New Delhi: On the occasion of National Startup Day 2026, the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), through its startup incubation centre – the Incubation Centre for Ayurveda Innovation and Entrepreneurship (AIIA–iCAINE) – organized an Awareness Programme on MSME Opportunities for Ayurveda-based Startups at its New Delhi campus.
The programme was held in collaboration with the MSME–Development & Facilitation Office, Government of India.
The awareness initiative brought together policymakers, academic leaders, startup enablers, and aspiring entrepreneurs to discuss pathways for strengthening the MSME and startup ecosystem, with a dedicated focus on Ayurveda-based Startups and integrative health innovations.
Key discussions centred on government support schemes, institutional frameworks for innovation, intellectual property protection, certification and standardization requirements, and financial mechanisms crucial for early-stage enterprises.
Also Read: National Startup Awards 2026: Potion 1st, Glovatrix and Ayushman Cowfit from Pune Emerge Winners
Strengthening MSME Ecosystem for Ayurveda-based Startups
The programme began with a welcome address by Dr Arun Kumar, who outlined the importance of innovation-driven entrepreneurship within the Ayurveda sector. Sunil Kumar, Deputy Director, MSME, presented an overview of MSME initiatives and government schemes applicable to Ayurveda-focused enterprises.
Prof Manjusha Rajagopala shared insights on the academic and institutional role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurial thinking across Ayurveda institutions.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr R K Bharti, Joint Director, MSME, who highlighted the importance of a strong, policy-backed ecosystem to promote Ayurveda-based startups and MSMEs, particularly within traditional medicine and wellness domains.
Technical sessions featured expert talks by Sangeeta Nagar, former Senior Scientist, DPIIT, who addressed the significance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for startups, and Jyoti Neeraj, Senior Manager, SIDBI, who detailed financial support mechanisms and funding opportunities available for startups and MSMEs.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Sujith Eranezhath, CEO, AIIA–iCAINE, and Naveen Kumar, Assistant Director, MSME.
Also Read: National Startup Day 2026: Founders and Ecosystem Leaders Reflect on India’s Next Innovation Phase
The initiative reaffirmed AIIA–iCAINE’s commitment to nurturing an innovation-driven startup ecosystem rooted in Ayurveda and 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 provide a structured platform for innovators to transform ideas into scalable enterprises.
On National Startup Day 2026, AIIA reiterated its focus on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation through AIIA–iCAINE, supporting Ayurveda-based Startups that contribute to evidence-driven, sustainable, and inclusive healthcare solutions.
