(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar/Jammu- The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) on Tuesday launched a series of boot camps under the J&K Startup Idea Challenge across colleges and universities in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. These boot camps aim to harness and nurture the innovative ideas of students, fostering entrepreneurial thinking and encouraging youth-led innovation across the region

The first three boot camps were conducted at Dogra Law College, Samba, Saqib Mohiudin Memorial Degree College, Shopian and Government Degree College for Women, Baramulla.

At Samba, the boot camp under Startup Idea Challenge was inaugurated at Dogra Law College, Samba by Chand Kishor Sharma, Joint Director, JKEDI. The camp was conducted by a three-member team including Project Manager JKEDI, Zahid Ali, District Nodal Officer, JKEDI Samba, Vijendra Jamwal and Sorab Mengi, Assistant Manager.

The camp witnessed participation from students, faculty members, members of the Dogra Educational Trust, Executives from J&K Bank and officers/officials of JKEDI. Besides, Dr. Samar Dev Charak, Secretary Dogra Educational Trust, Dr. Bela Thakur, Director Dogra Group of Colleges were present on the occasion.

In his inaugural speech, the Joint Director, JKEDI appreciated the zeal of students and stressed on the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship on shaping the future of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. He encouraged the young participants to pursue their ideas and assured them of the JKEDI's continuous support in their entrepreneurial journey. During the boot camp, 13 students pitched their innovative ideas based on various fields of interest.

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At Shopian, the boot camp under the Startup Idea Challenge was held at Saqib Mohiudin Memorial Degree College, Shopian. The boot camp was conducted by a team including Ajaz Mulla, Assistant Faculty, Sayeem Rafiq District Nodal Officer, JKEDI Shopian, Mudasir Mohidin, Assistant faculty and Rizwan Andrabi, Office Associate.

The event saw participation from 150 students from Saqib Mohiudin Memorial Degree College, Shopian, Government Higher Secondary School Zainpora, Shopian and National Innovation School Shopian.

Out of these, nine students pitched their ideas related to horticulture, pharmacy, public transport and Kashmiri traditional crafts in front of the designated panel from the college, Lead District Manager (LDM) J&K Bank and officers/officials of JKEDI. The students and faculty members expressed their desire to be a part of more such programmes to take advantage of the mentorship and handholding.

At Baramulla, the, boot camp under the J&K Startup Idea Challenge was held at Government Degree College for Women, Baramulla. The programme was conducted by a team of JKEDI including Imtiyaz Ahad Malla, Associate Project Manager, Aayatulla Bashir, District Nodal Officer, JKEDI Baramulla, Syed Aga Wahid, Assistant Faculty.

The camp saw participation from the students and faculty members of Government Degree College for Women, Baramulla along with Executives from the J&K Bank and experts.

Mohammad Imran Najar, a successful entrepreneur and District President Baramulla Industrial Association was also present on the occasion.

A total of 45 students and aspiring entrepreneurs presented their ideas in front of the panel of experts. The panel appreciated their creativity and provided constructive feedback. The session concluded with an interactive exchange of ideas, where students received encouragement and insights from the distinguished panel.

The J&K Startup Idea Challenge was inaugurated on July 10 by the Deputy Chief Minister of J&K during a Startup and Entrepreneurship meet at JKEDI. Aligned with the J&K Startup Policy 2024–27, the initiative will cover all districts of J&K through 46 boot camps and multiple workshops. Shortlisted participants will undergo intensive mentoring and pitch training at JKEDI's Pampore and Bari Brahmana campuses before competing in a Grand Finale, where the best 20 ideas will be presented before a jury of industry experts, investors, and policymakers. Winners will receive prizes, incentives, and incubation support at JKEDI and partner incubators across J&K.

A total of 46 boot camps shall be held across the colleges and universities of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir under the J&K Startup Challenge. In addition, two major workshops and two intensive boot camps will be organized at JKEDI's Pampore and Bari Brahmana campuses.

These sessions will offer focused mentoring, pitch training, and business model refinement for the shortlisted participants. The initiative will culminate in a Grand Finale, where the top 20 shortlisted ideas will be pitched before a distinguished jury comprising industry experts, investors, and policymakers. Winners will receive prizes and incentives.

Through this programme, JKEDI continues its mission to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem of J&K by fostering innovation-driven learning among students and youth.

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