Vienna, Austria | May 20, 2025 |
In the grand, historic streets of Vienna—where Mozart once walked and innovation now pulses through cobbled alleys and gleaming tech hubs—a group of young entrepreneurs from Meghalaya found themselves on a journey that felt both surreal and empowering.
From May 8 to 16, eight startups from this verdant northeastern state of India took part in the Vienna Up Startup Festival, one of Europe’s most celebrated gatherings of innovators, thinkers, and creators. This wasn’t just an event. For these entrepreneurs, it was a cultural awakening, a moment of crossing borders not just physically but mentally—stepping into a world that blended centuries of heritage with forward-looking innovation.
A Journey Beyond Business
Facilitated by the Government of Meghalaya’s Planning Department and PRIME Hub, in collaboration with the Austrian Embassy in New Delhi, the trip was designed as an exposure visit. But it quickly became something more profound. Each startup brought with them not just ideas and pitches—but the essence of Meghalaya: its forests, crafts, flavors, stories, and hopes.
For Jayant Khemka of SR India Bio Products, it was like connecting two worlds that naturally fit together. “Europe has the technology. Meghalaya has the raw materials—forest biomass, agri-waste, natural resources. Together, we can build something green and lasting,” he said, his mind already crafting bridges between distant lands.
Khrawborbha Kharpuri, whose venture Chicken Wagon is popular in Shillong, found inspiration on a plate. “The food culture here—it’s experimental, respectful of tradition but bold. I’m going home with fresh ideas on how to turn our humble chicken into a global dish,” he said, eyes lit with possibility.
Keenan Marak, founder of 7 United Rise Beer, was taken by the simple yet effective culture of sustainability in Austria. “People return their bottles and get a deposit back. It’s such a small thing, but it says a lot. This could work back home,” he mused, already imagining a Meghalaya where beer and sustainability go hand in hand.
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The Heartbeat of a New Generation
What struck many of the entrepreneurs wasn’t just technology or capital—but mindset.
“Here, young people dream and build without waiting for the government,” noted Gerald S. Duia of Duia Trailblazers. “Back home, many still look to government jobs. But we have PRIME Hub—and that’s our launchpad. We need to use it to build livelihoods, not just careers.”
In the artful stalls and open markets of Vienna, Jenyfa Suiam of Laichaphrang Handicrafts saw the future of her craft. “It’s about refinement,” she said quietly. “Here, they care deeply about detail, finish, and presentation. I want our handmade crafts to one day sit proudly in shops across Europe.”
Iaishah Rymbai, the creative mind behind Eriweave, was drawn to colors—soft pastels, earthy tones, and minimalist palettes. “Now I understand what appeals to the European eye. It’s not about changing who we are, but evolving thoughtfully,” she said, notebook filled with sketches and swatches.
For Sudip Das, founder of E-Commerce Buddy, the festival was a wake-up call. “There’s so much more to do in automation, scaling, AI… It’s both overwhelming and exciting. Our digital ecosystem in Meghalaya is still growing, but this trip gave me a roadmap.”
When Governments Listen and Empower
A special moment came when Saloni Verma, representing the Government of Meghalaya, took the stage at a panel on “Austria-India Tech Innovation and AI Partnership.” In front of a global audience, she spoke not just of policies, but of people—inviting Austrian innovators to partner with Meghalaya under the Meghalaya Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (MIIPP) 2024.
“With two tech parks coming up and rich natural and human resources, we are open for co-creation. We don’t just want investment—we want relationships,” she said.
Backstage, Jacquiline Swer, Senior Manager at PRIME Hub, reflected on what it all meant. “For many of these entrepreneurs, this was their first international trip. But it won’t be the last. What they’ve gained—confidence, networks, ideas—will ripple across communities in Meghalaya.”
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A Tapestry of Dreams, Woven Across Continents
The trip may have lasted just over a week, but its impact is likely to shape years of innovation. These entrepreneurs return not only with suitcases full of brochures and samples—but with hearts full of stories, heads full of ideas, and a renewed purpose.
From the pine forests of Meghalaya to the cultural avenues of Vienna, something special unfolded—an exchange of values, visions, and vibrant possibilities.
In the rhythm of Mozart and the glow of digital screens, Meghalaya found its global beat.
