Srinagar/Jammu, August 20, 2025: The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) has launched a series of boot camps under the J&K Startup Idea Challenge, a flagship initiative aligned with the J&K Startup Policy 2024–27. Aimed at fostering entrepreneurial thinking and nurturing youth-led innovation, the boot camps kicked off on Tuesday across colleges and universities in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The first three events were held at Dogra Law College, Samba; Saqib Mohiudin Memorial Degree College, Shopian; and Government Degree College for Women, Baramulla.
Samba Boot Camp: Igniting Entrepreneurial Spirit
At Dogra Law College, Samba, the boot camp was inaugurated by Chand Kishor Sharma, Joint Director, JKEDI. A three-member team, including Project Manager Zahid Ali, District Nodal Officer Vijendra Jamwal, and Assistant Manager Sorab Mengi, conducted the event. The program saw enthusiastic participation from students and faculty, who engaged in interactive sessions to explore innovative business ideas. The initiative focused on encouraging participants to convert creative concepts into viable ventures, emphasising mentorship and practical guidance.
Shopian Boot Camp: Showcasing Regional Innovation
In Shopian, the boot camp at Saqib Mohiudin Memorial Degree College drew 150 students from the college, Government Higher Secondary School Zainpora, and National Innovation School Shopian. A team led by Ajaz Mulla, District Nodal Officer, JKEDI Shopian, along with Sayeem Rafiq, Mudasir Mohidin, and Rizwan Andrabi, facilitated the event. Nine students pitched ideas in sectors such as horticulture, pharmacy, public transport, and Kashmiri traditional crafts. The panel, comprising college faculty, J&K Bank’s Lead District Manager, and JKEDI officials, provided constructive feedback. Participants expressed enthusiasm for future programs, highlighting the value of mentorship and handholding.
Baramulla Boot Camp: Empowering Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The Government Degree College for Women, Baramulla, hosted a boot camp led by JKEDI’s Imtiyaz Ahad Malla, Aayatulla Bashir, and Syed Aga Wahid. The event saw 45 students and aspiring entrepreneurs present their ideas to a panel that included J&K Bank executives and Mohammad Imran Najar, a successful entrepreneur and District President of the Baramulla Industrial Association. The interactive session concluded with valuable insights and encouragement, with the panel commending the creativity of the participants.
J&K Startup Idea Challenge: A Vision for Innovation
Inaugurated on July 10, 2025, by the Deputy Chief Minister of J&K during a Startup and Entrepreneurship Meet at JKEDI’s Pampore campus, the J&K Startup Idea Challenge aims to catalyse the entrepreneurial landscape of the Union Territory. The initiative will cover all districts through 46 boot camps and multiple workshops, focusing on sectors critical to J&K’s socio-economic development, including agriculture, handicrafts, information technology, renewable energy, and tourism.
Shortlisted participants will receive intensive mentoring and pitch training at JKEDI’s Pampore and Bari Brahmana campuses, preparing them for a Grand Finale in September 2025. The top 20 ideas will be pitched before a jury of industry experts, investors, and policymakers, with winners receiving prizes worth ₹4 lakh (1st prize: ₹1 lakh, 2nd prize: ₹70,000, 3rd prize: ₹30,000) and special awards in categories like Women Innovator, Sustainability Star, Rural Impact, and Emerging Startup. Winners will also gain incubation support at JKEDI and partner incubators, along with access to a 5-month accelerator program with national incubators like T-Hub Hyderabad.
Building a Vibrant Startup Ecosystem
Supported by corporate partners such as J&K Bank, Airtel, JAMKASH, P-Mark, and Raheem Greens, the J&K Startup Idea Challenge aims to transform Jammu & Kashmir into a vibrant startup hub. By fostering innovation-driven learning and providing resources, mentorship, and industry linkages, JKEDI is empowering the youth to contribute to the region’s economic growth and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
