Being home to India’s state with the highest concentration of tribal people, Mizoram is a beautiful land of rolling hills, rivers, and lakes where the early history of the Mizos is based upon legends, traditions, customs and beliefs.

However, in this modern age, many live below the poverty line with a high unemployment rate, rampant substance abuse among youth, and a rising concern for health issues, including anaemia and cancer. 

Through a grant from the Govt of India’s Department of Science and Technology, Amrita University and Mizoram University are building Science, Technology & Innovation Hubs (STI Hubs) in the districts of Aizawl and Serchhip.

The initiative includes six tribes and has reached 9,000 beneficiaries—70% of whom are women and girls—as of October 2025. With a team of 15 local leaders, the goal is to restore resilience and independence founded upon health and skill development.

More than just building livelihoods, the STI Hubs hold health camps with a focus on women and children; provide digital literacy for communities with limited access to technology; conduct substance abuse and cybersecurity sessions with youth; and document Indigenous knowledge, especially ancient healing practices.