Pulwamal, Sep 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), in collaboration with the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED), Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, successfully organised a District-Level Startup Idea Challenge and Boot Camp at CIED IUST Awantipora under the J&K Startup Idea Challenge 2.0.

The programme, themed “Ignite Ideas. Build Startups. Create Impact.”, aims to nurture creativity among students and aspiring entrepreneurs and equip them with the confidence and support needed to transform innovative ideas into viable business ventures. It forms part of JKEDI’s broader initiative under the J&K Startup Policy 2024–27 to foster a robust startup ecosystem across the Union Territory through a series of district-level boot camps.
Distinguished guests present on the occasion included Chand Kishore Sharma, Joint Director, JKEDI; Prof. Parvaiz Ahmad Mir, Director, CIED, IUST; Dr. Tariq Hossain Ganie, Associate Professor, Food Technology, IUST; Dr. Sajaad A. Lone, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science & Engineering and Coordinator, AICTE IDEA Lab; Dr. Basit, CEO, CIED IUST Foundation, along with other dignitaries, faculty members, and guests.
Joint Director, JKEDI, guided the participants to embrace entrepreneurship and become job creators rather than job seekers.
Addressing the gathering, the organisers encouraged the students to present their ideas with confidence. They emphasised that the Boot Camp serves as a vital platform and starting point for young innovators to begin their entrepreneurial journey. Drawing inspiration from the poetry of Allama Iqbal and other motivational verses, speakers highlighted that with the right support, even a simple idea can grow into a remarkable enterprise.
Raiyees Manzoor, District Nodal Officer, also interacted with the participants and encouraged them to work diligently on their innovative ideas and transform them into viable business solutions.
During the event, students pitched their startup ideas before a panel of experts. The most promising ideas have been shortlisted for intensive mentoring, pitch training, and further evaluation leading to the Grand Finale of the J&K Startup Idea Challenge 2.0. Selected innovators will receive opportunities for mentorship, incubation support, and pathways to convert their concepts into sustainable ventures.
The organisers expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, faculty members, and students for their enthusiastic participation and reiterated JKEDI and CIED-IUST’s commitment to empowering the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to become job creators rather than job seeker