ISBACON 2025 Brings India’s Startup Enablers to Northeast for First Time at IIT Guwahati
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati recently hosted the 17th Indian STEPs & Business Incubators Association Conference (ISBACON 2025) from December 10 to 12, marking a significant milestone as it was the first time this annual national gathering of startup enablers was held in the Northeast region of India. This event aimed to align regional innovation goals with India’s broader startup ambitions under the theme “Enabling the Enablers for a Viksit Bharat.”
Inaugural Ceremony
The inaugural ceremony was graced by the presence of Dr. Ashok Puranik, Director of AIIMS Guwahati, who served as the chief guest. Rajesh Thakur, Administrator of Guwahati Biotech Park, attended as the guest of honour. The Director of IIT Guwahati, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the institute’s growing role in fostering entrepreneurship within the region.
Significance of ISBACON 2025
ISBA President Prasad Menon highlighted the special significance of hosting the conference in the Northeast during ISBA’s 20th anniversary. He noted that the annual event is one of the most anticipated gatherings for members of India’s startup incubation ecosystem. Over the span of three days, ISBACON 2025 attracted more than 200 participants and over 300 delegates from various sectors, including industry and academia, making it one of the largest platforms for incubation and innovation-related dialogue in India.
Conference Highlights
The conference featured a total of 20 sessions, which included:
- Panel discussions
- Keynote addresses
- Masterclasses
A total of 37 speakers from government bodies, industry, incubation centres, and investment networks shared their insights on various topics, including:
- Incubation excellence
- Emerging technologies
- Funding mechanisms
- Social impact
- Institution-building
Roundtable Discussion
A key highlight of the event was a roundtable discussion focused on “Vision for Deep Tech Innovation and Incubation in the Times of Viksit Bharat.” This discussion explored critical areas such as:
- Policy requirements
- Infrastructure demands
- Collaborative measures needed to strengthen India’s deep-tech ecosystem
Impact on the Northeast Region
Dr. Swapnil Sinha, CEO of IIT Guwahati BioNEST, expressed optimism that hosting ISBACON 2025 in the Northeast for the first time would significantly boost the region’s innovation ecosystem. He noted that the event would provide local enablers with greater national exposure and collaborative opportunities, fostering a more robust startup culture in the area.
Support and Collaboration
The conference received support from several major institutions, including:
- IDFC First Bank
- HDFC Parivartan
Additionally, government bodies such as the Department of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and BIRAC played a crucial role in supporting the event. Organisers stated that ISBACON 2025 catalyzed cross-regional partnerships and policy integration aimed at strengthening India’s startup and incubation ecosystem.
Conclusion
ISBACON 2025 not only marked a historic moment for the Northeast but also set the stage for future innovation and collaboration within India’s startup ecosystem. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from various sectors, the conference has laid the groundwork for a more interconnected and dynamic entrepreneurial landscape in the region.
Note: This article is based on information available as of December 2025 and reflects the events and discussions that took place during ISBACON 2025 at IIT Guwahati.
