Dimapur – Two Nagaland entrepreneurs received awards at the Ideabaaz Startup Fest 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from August 26‑30. D. Ledia Awomi won the Best Cultural Performance award, while L. Chuba Lkr earned the Best Aromatic Plant award.
Ideabaaz is a startup‑investment and edutainment platform that lets entrepreneurs pitch ideas directly to venture capitalists, investors, mentors and industry experts. The five‑day fest combined exhibitions, presentations, networking sessions, workshops, panel discussions and award ceremonies, creating a live learning environment for students and aspiring founders.
Awomi, president of the Ethnic Group of Nagaland (EGON), curated an ethnic fashion show that highlighted traditional Nagaland attire and handlooms. She said her previous collaborations with women’s organisations, fashion events and local film productions connected her with Ideabaaz. Awomi expressed hope that future collaborations will further promote Nagaland’s rich culture and thanked the Tourism Department, Government of Nagaland, for its support.
L. Chuba Lkr, proprietor of M/s L.C. Longkumer Agar Processing Unit (established 2016), received the Best Aromatic Plant award. His father began an agar‑wood plantation in the 1960s; after his death, Chuba launched the processing unit to produce agar‑wood oil. He highlighted the state’s favourable soil, water and climate, noting that Nagaland’s oil is prized for its resinous texture and long‑lasting sweet scent. Most of his customers are in the Middle East, and he plans to expand retail presence to Dubai and Bangkok while introducing a new 100 % Nagaland agar‑oil grade.
Chuba cautioned that limited distillation capacity hampers growth and urged expansion of facilities. He encouraged young entrepreneurs to consider agar‑wood ventures, pointing out that, aside from initial capital, the enterprise requires relatively low yearly maintenance but demands patience to produce quality oil.
