CII J&K Startup Panel explores collaboration with IIT Jammu to boost innovation ecosystem

Jammu, May 22: In a significant step toward strengthening the startup and innovation ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir, a delegation from the CII J&K Startup Panel visited the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu to explore collaborative opportunities.

The delegation was led by Shivang Mahajan, Convener of the CII J&K Startup Panel, and included members  Ayush Sawhney and Abhishek Sachdeva. They held detailed discussions with Lakhvinder Singh, Head of Incubation at IIT Jammu’s Innovation & Incubation Center (I3C), and  Akash Sharma, Manager, I3C, focusing on fostering innovation through industry-academia partnerships.

The meeting primarily explored collaboration avenues in Robotics, 3D Printing, Automation, and other emerging technologies. The CII delegation also toured IIT Jammu’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the robotics and 3D printing labs, where they witnessed live demonstrations of drone manufacturing and student-led innovations.

Speaking after the visit, members of the IIT faculty expressed keen interest in entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CII J&K for mutual collaboration. They also proposed industry mentorship for campus startups and offered to design customised management and executive development courses for CII members to bridge the skill gap.

“This visit marks a pivotal step in aligning academic research with real-world industrial applications,” said Shivang Mahajan. “It opens up exciting possibilities for innovation, mentorship, and co-development in Jammu & Kashmir’s startup ecosystem.”

Both parties are expected to formalise the collaboration in the coming weeks, aiming to foster a more vibrant and self-sustaining innovation landscape in the Union Territory.