Srinagar, Aug 07: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Thursday announced that Naveed Hamid, Chief Executive Officer of SKUAST-K Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship Centre, supported by the Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, has been honoured with the prestigious “Excellence in Agri-Incubation Leadership Award” during the 2nd Sustainable Agriculture Summit 2025, held at the Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi.The award was presented by Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, Ramnath Thakur, and Minister, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athwale. The ceremony was attended by eminent dignitaries including Suman Chandra, IAS, Director MNRE, Government of India; Dr Jayadev Sarangi, IAS (Retd.), former Secretary, Govt of Delhi and Goa; Rajavelu, CEO of Crop Protection Business at Godrej Agrovet Ltd; Dr K C Ravi, Chief Sustainability Officer at Syngenta India; Dr Rajendra Prasad, General Manager & Regional Head SIDBI; Dr Vimala Prakash, Head TIC at IPL Biologicals Limited; and Manoj Kumar Dubey (IRAS), CMD of IRFC.This accolade recognizes Naveed Hamid’s exemplary leadership and innovation in the agricultural incubation sector, celebrating efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices and entrepreneurship, the SKUAST-K said in statement issued here.The summit saw participation from industry leaders, policymakers, and visionaries such as MD Hindustan Urvarak & Rasyan Limited, Directors from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, District Collectors, and representatives from major agribusiness and research organizations committed to transforming India’s agricultural landscape.Naveed Hamid was honoured for his outstanding contributions to the innovation ecosystem in agriculture and allied domains at the SKIIE Centre, the university said, adding that under his leadership, SKIIE has become a vital hub for nurturing agri-tech startups, providing resources, mentorship, and intellectual property support.The centre has incubated over 300 startups, established 88 agri-startups, and facilitated 91 patents focusing on innovative solutions for food security, waste-to-wealth, sustainability, and technology integration.The centre’s comprehensive programmes include mentorship, funding, networking, and access to advanced technological resources, empowering entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and succeed in competitive markets.Naveed Hamid has been a trailblazer in fostering sustainable innovations and nurturing young entrepreneurs. “Under his guidance, SKUAST-K Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship Centre has received numerous accolades, including the Star Startup Ecosystem Award in Paris by ICCW & Microsoft, Best Agri-Incubation Centre by BCC&I and ITC & AIC India. He has helped startups raise crores in funding and has supported projects like TBI from DST, E-YUVA from BIRAC, SAMARTH from CSB, and is a coordinator for RBIC, JKCIP, and MEITY projects,” the statement said. “I am deeply honored to receive this award,” said Naveed Hamid. “I dedicate this achievement to the vision of our Vice-Chancellor, Prof Nazir A Gania, and to all the dedicated officers and young innovators who have contributed to building our ecosystem. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to supporting innovative agribusinesses that can contribute to a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector in India. Together, we can drive meaningful change and create a lasting impact.”VC Prof Gania, congratulated Naveed Hamid and the SKIIE team for this achievement, saying, “This reflects our collective dedication and commitment to excellence in agricultural education and innovation. It is a great source of pride for our university and inspires us all to contribute meaningfully to our mission.”
