Kathua, September 12, 2025-In a vibrant push towards fostering entrepreneurship among the youth, the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) organised a dynamic Startup Bootcamp under the J&K Startup Idea Challenge at Government Degree College (GDC), Kathua. The event, held today, saw enthusiastic participation from over 100 students and faculty members, transforming the college auditorium into a hub of innovative ideas and budding aspirations. This initiative aligns with the J&K Startup Policy 2024–27, aimed at empowering the next generation of innovators and job creators in the region.The bootcamp kicked off with an inspiring orientation session led by JKEDI experts, who delved into the essentials of ideation, business modeling, and the startup ecosystem. Participants were sensitized to the policy’s provisions, including funding opportunities, incubation support, and mentorship programs at JKEDI’s Pampore and Bari Brahmana campuses.
“Entrepreneurship is not just a career choice; it’s a catalyst for self-reliance and regional growth,” remarked a JKEDI official during the opening address, echoing the institute’s mission to convert creative thoughts into viable ventures.The highlight of the day was the high-energy pitching session, where 14 aspiring entrepreneurs – selected from the pool of attendees – presented their groundbreaking ideas before a distinguished jury. The pitches spanned diverse sectors, from sustainable agriculture solutions tailored to Kathua’s fertile lands to tech-driven community services addressing local challenges like waste management and rural e-commerce. The jury, comprising senior faculty from GDC Kathua, representatives from J&K Bank, officials from the District Industries Centre (DIC), and JKEDI officers, provided real-time feedback, honing the participants’ presentation skills and strategic thinking.Out of the 14 pitches, eight innovative ideas were shortlisted for the next round, earning applause and congratulations from the audience.
These shortlisted teams will receive intensive mentoring, pitch refinement workshops, and access to JKEDI’s incubation resources ahead of the Grand Finale. The finale will feature the top 20 ideas from across Jammu and Kashmir, judged by industry experts, investors, and policymakers, with winners poised to secure seed funding and scaling support.GDC Kathua Principal, Prof. [Name Placeholder], praised the collaboration, stating, “Events like this bridge the gap between academia and industry, equipping our students with the tools to turn dreams into startups.”
Students echoed this sentiment, with one participant sharing, “Pitching my eco-friendly farming app idea here boosted my confidence – it’s the start of something big!”This bootcamp is part of JKEDI’s ambitious rollout of 46 such events across all districts, building on successful sessions at colleges in Bandipora, Rajouri, Ganderbal, and beyond. By identifying and nurturing over 500 business ideas region-wide, JKEDI is creating a robust ecosystem that appreciates innovation in traditional sectors like agriculture, horticulture, and manufacturing.As Jammu and Kashmir strides towards becoming a startup powerhouse, initiatives like today’s at GDC Kathua underscore the untapped potential of its youth. With the Grand Finale on the horizon, the stage is set for more Kathua innovators to shine.
