JKEDI holds Startup Boot camps across J&K, shortlists innovative ideas

Jammu/Srinagar, Sep 19: The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) organised Startup Idea Challenge Boot Camps in Srinagar, Katra, Kathua and Banihal under the J&K Startup Policy 2024–27, with students and aspiring entrepreneurs presenting a wide range of business ideas. The camps aimed at fostering innovation, nurturing a startup culture, and empowering youth to become job creators.

At Srinagar, the boot camp was held at Government Sri Pratap College, M.A Road. Principal Prof. Bashir Ahmad inaugurated the event, stressing the importance of such initiatives in developing a vibrant startup ecosystem.

Twenty-two participants pitched their ideas before a jury comprising faculty, JK Bank officials and JKEDI officers. District Nodal Officer (DNO) Ahsan Qadir explained the Startup Policy framework, while Dr. Sameer Jan Baht, In-charge CEER, delivered the keynote.

At Katra, the camp was hosted at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University’s Technology Business Incubator Centre (SMVDU-TBIC). Joint Director JKEDI, Chand Kishor Sharma, urged students to think innovatively and focus on sustainable ventures. Dr. Kumud Ranjan Jha, Vice-Chairperson TBIC, and CEO Dr. Sanjay Mohan praised JKEDI’s role in building the startup ecosystem. The session drew 110 participants, with 14 students pitching ideas, of which 12 were shortlisted for the next round.

In Kathua, the camp was held at Government Degree College for Women. Joint Director Sharma attended as Chief Guest alongside Principal Dr. Savi Behl. District Nodal Officer Dheeraj Handoo briefed students on the Startup Policy, while entrepreneur Arun Singh delivered a motivational talk. Four students presented their ideas, and 11 were shortlisted for further stages.

At Banihal, the boot camp was inaugurated by Principal Dr. Mohammad Shafiq Katoch at Govt. Degree College Banihal. Participants pitched eight innovative business ideas, with experts from JKEDI and JK Bank offering guidance. DNO Tasneef Rasool Parray highlighted incentives under the Startup Policy, while JKEDI’s Mohsin Abrar outlined the stages of the Idea Challenge.

The boot camps were widely hailed as effective platforms for idea exchange and entrepreneurial learning. Jury members and dignitaries lauded JKEDI’s continued efforts in providing mentorship, exposure and support to grassroots innovators. By shortlisting promising ideas, JKEDI reaffirmed its mission to strengthen the startup ecosystem and empower the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to contribute as entrepreneurs rather than job seekers.