AIIA Celebrates National Startup Day 2026 with Awareness Programme on MSME Opportunities for Ayurveda-based Startups

On the occasion of National Startup Day 2026, the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), through its startup incubation centre Incubation Centre for Ayurveda Innovation and Entrepreneurship (AIIA–iCAINE), successfully organized an Awareness Programme on MSME Opportunities for Ayurveda-based Startups at its New Delhi campus. The programme was conducted in collaboration with the MSME–Development & Facilitation Office, Government of India.

The programme brought together policymakers, academic leaders, startup enablers, and aspiring entrepreneurs to deliberate on strengthening the MSME and startup ecosystem, with a special focus on Ayurveda and integrative health innovations. The sessions highlighted government support schemes, institutional mechanisms for innovation, intellectual property protection, certification and standardization requirements, and financial mechanisms essential for early-stage startups.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Arun Kumar, setting the context for innovation-driven entrepreneurship in Ayurveda. Shri Sunil Kumar, Deputy Director, MSME, provided an overview of MSME initiatives and government schemes relevant to Ayurveda-based enterprises. Prof. Manjusha Rajagopala shared the academic and institutional perspective on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within Ayurveda institutions.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. R. K. Bharti, Joint Director, MSME, who emphasized the need for a strong policy-supported ecosystem to promote startups and MSMEs, particularly in traditional medicine and wellness sectors.

The technical sessions featured expert talks by Ms. Sangeeta Nagar, former Senior Scientist, DPIIT, on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and their importance for startups, and Ms. Jyoti Neeraj, Senior Manager, SIDBI, who elaborated on financial support mechanisms and funding opportunities available for startups and MSMEs. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Sujith Eranezhath, CEO, AIIA–iCAINE, and Shri Naveen Kumar, Assistant Director, MSME.

The event reaffirmed AIIA–iCAINE’s commitment to nurturing a robust, innovation-driven startup ecosystem rooted in Ayurveda, aligned with national priorities for entrepreneurship, MSME growth, and sustainable healthcare solutions. Recognized as a Host Institute by the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, AIIA–iCAINE continues to empower innovators by providing a structured platform to transform ideas into impactful enterprises.

On this National Startup Day, AIIA reiterates its dedication to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in Ayurveda through AIIA–iCAINE, supporting new-age ventures that contribute to evidence-based, sustainable, and inclusive health solutions.

SR/GS