IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, TRLM Launch Women Entrepreneurs Incubator in Tripura
Published: April 16, 2026
Agartala, April 16, 2026: The IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), in collaboration with the Tripura Rural Livelihoods Mission (TRLM), has officially launched a Women Entrepreneurs Incubator Programme. This initiative aims to enhance rural livelihoods and support women-led enterprises throughout Tripura. The programme is part of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) and is set to assist at least 150 women-led enterprises over the next three years.
Launch Event
The launch event took place at Pragna Bhavan in Agartala, where an application portal was unveiled. The event was inaugurated by Abhishek Singh, the Secretary of the Rural Development Department of the Government of Tripura. He was accompanied by senior officials, programme stakeholders, and members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Objectives of the Incubator Programme
The Women Entrepreneurs Incubator Programme is designed with several key objectives:
- Identify and nurture growth-oriented women-led microenterprises in both the manufacturing and service sectors across all districts of Tripura.
- Drive at least 15% year-on-year revenue growth for participating enterprises.
- Create local employment opportunities.
- Build scalable business models that can thrive in the formal business landscape.
Government Support
During the launch, Abhishek Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering women as a foundation for resilient rural economies. He stated, “Through this collaboration with IIMCIP, women entrepreneurs will gain access to institutional knowledge, structured mentorship, and focused capital support—tools they have long needed to thrive in the formal business landscape. This initiative will also lay the groundwork for a replicable model of rural entrepreneurship across Tripura.”
Incubation Support
Under the partnership, IIMCIP will provide comprehensive incubation support, which includes:
- Statewide outreach to identify potential women entrepreneurs.
- A Challenge Fund that offers up to 75% of the funding needs for enterprises.
- Structured training programmes that encompass 64 hours of business and technical training.
- Mentorship support over an 18-month period.
- Assistance with market linkages, branding, financial access, and enterprise formalization.
Comments from IIMCIP
V K Rai, a representative from IIMCIP, expressed enthusiasm regarding the partnership with TRLM. He remarked, “This partnership with TRLM is yet another opportunity for IIMCIP to deliver the benefits of world-class incubation directly into the hands of rural women entrepreneurs. This aligns with our commitment towards strengthening both women entrepreneurship in India and our indigenous capability. We look forward to working with Tripura’s SHG ecosystem to nurture women-owned and led enterprises with the skills, networks, and confidence to grow sustainable and scalable businesses that will uplift their families and communities for generations to come.”
Long-Term Impact
The programme is not only focused on immediate support but also aims to develop replicable enterprise models and knowledge assets. These can be scaled across other states under the NRLM framework, thereby reinforcing its long-term impact on rural entrepreneurship.
Conclusion
The launch of the Women Entrepreneurs Incubator Programme by IIM Calcutta Innovation Park and TRLM represents a significant step towards empowering women in Tripura. By providing essential resources, training, and support, this initiative aims to foster a new generation of women entrepreneurs, contributing to the economic development of rural areas and enhancing the livelihoods of countless families.
Note: This article is based on information available as of April 2026 and aims to provide an overview of the Women Entrepreneurs Incubator Programme launched in Tripura.
