Agartala, Jan 29 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, announced on Thursday that the state has established itself as a significant higher education hub in the Northeastern part of India. It boasts seven universities, three engineering colleges, three medical colleges, and numerous other institutions dedicated to higher and professional education, thereby cultivating a highly skilled workforce.

During the ceremony for the cornerstone of Northeast India's largest data center, the Chief Minister emphasized that Tripura's top ranking in Deregulation and Compliance Reduction 2025, combined with its investor-friendly climate and reform-driven administration, is drawing increasing attention from both national and international investors.

He pointed out that India constitutes nearly 20 percent of global data consumption, yet its data storage capacity is only around 2 percent.

"With India's storage capacity projected to increase from 1.5 gigawatts now to 8 gigawatts by 2030, establishing the data center in Tripura is a timely move," the Chief Minister remarked.

Tripura's favorable climatic conditions, abundant power supply, pollution-free atmosphere, and air connectivity render it an ideal location for data center investments.

The state's third International Internet Gateway located in Agartala ensures reliable, high-speed connectivity, which enhances its digital infrastructure.

The Chief Minister extended his appreciation to the Directorate of Information Technology for its crucial involvement in facilitating the project through active land allocation, infrastructure enhancement, and effective administrative coordination.

He stated that Tripura's innovative Data Centre Policy of 2021 ranks among the best nationwide, offering financial incentives, including a 50 percent floor rental reimbursement of up to Rs 12 lakh annually, subsidized land leases, a power tariff set at Rs 4.75 per unit, bandwidth cost subsidies of up to Rs 10 lakh per year, and capital investment subsidies reaching Rs 1 crore annually.

Reiterating that Tripura is supported by a forward-thinking Data Centre Policy, strategic connectivity, and progressive digital reforms, the Chief Minister noted that the state is on track to become a leading data center and IT hub in the Northeastern region.

He also highlighted the enthusiasm of Tripura's international diaspora, referencing the recent Prabashi Tripurabashi Summit, which saw participation from 86 distinguished professionals of Tripura origin, many of whom expressed a desire to invest in the state's IT sector.

In response to the increasing demand for plug-and-play facilities, the Information Technology Department is planning to construct Tripura's second IT Park near Agartala.

To foster local talent and entrepreneurship, the IT Department has launched the New Generation Innovation Network (NGIN) scheme and implemented the Tripura Start-up Policy, 2025, which offers extensive support including seed funding, operational reimbursements, grants for prototype development, branding assistance, and IPR protection.

A Rs 50 crore Start-up Venture Fund has been created to assist start-ups with funding ranging from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 2 crore.

Currently, Tripura is home to 188 registered start-ups, with over 50 new applications under review.