Srinagar, Feb 24: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) organised Seed Capital Fund Challenge (Agrithon 1.0) under the Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project for Jammu & Kashmir (JKCIP), funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) at Shalimar campus.

The Seed Capital Fund Challenge was conducted with the objective of identifying, supporting, and nurturing innovative and viable startups across the agriculture and allied sectors in the Kashmir Valley. The initiative aimed to provide critical seed grant support to budding entrepreneurs, enabling them to transform their ideas into scalable and sustainable business ventures.
The challenge witnessed enthusiastic pitching by over 40 emerging startups, agripreneurs, and young innovators who presented their business models before an expert evaluation committee comprising domain specialists, incubation experts, and financial professionals. The proposals were rigorously assessed based on innovation, feasibility, scalability, market potential, and socio-economic impact.
Through this initiative, selected startups will receive seed funding support of Rs 5 Lakh each along with mentorship and incubation assistance to strengthen their business operations and market readiness. The program aligns with the broader vision of JKCIP to enhance competitiveness, promote entrepreneurship, generate employment, and strengthen value chains in agriculture and allied sectors in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Seed Capital Fund Challenge reflects SKUAST-K’s continued commitment to fostering innovation-driven entrepreneurship and creating a robust startup ecosystem in the region.