Pulwama, Aug 25: The Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), in collaboration with Government Degree College for Women, Pulwama, today successfully organised the Startup Idea Challenge 2.0. The programme forms part of JKEDI’s broader efforts under the J&K Startup Policy 2024–27 to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth-led startups across the Union Territory.

Professor (Dr.) Sami Jan, Principal, Government Degree College for Women, Pulwama, attended event as the Chief Guest. The event was attended by distinguished experts and faculty members from various domains, including Nafia Nazir, Range Officer (South Kashmir), JKEDI;
Raiyees Manzoor, District Nodal Officer, JKEDI Pulwama; Dr. Tariq H. Ganai, Associate Professor and Former Head, Department of Food Technology, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST); Dr. Nisar Ahmad Wani, Head, Department of Economics, GDC Women, Pulwama; Dr. Tanveer Bilal, Head, Department of Bio-resources, Government Degree College for Women, Pulwama; Professor Surya Shafi, Department of Commerce, GDC Women, Pulwama; Professor Iftikhar, Department of Sociology, GDC Women, Pulwama and M. Ayoub, Senior Bank Official, Cluster office, J&K Bank Pulwama.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, who presented a diverse range of innovative ideas before the selection committee. Out of the ideas pitched, seven were shortlisted to represent District Pulwama at the state-level competition.
Professor (Dr.) Sami Jan congratulated the selected candidates and encouraged them to put in their best efforts to excel in the final round. Raiyees Manzoor, District Nodal Officer, JKEDI also appreciated the innovative concepts presented and congratulated the participants for taking their first step towards innovation and emerging as the startups of tomorrow.
The Startup Idea Challenge 2.0 provides selected innovators with opportunities for mentorship, incubation support, and pathways to seed funding and co-working facilities at JKEDI hubs, helping transform promising ideas into viable entrepreneurial ventures.