In a significant stride towards advancing the science, technology, and innovation (STI) landscape in Jammu & Kashmir, a high-impact Stakeholders Meet was successfully held today at SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar. The event was organized by the Northern Region S&T Cluster - PI-RAHI (PU-IIT Ropar Regional Accelerator for Holistic Innovations Foundation) in collaboration with J&K Science & Technology Council, SKUAST Kashmir and IIT Jammu.
The meeting witnessed the presence of eminent dignitaries, government representatives, academic leaders, and innovators from across the region. The Hon’ble Minister for Science & Technology, IT, Youth Services & Sports, and ARI & Trainings, Shri Satish Sharma, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Shahid Choudary, Scientific Secretary, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, joined as the Guest of Honor. Four startups incubated and mentored at SKUAST Kashmir's SKIEE Center were also launched during the event
In his address, Shri Sharma highlighted the region’s potential to emerge as a hub of innovation and technological excellence and praised the efforts of PI Rahi and SKUAST Kashmir in this direction.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Nasir Shah, Additional Director, J&K S&T Council, followed by addresses from Ms. Neha Arora, COO, PI-RAHI, and Dr. Jatinder Kaur Arora, Advisor, PI-RAHI, who shared the vision and scope of the regional innovation cluster.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, emphasized the critical role of research institutions in nurturing innovations and ensuring technology reach for the farming community and highlighted the role that SKUAST Kashmir is playing in this direction. Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary to Government, S&T Department also delivered insightful addresses outlining the state’s commitment to research-led development. The core of the program featured roundtable discussions on key thematic challenges such as tech interventions in rural livelihoods, grassroots innovation, scaling up R&D outputs, and strengthening incubator networks. Dr Ambreen Hamadani, Asst Professor, CAIML conducted the proceedings.
The discussions concluded with concrete recommendations to integrate STI advancements with local developmental needs, enable pilot deployment of field-ready technologies, and establish national linkages for grassroots innovations from J&K. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof Rohitashaw Kumar, Associate Dean COAET, SKUAST Kashmir and a resolve to take the deliberations forward through coordinated action. Participants appreciated the collaborative spirit of the meet and the strategic support from PI-RAHI and partnering institutions.