Rs ₹30 lakh boost for innovation as two J&K ideas win national recognition
Srinagar : The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar has marked a significant achievement by selecting two innovative projects under the Ministry of MSME Innovative Scheme during the national MSME Hackathon 5.0.
As the host institute and implementing agency for MSME Innovative and Design Schemes in Jammu & Kashmir, NIT Srinagar is pivotal in fostering innovation-driven entrepreneurship in the region. Each selected project has received a grant of ₹15 lakh, with 75% funding from the Ministry and 25% from the incubatees, aimed at supporting the development and commercialization of advanced technologies. Previously, NIT Srinagar had notable successes under the MSME Innovative Scheme, with four technologies selected for incubation, three of which have already developed impactful prototypes. These include a Saffron Processing Machine, a Seed Sowing Machine, and a Water Cycle Innovation, all created in-house with financial backing from the MSME scheme, showcasing the institute’s robust innovation ecosystem. The fifth edition of the MSME Hackathon attracted participation from across India, with 45 innovative ideas submitted to the MSME Innovative portal at NIT Srinagar. After a thorough evaluation by NIT experts and a national expert panel, two promising ideas from Jammu & Kashmir were chosen for support and incubation at NIT Srinagar. The first project, an IoT-Based Vermicompost Machine proposed by Mohammad Muzamil, aims to create an intelligent system for vermicomposting using biodegradable waste, promoting sustainable waste management and organic farming. The second project, proposed by Rutba Majeed, focuses on utilizing low-cost multispectral drone imaging to detect issues in power infrastructure, enhancing inspection efficiency and safety. The success of these initiatives is largely attributed to the leadership of Dr. Saad Parvez, Chairman of the MSME Innovative Scheme, and the mentorship of Dr. Noor Zaman Khan, Incubation In-charge. The Director of NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, and Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman commended the MSME team for their achievements, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in providing a platform for students and innovators to transform ideas into viable technologies with financial support. The consistent success at national platforms like MSME Hackathon 5.0 positions NIT Srinagar as an emerging hub for research-driven technological development, further strengthened by the encouragement from faculty members like Dr. Mohammad Hanief and Prof. Roohie Naaz.
