Srinagar | Sept, 19: The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) continued its mission of fostering innovation and empowering youth through entrepreneurship by organizing J&K Startup Idea Challenge – Boot Camps at at the Government Sri Pratap College, M.A Road, Srinagar, Mata Vaishno Devi University – Technology Business Incubator Centre (SMVDU-TBIC), Katra, Government Degree College for Women, Kathua and Govt. Degree College Banihal. The events, held under the J&K Startup Policy 2024–2027, witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and faculty members.
At Srinagar, the boot camp was help at the Government Sri Pratap College, M.A Road, Srinagar. The camp was inaugurated by Professor Bashir Ahmad, Principal of the College who underscored the need of organizing such initiatives more frequently to build and nurture a vibrant startup ecosystem in the U.T of Jammu and Kashmir.Twenty two participants presented their ideas before the jury comprising of faculty of the college, Lead Bank Manager from J&K Bank and officers/officials of JKEDI. Ahsan Qadir, District Nodal Officer(DNO), JKEDI Srinagar deliberated on the details of the J&K Startup Policy 2024–27 while Dr. Sameer Jan Baht, Incharge, CEER,JKEDI presented the keynote address.
At Katra, the boot camp under the J&K Startup Idea Challenge was held at Mata Vaishno Devi University – Technology Business Incubator Centre (SMVDU-TBIC), Katra to boost the startup ecosystem of the Union Territory in line with the J&K Startup Policy 2024–27.Chand Kishor Sharma, Joint Director, JKEDI, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. In his address, he highlighted the various interventions and workshops being implemented by JKEDI under the J&K Startup Policy 2024-27 and urged students to think innovatively and work towards building sustainable entrepreneurial ventures whileDr. Kumud Ranjan Jha, Vice-Chairperson, TBIC, graced the event as Guest of Honor and encouraged the participants to nurture their ideas into impactful startups. Dr. Sanjay Mohan, CEO, TBIC, was also present at the event who appreciated the JKEDI’s role in building startup ecosystem. Smt Divya, Manager TBIC was also present at the event. Abhilash Kumar Braroo, District Nodal Officer (DNO), JKEDI Reasi, delivered the keynote address, outlining the agenda of the session and setting the tone for discussions on innovation, entrepreneurship, and opportunities available under the J&K Startup Policy 2024-27 while Zahid Ali Dar, Project Manager, JKEDI, spoke on the importance of the J&K Startup Idea Challenge workshop emphasizing the opportunities available for budding entrepreneurs.The Bootcamp witnessed enthusiastic participation, with 110 students attending the session. A total of fourteen students pitched their ideas, out of which twelve were shortlisted for the next round of the Startup Idea Challenge.
At Kathua, the Boot Camp, held at Government Degree College for Women, Kathua was graced by Chand Kishor Sharma, Joint Director, as the Chief Guest in presence of Dr. Savi Behl, Principal, Govt. Degree College for Women, Kathua.He emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in youth empowerment. Dheeraj Handoo, District Nodal Officer (DNO) JKEDI Kathua, presented details of the J&K Startup Policy 2024–27, and guided students on startup idea pitching. A motivational address was delivered by Arun Singh, Founder & CEO of Techez Workstation and Softsolutions Private Limited. A total of 04 participants pitched their ideas before a distinguished jury comprising JKEDI officials, and faculty members of the college, out of which eleven ideas were shortlisted for the next stages.
At Banihal, the boot camp was help at Govt. Degree College Banihal. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Mohammad Shafiq Katoch, Principal of the college, who emphasized the importance of nurturing a vibrant start-up ecosystem in J&K. Experts from JKEDI and JK Bank, actively guided participants. A highlight was the pitching session, where eight innovative business ideas were presented, reflecting creativity and problem-solving zeal across technology and sustainable models.Tasneef Rasool Parray, District Nodal Officer(DNO),JKEDI, Ramban engaged the students on the pretext of the incentives of the J&K Startup Policy 2024-27 while Mohsin Abrar (In charge Recovery and Repayment, JKEDI) laid the outline of the stages of J&K Startup Idea Challenge.These boot camps served as vibrant platforms for idea exchange, motivation, and entrepreneurial learning. The dignitaries and jury members across districts lauded JKEDI’s sustained efforts to nurture entrepreneurship and innovation at the grassroots level. By providing mentorship, exposure, and support, JKEDI is reinforcing its mission to strengthen the startup ecosystem and empower the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to become job creators rather than job seekers.
