Pampore, August 1, 2025 – The Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) hosted its flagship event, “Innovate J&K: Dialogue for a Startup-Driven Future,” yesterday at its Sempora, Pampore campus. The gathering united over 100 aspiring entrepreneurs, startups, students, and industry experts to catalyze innovation and strengthen the entrepreneurial landscape in Jammu & Kashmir.
The event, a cornerstone of JKEDI’s mission to implement the J&K Startup Policy 2024–27, featured keynote addresses and mentorship sessions designed to empower participants. Khalid Jahangir, Secretary of the Industries and Commerce Department and Director of JKEDI, opened the dialogue, underscoring the region’s untapped entrepreneurial potential. “J&K has a legacy of enterprise. Our goal is to nurture a vibrant startup ecosystem by providing access to mentorship, funding, and cutting-edge resources,” he said, spotlighting the policy’s focus on tech-driven and sustainable ventures.
Distinguished speakers included Khair Ull Nissa Sheikh, Executive Director of Alson Motors and Principal Advisor at World Trade Centre India Services, who shared strategies for building resilient businesses in uncertain markets. Development Economist Arjimand Hussain Wani offered insights on aligning innovation with global trends, urging entrepreneurs to think beyond local boundaries.A standout feature was the tailored mentorship sessions, where startups received expert guidance on refining business models, scaling operations, and navigating challenges. “The feedback was transformative—it gave us a roadmap to grow,” said a participating entrepreneur. The event also included an engaging Q&A, fostering direct interaction between attendees and thought leaders.
JKEDI announced plans to expand its outreach through initiatives like Idea Challenge Competitions in educational institutions, aiming to ignite entrepreneurial thinking among youth. The institute’s StartupJK platform continues to connect over 1,000 DPIIT-registered startups from J&K with mentors and investors, reinforcing the region’s growing reputation as a startup hub.“Innovate J&K: Dialogue” marks a significant step toward positioning Jammu & Kashmir as a leader in India’s startup ecosystem, blending local talent with global aspirations.
