Rs ₹30 lakh boost for innovation as two J&K ideas win national recognition
Srinagar, April 09: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar has achieved a significant milestone with the selection of two innovative ideas under the Ministry of MSME Innovative Scheme during the prestigious MSME Hackathon 5.0 conducted at the national level.
Serving as the host institute and implementing agency for the MSME Innovative and Design Schemes in Jammu & Kashmir, NIT Srinagar continues to play a key role in promoting innovation-driven entrepreneurship in the region.
Each of the selected projects has been awarded a grant of ₹15 lakh (75% share from Ministry and 25% incubatee)to support the development and commercialisation of cutting-edge technologies.
Earlier achievements under the MSME Innovative Scheme. Previously, four technologies were selected and supported with grants for incubation.
Notably, three impactful prototypes have already been successfully developed and are progressing towards commercialisation.
These include a Saffron Processing Machine developed by Dr Tariq Ahmad, a Seed Sowing Machine by Er Abdul Naik Qayoum, and a Water Cycle Innovation by Dr Dinesh Kumar Rajendra. All these technologies were developed in-house at NIT Srinagar with financial assistance under the MSME scheme, reflecting the institute’s strong innovation ecosystem.
The fifth edition of MSME Hackathon witnessed participation from across the country, with 45 innovative ideas received aat the MSME Innovative portal of NIT Srinagar, competing at the national level.
Following a rigorous filtration and evaluation process by NIT experts, followed by an expert panel at the national level, only two promising ideas from Jammu & Kashmir were selected, both supported and incubated at NIT Srinagar as Host Institute.
The first idea, titled “IoT-Based Vermicompost Machine (IDEAJK032175)”, has been proposed by Mohammad Muzamil of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKAUST).
It focuses on developing an IoT-enabled intelligent system for vermicompost preparation using biodegradable waste. The innovation aims to promote sustainable waste management, strengthen organic farming practices, and enable efficient compost production through smart technology.
The second project, “Utilising Low-Cost Multispectral Drone Imaging for Detection of Corona Discharges, Structural Anomalies, Insulation Defects, and Surface Damage in Power Infrastructure (IDEAJK033470)”, has been proposed by Rutba Majeed.
This technology is expected to significantly improve inspection and monitoring of power infrastructure, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance overall safety and reliability.
The success of these projects has been widely attributed to the leadership and vision of Dr Saad Parvez, Chairman of the MSME Innovative Scheme, whose efforts have fostered a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
Dr Noor Zaman Khan, Incubation In-charge, also played a crucial role in mentoring and guiding the projects through various stages of development.
In his message, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, and Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman congratulated the MSME team, including Dr Saad Parvez, Dr Noor Zaman Khan, and Dr Dinesh Kumar, for their consistent achievements under the MSME Innovative and Design Schemes.
They noted that such initiatives provide an important platform for students and innovators across the region to showcase their ingenuity, transform concepts into viable technologies, and access financial support from the Ministry of MSME.
Dr Mohammad Hanief, Head Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Prof Roohie Naaz, Dean (Research & Consultancy), whose encouragement has further strengthened the innovation ecosystem at NIT Srinagar.
They said consistent success in national-level platforms like MSME Hackathon 5.0, NIT Srinagar, is steadily emerging as a hub of research-driven technological development.
