JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 13: The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) continued its mission of fostering innovation and empowering youth through entrepreneurship by organizing Boot Camps under Startup Idea Challenge at Government College for Women, Udhampur and Government Degree College Kathua.
The events, held under the J&K Startup Policy 2024–2027, witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and faculty members.
At Government Degree College Kathua, the boot camp and pitching session saw participation from than 100 students and was inaugurated by Prof. Rakesh Singh, HoD Chemistry and In-charge of Career Counselling Cell, GDC, Kathua who appreciated JKEDI’s role in encouraging youth towards entrepreneurship. Fourteen aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their ideas before an expert jury out of which eight ideas were shortlisted for the next round.
Dheeraj Handoo, District Nodal Officer, JKEDI, Kathua presented the details regarding the J&K Startup Policy 2024-27 while Vir Pratap Singh, Teaching Associate, JKEDI deliberated on the various incentives provided by the Government related to J&K Startup Policy 2024-27.
Similarly, more than 100 students attended the program at Government College for Women Udhampur. Dr. Nalini Pathania, Principal of the College, was the Chief Guest. She emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in youth empowerment. Yash Paul, District Nodal Officer (DNO) JKEDI Udhampur, presented details of the J&K Startup Policy 2024–27, while Dr. Vinod Sharma, Teaching Associate, JKEDI, highlighted various incentives, support mechanisms and the structured phase wise format of the J&K Startup Idea Challenge. A total of seven ideas were shortlisted by a distinguished jury composed of designated faculty members from the college, officials from DIC Udhampur.
These boot camps served as vibrant platforms for idea exchange, motivation, and entrepreneurial learning. The dignitaries and jury members across all three districts lauded JKEDI’s sustained efforts to nurture entrepreneurship and innovation at the grassroots level. By providing mentorship, exposure, and support, JKEDI is reinforcing its mission to strengthen the startup ecosystem and empower the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to become job creators rather than job seekers.
