Assam to Host ‘Tea Startup Summit’ Celebrating 200 Years of Assam Tea

On Wednesday, Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota chaired a high-level stakeholder consultation meeting to lay the groundwork for the upcoming Tea Startup Summit, scheduled for October 2025. The event will be a landmark occasion, coinciding with the bicentennial celebration of Assam Tea, marking 200 years of its legacy. The summit is envisioned as a platform to showcase how startups can reshape Assam’s tea industry by blending heritage with modern innovation, sustainability, and global branding.

The summit will be organized under the theme “200 Years of Assam Tea – Startups Brewing the Future.” It will bring together a diverse set of stakeholders, including startups, industry leaders, research institutions, and policymakers. Their collective objective will be to reimagine the tea sector through innovative approaches, advanced technology, and sustainable practices, ensuring Assam Tea retains its global reputation while adapting to emerging market demands.

During the review meeting, the Department of Innovation, Incubation & Startups (DIIS) presented a detailed framework for the event. The plan has been prepared in collaboration with the Tea Board of India, the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC), the Tea Association of India, and several other partner organizations. One of the major focuses is on leveraging the potential of startups to strengthen tea traceability, improve supply chain efficiency, and address existing bottlenecks. A full-day workshop will also be organized during the summit to deliberate on industry-specific challenges and to generate practical, implementable solutions.

Stakeholders also discussed strategies to boost both domestic consumption and exports of Assam Tea. A strong emphasis was placed on the diversification of tea-based products and the creation of value-added categories such as nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and specialty teas. Highlighting the global trend of wellness-focused consumer choices, participants suggested initiatives like wellness teas, eco-friendly packaging, and influencer-driven marketing campaigns to engage consumers more effectively. Another important proposal that emerged was the introduction of a Specialty Tea Sustainability Startup Challenge. This competition aims to encourage startups to develop eco-friendly and sustainable business practices that align with global green trends.

Equally significant in the discussions was the emphasis on nurturing and supporting promising startups. The meeting highlighted the need for providing access to finance, mentoring, incubation facilities, and capacity-building opportunities to emerging entrepreneurs. By creating success stories within the tea startup ecosystem, Assam hopes to inspire broader participation and innovation within the industry.

The meeting also underscored inclusivity as a core principle. Research institutions like NIPER (National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research) and the National Quantum Mission were identified as key partners in collaborating with industry players, government departments, and young entrepreneurs. This holistic approach is expected to ensure that the summit reflects a balance between traditional industry experience and fresh, technology-driven perspectives.

Officials and representatives from DIIS, GTAC, the Tea Board of India, various Tea Associations, Assam Startup – The NEST, and leading industry stakeholders participated actively in the consultation. Their insights and inputs will help refine the summit’s agenda.

Overall, the Tea Startup Summit 2025 aims not only to celebrate 200 years of Assam Tea but also to project a renewed global identity for the sector. By combining its rich heritage with modern innovation and sustainability, Assam Tea is being positioned for the next century of growth and global leadership.