Start-up boom in J&K: 287% growth, women-led ventures, investor confidence on the rise

Srinagar, Mar 6: The start-up ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing an unprecedented transformation, with a phenomenal 287% surge in DPIIT-registered start-ups from just 237 in 2020 to an impressive 917 in 2024, including 333 women-led ventures.

According to Economic Survey, this meteoric growth signifies the region's emergence as a thriving hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Further fueling this momentum, over 1,600 start-ups have been registered with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), marking a threefold increase from the prior year. The game-changing New Start-up Policy 2024-27, launched in February 2024, has rolled out robust fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, complemented by the July 2024 launch of the J&K Start-up Portal, accelerating the entrepreneurial spirit.

Start-ups in the region have transitioned from tackling local challenges to addressing national-level issues, powered by technology, targeted government interventions, and expanding market access. Innovative ventures such as Daskdan Innovations Pvt Ltd., Rach Smart Solutions, and CLMRAT India are choosing to anchor their operations in J&K, underscoring the region's rising appeal.

For the first time, start-ups like Qul Fruit Wall Farm, Fast Beetle Services, and Tramboo Sports have attracted equity funding from institutional investors. This milestone reflects growing investor confidence in the burgeoning entrepreneurial landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, heralding a promising future for the region.

As the region's start-up ecosystem matures rapidly, its blend of innovation, policy support, and investor interest signals a new era of economic growth and empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir.