Srinagar :The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), through Branch MSME Development & Facilitation Office (DFO), Srinagar, Wednesday kick-started a six-week Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme (ESDP) on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Business Development in collaboration with the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED), Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, Pulwama.
The inaugural session was attended by Aijaz Bashir, Dean Academics, IUST, as the Chief Guest, in the presence of SaheelAlaqband, Assistant Director, MSME DFO Srinagar, and Prof. Parvez, Head, CIED, IUST. The programme was also graced by Altaf, Principal, Government Polytechnic Pulwama, faculty members and participating candidates.
Addressing the inaugural session, the Dean Academics, IUST, welcomed the initiative and appreciated the efforts of MSME DFO Srinagar and CIED in organising the programme. He emphasised that the ultimate measure of such initiatives should be their outcomes and expressed his hope that the programme would lead to the emergence of successful entrepreneurs and tangible success stories.
Speaking on the occasion, Assistant Director, MSME DFO Srinagar, said that the programme has been designed to provide participants with comprehensive exposure to Artificial Intelligence and its practical applications in business and entrepreneurship. He said the participants will be sensitised about how AI can be effectively leveraged to develop innovative business ideas, improve business processes and create new entrepreneurial opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
He further informed the six-week programme will also include dedicated Entrepreneurship Development sessions, with experts and speakers from various stakeholder departments and institutions. These sessions will cover important aspects of entrepreneurship, including support available through the District Industries Centre (DIC), financial institutions, MSME-related schemes and other relevant areas required for establishing and successfully managing enterprises.
Head, CIED, IUST said that AI is rapidly becoming the future of business, and the next generation of entrepreneurs must be equipped to effectively integrate AI into their startups and business ventures. He stressed the importance of preparing young entrepreneurs to understand and adopt emerging technologies to remain competitive in the modern business environment.
The six-week programme will provide participants with a blend of technical knowledge, AI-based business applications, entrepreneurship skills, institutional awareness and practical guidance, with the objective of encouraging innovation, self-employment and the creation of sustainable enterprises.
