Says startups bridge university-industry gap, generate employment & profit
Asks future entrepreneurs to prioritize ‘Problem First’ for Viksit Bharat’s growth
RASE 2024 to foster Universities’ Investment in Talents for Impactful Innovations”
Srinagar, June 29: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today inaugurated the two-day National Seminar on the ‘Role of Academic-Driven Startups in Developing the Economy of J&K (RASE 2024)’ at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar.
In his keynote address, the Lt Governor commended the initiative aimed at inspiring, empowering, and connecting academia and industry to mentor students in leading the startup ecosystem. “I believe Startups are a powerful instrument to bridge the gap between universities and industries. The Startups have also been able to meet the two important objectives- employment generation and profit generation,” he stated.
Motivating students to set action-oriented goals to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality, the Lt Governor emphasized the importance of contributing to the nation’s socio-economic transformation and economic growth. “My message to future Startup entrepreneurs is to focus on ‘Problem First’ and not ‘Product First’ so that your ideas can accelerate the process of Viksit Bharat and also encourage entrepreneurial spirit among young students,” he advised.
The Lt Governor highlighted the potential of academic-driven startups to transform J&K’s economy by fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in educational institutions. He pointed out key initiatives of the UT Administration, such as the J&K Start-up Policy and the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), which aim to transform the startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem, especially in rural areas.
“There are immense possibilities for startups in tourism, health, logistics, handloom, handicraft, horticulture, agriculture, and allied sectors. Under the guidance of Hon’ble PM ShriNarendraModi, we are committed to providing necessary support and handholding to young entrepreneurs in both technology and non-technology sectors,” he affirmed.
The seminar aims to encourage universities and colleges to invest in the future and nurture talents for impactful innovations. The Lt Governor also emphasized the need for high-quality technical and vocational education and training for future entrepreneurs. He called for enhanced collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers to develop a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.
The two-day seminar is organized by NIT Srinagar in association with the Department of Holistic Education, Central University of Kashmir, ICAR CITH, Science & Technology Department, and SKUAST-Kashmir. Notable attendees included Prof. A. RavinderNath, Director of NIT Srinagar and Vice-Chancellor of Central University Kashmir; Sh Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of Technology Development Board; Dr.Parikshat Singh Manhas, Chairman of JKBOSE; and other experts, intellectuals, researchers, HoDs, and entrepreneurs.
Earlier, Dr HS Pali delivered the welcome address for the LG Manoj Sinha and other dignitaries.
Prof. A. RavinderNath emphasized the conference’s aim to explore and discuss the significant role academic-driven startups play in contributing to the economy. Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak highlighted opportunities for tech institutions to adopt villages and create a startup-friendly atmosphere in rural areas.
The event featured a panel discussion on startup awareness, presided over by Former Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. RakeshSehgal, and moderated by Dr. Dinesh Rajendran of NIT Srinagar. The conference also included a welcome address by Prof. A. RavinderNath and a keynote address by Prof. ParikshatManhas, Chairperson of JKBOSE.
The distribution of design certificates to Toycathon students of J&K was presented by Sanjay Bhattacharaya, Joint Controller of Patents and Design. A formal vote of thanks was given by Prof. AtikurRehman, Registrar of NIT Srinagar.
Union Minister Dr.Jitendra Singh will be the Chief Guest for the second day’s proceedings on Sunday, where he will address the participants. The event is led by Prof. NajeebUd Din, Chairperson of IIEDC, with coordination from Dr.Yashwant Mehta, Dr. Vijay Kumar, Dr. H.S. Pali, Dr.Neeraj Gupta, Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran, Shahid Abbas Mir, Dr.JitendraGurjar, and Dr.Sparsh Sharma. Dr.Ramjit Singh and Prof. SandhyaTiwari serve as coordinators from Central University of Kashmir.
The event was followed by panel discussion on awareness about start-ups was presided over by Former Director NIT Srinagar, Prof RakeshSehgal,Prof. DeeptiDharmani, VC, CBLU Bhiwani,Mr G N Var,Prof. R. N. Yadav, VC, Purnea University and sesstion was moderated by Dr. Dinesh Rajendran NIT Srinagar.
It was followed by welcome address by Prof. A. RavinderNath, Director, NIT Srinagar, followed by Introduction of IIDC and Initiatives taken by NIR Srinagar by Prof. NajeebUd Din, Secretary of RASE 2024 and Head of IIDC.
Desh Raj Sharma, General Secretary, VidyaBharti (North Zone) delivered his key address on introduction About RASE Conferences.
Meanwhile, the second panel discussion titled as ‘Conceptualization of Startup in Academics and Development of It’. Prof. DeeptiDharmani, VC, CBLU Bhiwani, Dr.NagarajanRamamoorthy, Director, IIM Amritsar, Dr. M. K. Verma, Director, CITH Srinagar, Prof. R. N. Yadav, VC, Purnea University, ShriMandeepTiwari, Director, WintekPrelam, SushriSwetaSahu, Director, T.I.M.E. Greater Noida, ShriPartha Roy Chaudhary, CEO, NFIL, Adv. Aabha Nagar, Shkkti Foundation, Jalandhar and Prof. ManjitBansal, Dean, MRSPTU Bathinda were the panel experts for the discussion and moderated by Dr Dinesh K Rajendran, from NIT Srinagar.
