00:00 Intro
00:42 Foodwifi
02:15 PurpledTV
04:16 Nibiaa Devices
05:59 Dweller Teas
07:06 Akumen AI
08:21 Imphal Machines
09:19 Maraah
10:41 Locomotion Healthcare
11:37 Hill Wild
12:41 Lengliim
Foodwifi:
Founded in 2017 by Bickychand Khangjrakpam and Kenedy Oinam, Foodwifi is Manipur's first online food delivery startup. With no Zomato or Swiggy in sight, these two friends filled a crucial gap. Starting with orders from friends and family, they grew to handle 500 orders daily by their second year. Despite challenges like the pandemic, violence, and internet blackouts, Foodwifi remains a market leader, competing head-to-head with national giants. Remarkably, they have built a profitable, debt-free business.
PurpledTV:
Amidst the chaos in Manipur, Dustin Thangjam and Bipin Laitonjam launched Northeast India’s first multilingual OTT platform, PurpledTV. Initially a web platform, they realized the need for an app to increase distribution. With Gyanendro Khomdram joining as a co-founder, they developed the app and launched it in August 2023. Offering free content for the first year, PurpledTV now has over 3,000 users and plans to monetize through ads and subscriptions. They aim to expand their offerings to include sports live streaming by 2025.
Nibiaa Devices:
Aeroshil Nameriakpam left his job in the US to start Nibiaa Devices in Manipur, partnering with his father, Professor N. Irabanta Singh. Initially focused on agritech, they expanded to create NIBIAPLAX, a smart restaurant monitoring platform. Despite a slow start, Nibiaa Devices now serves over 70 customers across 10 countries and has established a US-based entity.
Dweller Teas:
Elizabeth Yambem returned from Singapore to start Dweller Teas in 2017, using her savings to blend traditional herbs and fruits with tea. Now, Dweller Teas operates two cafes in Manipur and sells products nationwide through their website.
Akumen AI:
Thiyam Akuvan founded Akumen AI in 2021, inspired by his uncle's vision impairment. They are developing affordable visually assistive glasses using AI and have even showcased their product to the Indian Prime Minister. Additionally, they are working on a low-cost 3D-printed bionic arm for amputees.
Imphal Machines:
Dayanidhi Huidrom started Imphal Machines in 2019 to manufacture food processing machinery tailored to local needs. Despite initial struggles, they now serve around 30 clients and generated significant revenue before the recent crisis.
Maraah - Roots of the Soul:
Swati Thounaojam founded Maraah in 2022 to create sustainable lifestyle products from water reed grass. Despite contemplating shutdown during the state crisis, Maraah is rebuilding and empowering local artisans.
Locomotion Healthcare:
Founded by Dr. Athokpam Johnson Luwang and Athokpam Yogen, Locomotion Healthcare provides customized artificial limbs and orthopedic devices. Their clinic in Imphal has already helped over 100 customers, reducing the need for out-of-state travel.
Hill Wild:
Based in Ukhrul, Zeinorin Stephen Angkang and her partner started Hill Wild in 2017, transforming a chocolate-making hobby into a business. Today, they offer a range of products made from wild flora, working with 200 farmers to support the local economy.
Lengliim:
John Thangminlun and Florence Lamkhongai Haokip founded Lengliim in 2021 in Churachandpur, selling furniture and electronics. Despite initial rejections, they bootstrapped their business and now serve over 2,000 households. They plan to expand to other cities in the future.
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