249 young people have received financial assistance of ₹5,000 each under the initiative.

Saha, however, stressed that financial assistance should ultimately help beneficiaries move towards tangible outcomes.

He said the real objective would be achieved when ideas supported through such programmes develop into functioning projects, services or businesses.

Digi-SAPNE 3.0 Aims to Turn Ideas Into Businesses

A major focus of the programme was Digi-SAPNE 3.0, which seeks to help educated young people transform innovative concepts into viable business ventures.

The Chief Minister said the initiative provides an opportunity for young innovators to move beyond ideas and work towards entrepreneurship.

He informed the gathering that grants of up to ₹80 lakh would be available through the programme from the Central Government.

Saha urged eligible young people in Tripura to make use of the opportunity and develop their innovative concepts into sustainable enterprises.

More Than 1,000 Innovation Centres Across India

The Chief Minister also pointed to the growing innovation ecosystem in the country.

He said there are currently more than 1,000 innovation centres across India and emphasised the need to connect future generations with such platforms.

Greater participation of students and educated youth in innovation centres, technology initiatives and entrepreneurship programmes, he said, could create new opportunities for employment and enterprise.

10 Tripura Startup Entrepreneurs Receive ₹10 Lakh Each

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of financial assistance to successful startup entrepreneurs.

The Chief Minister handed over cheques of ₹10 lakh each to 10 educated young entrepreneurs who have developed successful startups under Digi-SAPNE.

The initiative is intended to provide financial support for young entrepreneurs seeking to take their business ideas to the next stage.

A documentary highlighting the programmes and initiatives launched during the event was also screened.

Higher Education Minister Highlights Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Higher Education Minister Kishore Barman said initiatives such as the Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026 and Mukhyamantri Yuva Yogayog Yojana are creating new avenues for students to explore innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.

He emphasised the potential of such programmes to encourage young people to develop practical skills and pursue technology-oriented opportunities.

Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy attended the programme as the special guest.

Senior Officials and Academics Attend Agartala Event

Several senior officials, academics and representatives associated with technology and industry participated in the programme.

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Those present included Dr. Gopal Krishna Prabhu, Vice-Chancellor of Manipal University in Sikkim; Rajeswar Singh Genre, Head of the Software Industry Promotion Division; and P.K. Goyal, Secretary of the Finance Department.

Industries and Commerce Department Secretary Kiran Gitte attended as the guest of honour.

The programme was organised jointly by the Information Technology Department, Manipal University and the Software Industry Division of the Government of India.

Technology and Youth Entrepreneurship Emerging as Key Focus

The initiatives launched in Agartala place innovation, digital technology and entrepreneurship at the centre of efforts to engage Tripura's educated youth.

With financial assistance, innovation challenges and startup-oriented support being brought together, the programmes are intended to provide young people with pathways to develop ideas into practical solutions and commercial ventures.

For Tripura, the focus on technology-driven entrepreneurship could also create opportunities for young innovators to participate in emerging sectors while contributing to broader development objectives.

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