Pulwama, September 16, 2025 – The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI)organised a vibrant Startup Idea Challenge Boot Camp at Government Degree College (Women), Pulwama, as part of its ongoing efforts to foster entrepreneurship and innovation among the youth under the J&K Startup Policy 2024–2027. The event served as a dynamic platform for students to pitch creative business ideas, receive expert feedback, and explore opportunities within the region’s burgeoning startup ecosystem.The boot camp, aligned with the broader J&K Startup Idea Challenge initiative—inaugurated on July 10 by the Deputy Chief Minister—engaged aspiring entrepreneurs through interactive sessions on idea validation, pitching techniques, and policy incentives. Participants were introduced to the policy’s support mechanisms, including financial aid, incubation, and mentorship, aimed at transforming innovative concepts into sustainable ventures.Raiyees Manzoor, District Nodal Officer, JKEDI Pulwama, commended the participants’ ingenuity and encouraged them to channel their passion into entrepreneurial pursuits.
The jury, comprising faculty members such as Syed Gulzar (Associate Professor, Physics), Dr. Tanveer Bilal (Head, Department of Bioresources), and Suraya Yousuf (Assistant Professor, Commerce) from GDC Women Pulwama, along with Ansar Ullah Machloo (Head, Centre for Startup Finance, JKEDI), evaluated pitches and provided constructive insights.The event underscores JKEDI’s commitment to conducting 46 boot camps across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir, culminating in a Grand Finale where the top 20 ideas will compete for prizes, incentives, and incubation support. By nurturing grassroots innovation, these programs empower the youth to drive economic resilience and job creation in the Union Territory.
