Jammu/Srinagar, Sep 25: In a significant push to promote entrepreneurship and grassroots innovation, the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) organized a series of Startup Idea Challenge Boot Camps across SKUAST-K campuses, Government Polytechnic College Reasi, and Government Boys Higher Secondary School Budgam. Over 250 students and aspiring entrepreneurs participated, pitching more than 40 innovative startup ideas under the newly launched J&K Startup Policy 2024–27.

At SKUAST-K Wadura Campus, the boot camp was inaugurated by Dr. Shakeel A Mir, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, who encouraged students to think creatively and embrace entrepreneurship. JKEDI officers and faculty guided participants on pitching techniques, with over 120 students taking part in interactive sessions to refine their ideas. Similar camps at the Shuhama and Rangil campuses included ideation exercises and pitch presentations before a jury of faculty and JKEDI officials. Sheikh Nowsheen, Assistant Faculty, JKEDI Ganderbal, delivered an inspiring session on entrepreneurship and innovation.
The Government Polytechnic College Reasi boot camp, inaugurated by Principal Er. Arun Bangotra, emphasized sustainable ventures. Eight students pitched their startup ideas, with four selected for the next round of the J&K Startup Idea Challenge, guided by JKEDI District Nodal Officer Abhilash Kumar Braroo and Assistant Manager Sorab Mengi.
In Budgam, 13 participants presented their business ideas before a jury of JKEDI officials, Director RSETI, and faculty members at Government Boys Higher Secondary School. District Nodal Officer Syed Nazneen highlighted provisions of the Startup Policy and trained students on effective pitching. The session also featured a motivational address by comedian and TV artist Nazir Josh, who encouraged youth to embrace self-reliance and innovation.
An orientation programme at Amar Singh College Srinagar for Commerce and Computer Science students further introduced opportunities under the Startup Policy 2024–27.
These boot camps provided vibrant platforms for idea exchange, mentoring, and entrepreneurial learning. Faculty members, jury experts, and dignitaries praised JKEDI’s efforts to strengthen the startup ecosystem in J&K, helping transform youth into job creators rather than job seekers.