Srinagar, August 3, 2025 — In a proactive move to cultivate innovation and support the next generation of business leaders, Startup Kashmir conducted its latest Saturday Mentorship Program under the theme “Let’s Talk Entrepreneurship and Startups”. The interactive session took place in Srinagar and attracted a dynamic mix of students, budding entrepreneurs, and early-stage startup founders from across Jammu and Kashmir.
The initiative, which forms part of Startup Kashmir’s ongoing efforts to build a sustainable startup ecosystem in the region, provided participants with hands-on mentorship, peer networking, and valuable industry insights.
A Platform for Real Conversations
Led by Shahid Ansari, the session encouraged open dialogue where participants were invited to pitch ideas, ask questions, and discuss obstacles faced in their entrepreneurial journeys. With a strong emphasis on peer-to-peer learning and mentor-led strategy development, the session offered personalized feedback to several emerging founders.
“We believe every startup begins with a conversation,” said Khair Ul Nisa, a key member of Startup Kashmir. “These Saturday sessions are designed to bridge the gap between inspiration and execution by giving early-stage founders practical support.”
Key Focus Areas and Future Plans
The mentorship series is structured to evolve with participant needs. While this session focused on ideation and validation, upcoming editions will delve into fundraising, market research, branding, and pitch development—critical areas for entrepreneurs in the early stages of business building.
Participants left the event with actionable feedback, connections to potential collaborators, and clarity on the next steps for their ventures. Attendees also expressed appreciation for the inclusive, grassroots format of the event, which they said was more accessible than traditional business conferences.
Event Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Saturday Mentorship: Let’s Talk Entrepreneurship and Startups |
| Organizer | Startup Kashmir |
| Date | Saturday, August 2, 2025 |
| Location | Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir |
| Lead Mentors | Shahid Ansari, Khair Ul Nisa |
| Format | Open-floor mentorship, peer dialogue, live Q&A |
| Topics Covered | Business idea development, early-stage challenges, startup strategies |
| Audience | Students, aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage founders |
| Next Session Focus | Product validation, funding pitches, market entry, and digital branding |
