JKEDI organises 7 boot camps across Kashmir, over 800 students participate

Srinagar, Aug 29: The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) held seven boot camps under the J&K Startup Idea Challenge in degree colleges of Anantnag, Srinagar, Pulwama, Poonch, Budgam, Handwara and Ganderbal, drawing participation from nearly 800 students.

The initiative, part of a larger series of 46 such programs, aims to foster innovation and promote entrepreneurship among youth across the Union Territory. Students were introduced to the J&K Startup Policy 2024-27 and encouraged to view entrepreneurship as a viable career choice.

At GCW Nawakadal and GCW M.A. Road Srinagar, more than 300 students took part, with over 20 presenting their business ideas before jury panels comprising JKEDI officials, faculty members and representatives of J&K Bank. Five ideas were shortlisted from GCW M.A. Road for the next round.

In Anantnag, 140 students participated at GDC Boys, where 10 of 16 pitched ideas advanced to the next stage. Budgam saw 18 students pitching their concepts before an expert jury, while in Poonch, nine candidates presented ideas in a session presided over by Principal Dr. Jasbir Singh.

Similar camps were held in Pulwama, Handwara and Ganderbal, where students received feedback from juries that included JKEDI officers, college faculty, bank officials, and district industry representatives. A highlight of the Handwara event was an interaction with entrepreneur Humera Ashiq, who shared her startup journey with students.

The Startup Idea Challenge was launched on July 10 by the Deputy Chief Minister of J&K at a Startup and Entrepreneurship Meet at JKEDI. Shortlisted participants will now undergo mentoring and pitch training at JKEDI campuses in Pampore and Bari Brahmana before competing in the Grand Finale, where the top 20 ideas will be showcased before industry experts, investors and policymakers.

The winners will receive incentives, incubation support and access to partner incubators across J&K. The initiative is being supported by Bharti Airtel Pvt. Ltd., J&K Bank, ICICI Bank, P-Mark, Jamkash Vehicleades, Rahim Greens and Srinagar Municipal Corporation.