In a major push to nurture grassroots innovation and entrepreneurship, Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) organized series of Startup Idea Challenge Boot Camps across SKUAST (K) campuses, Government Polytechnic College Reasi, and Government Boys Higher Secondary School Budgam.
More than 250 students and aspiring entrepreneurs participated enthusiastically, pitching over 40 innovative startup ideas under the recently launched J&K Startup Policy 2024–27.
At SKUAST-K Wadura Campus, the boot camp was inaugurated by Dr. Shakeel A Mir, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, who urged students to think creatively and embrace entrepreneurship. Professors Imtiyaz, Bilal Ahmad, and Zahoor A Baba, along with Naveed, CEO & Head of SKIIE Centre, were also present.
JKEDI officers guided students on pitching techniques, and over 120 participants took part in interactive sessions to refine their ideas.
Similar boot camps were held at Shuhama and Rangil Campuses of SKUAST-K, where students engaged in ideation exercises and presented pitches before a jury comprising faculty and JKEDI officials. Sheikh Nowsheen, Assistant Faculty, JKEDI Ganderbal, delivered an insightful session on entrepreneurship and innovation, motivating youth to pursue startups as viable careers.
At Government Polytechnic College Reasi, the event was inaugurated by Principal Er. Arun Bangotra, who called on students to focus on sustainable ventures.
The session was led by JKEDI District Nodal Officer (DNO) Reasi, Abhilash Kumar Braroo, and Assistant Manager, Sorab Mengi. Eight students pitched their startup ideas, out of which four were shortlisted for the next round of the J&K Startup Idea Challenge. The boot camp witnessed participation of 85 enthusiastic students.
The Budgam Boot Camp, held at Government Boys Higher Secondary School, saw 13 participants pitching their business ideas before a distinguished jury comprising JKEDI officials, Director RSETI, and faculty members.
Syed Nazneen, District Nodal Officer, JKEDI Budgam, presented the provisions of the Startup Policy and trained students on pitching. The highlight of the event was a motivational address by noted comedian and TV artist Nazir Josh, who urged youth to adopt self-reliance and innovation as guiding principles.
Meanwhile, an orientation programme under the J&K Startup Idea Challenge was also organized at Amar Singh College Srinagar for Commerce and Computer Science students, where experts highlighted opportunities available under the Startup Policy 2024–27.
These boot camps served as vibrant platforms for idea exchange, mentoring, and entrepreneurial learning. Faculty members, jury experts, and dignitaries across districts praised JKEDI’s sustained efforts to strengthen the startup ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. By providing hands-on training, exposure, and policy support, JKEDI continues its mission to transform youth into job creators rather than job seekers.