On World Entrepreneurship Day (August 21, 2025), St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, in collaboration with SACCEII, hosted an Inter-College Debate on the motion: “Is Meghalaya ready to nurture tech entrepreneurship?” A total of fourteen teams participated, showcasing sharp arguments and spirited exchanges. The team of Aryan Chetia and Astha Pradhan (St. Anthony’s College) emerged winners, while Addiel J. Surong and Sneha Das (St. Edmund’s College) secured the runners-up position. Aryan Chetia was also awarded Best Speaker.
For the motion: Supporters highlighted Meghalaya’s proactive government policies and youth-driven potential. They cited the 2018 Startup Policy, PRIME hubs, and the launch of the Shillong Technology Park (2022) as major enablers. Participants stressed that the state is building an ecosystem for innovation, noting that, “When there’s a will, there’s a way.” They argued that the entrepreneurial spirit among the youth can overcome challenges, emphasizing optimism and resilience.
Against the motion: Opponents drew attention to infrastructural gaps—frequent power cuts, weak internet connectivity, and high logistics costs. They pointed out that schools still lack advanced AI and robotics programs essential for future-ready talent. As one participant argued, “There’s always scope for improvement, but we cannot deny the present shortcomings.”
The Rebuttal Round proved especially engaging. Teams accused each other of being contradictory— supporters claimed critics overlooked state-led initiatives, while opponents countered that excessive optimism ignored ground realities. The lively exchange highlighted both the promise and pitfalls of Meghalaya’s entrepreneurial journey.
Government Initiatives
The debate acknowledged significant steps taken by the state: The Meghalaya Startup Policy (2018), which fosters district-level incubation and seed funding. The PRIME program, offering mentorship and training to young entrepreneurs. The Shillong Technology Park, a plug-and-play IT hub expected to create thousands of jobs while leveraging the state’s young demographic.
The debate concluded on a balanced note. Meghalaya is steadily moving toward nurturing tech entrepreneurship, with policy support and youth enthusiasm acting as catalysts. Yet, challenges of connectivity, infrastructure, and logistics remain pressing. Participants collectively recognized that while Meghalaya is on the right path, sustained efforts are needed to convert potential into lasting success.
