Youthnet

In order to foster a culture of startups and innovation among the youth of Nagaland, the Nagaland Start-up Policy emphasizes the establishment of Entrepreneurship Development Centres (EDCs) in schools and colleges. In 2021, the Department of Industries and Commerce joined hands with YouthNet to implement this initiative by setting up EDCs in educational institutions throughout Nagaland. These EDCs will provide essential resources such as plug-and-play workspaces, internet connectivity, and research and testing laboratories. The collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of faculty members to inspire students towards entrepreneurship, integrate entrepreneurship modules into school curricula through innovative projects, and support aspiring innovators in scaling up their ideas. The ultimate goal is to create a supportive environment that nurtures entrepreneurial aspirations and encourages the youth to explore and excel in the world of startups and innovation.

The Nagaland Education Project - The Lighthouse - Nagaland Enhancing Classroom Teaching and Resources (NECTAR) is a collaborative effort between the Department of School Education and the World Bank. It aims to improve school governance and enhance teaching practices in Nagaland. Over a period of five years, the project will be implemented by the Department of School Education, with support from a consortium of partner organisations, with Youthnet being one of the partners. This consortium will provide technical assistance in areas such as strengthening school governance, capacity building of teachers and school leaders, and designing performance incentive grants. The goal is to bring about sustainable changes in the education system and create a conducive learning environment for students in Nagaland.

The YouthNet Career Development Centre (YCDC) is a training and development initiative that provides various programmes and workshops to the youth of Nagaland. It covers topics such as communication skills, leadership, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing, among others. The workshops are conducted by experienced professionals, offering valuable knowledge and expertise. Additionally, the YouthNet Job Centre (YJC) serves as a placement cell, connecting job seekers with employers in the private sector. With a wide range of over 200 clients across different industries, YJC has established itself as a prominent placement consultancy in Nagaland.

YouthNet has established the "Made in Nagaland" centre to support the growth of entrepreneurship in the region. The centre serves as a centralised platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase and promote their products and services. Located near the Nagaland Civil Secretariat in Kohima, the three-storeyed establishment accommodates 120 entrepreneurs who display their locally produced goods and services in the centre. The centre has collaborated with Godrej Good & Green (GCPL) for the Beautypreneur project, which has trained over 800 women and girls in the Beauty and Wellness sector. Building on this success, and supported by the Department of Industries and Commerce and Startup Nagaland, the fellowship programme is designed to address the individual needs of women entrepreneurs in different sectors, facilitating change and growth in their businesses.

LaunchPad is a collaborative initiative between the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Govt. of Nagaland, YouthNet, and the Department of School Education, Govt. of Nagaland. It was introduced on August 18, 2020, at the YouthNet Head Office in Kohima. This programme, available online, is designed to support 12th-grade students from all 44 Government Higher Secondary Schools across the 16 Districts of Nagaland. The purpose of LaunchPad is to provide self-paced training modules that enable students to develop their soft skills, make efficient use of their time, cultivate motivation for higher education, explore non-traditional career opportunities, and plan their future based on their abilities and interests. By addressing youth unemployment, LaunchPad serves as a significant step towards empowering the youth of Nagaland.