JKEDI organises startup idea challenge boot camps at Rajouri, Ganderbal, Poonch

Jammu/Srinagar, Aug 31: The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) continued its mission of fostering innovation and empowering youth through entrepreneurship by organising Startup Idea Challenge – Boot Camps at Government P.G. College Rajouri, Government Degree College Ganderbal, and Government Degree College Surankote (Poonch). The events, held under the J&K Startup Policy 2024–2027, witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and faculty members.At Government P.G. College Rajouri, more than 150 students attended the program, which was graced by Prof Zameer Ahmad Mirza, Principal of the College, as the Chief Guest. He emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship in youth empowerment.Mehraj-ud-Din Bhat, District Nodal Officer (DNO) JKEDI Rajouri, presented details of the J&K Startup Policy 2024–27, while Adil Rasool, Manager Estates JKEDI, guided students on startup idea pitching. A motivational address was delivered by Dr Reyaz Ahmad, I/C IQAC Cell. A total of 20 participants pitched their ideas before a distinguished jury comprising JKEDI officials, J&K Bank representatives, and senior faculty members, out of which three ideas were shortlisted for the next round.At Government Degree College Ganderbal, the boot camp was inaugurated by Prof Fouzia Fatima, Principal of the College, who appreciated JKEDI’s role in encouraging youth towards entrepreneurship. Ten aspiring entrepreneurs pitched their ideas before an expert jury.Muhammad Rafiq Mir, DNO JKEDI Ganderbal, highlighted the role of startups in shaping resilient economies, while Sajad Hussain (APM) shared motivational startup stories. Sheikh Nowsheen, Assistant Faculty, JKEDI and Bushra Ashraf, Functional Manager DIC, explained the benefits of the Startup Policy and encouraged students to pursue innovation with confidence.Ajaz Ahmad Qureshi, Manager J&K Bank, provided insights into financial support for entrepreneurs. Selected ideas moved forward to the next stage of evaluation. The program was attended by Deputy Director Employment, Ganderbal, faculty members, JKEDI officers, and a large number of students.At Government Degree College Surankote (Poonch), the boot camp was presided over by Prof (Dr) Rani Mughal, Principal of the College, who stressed the importance of the Startup Policy in promoting self-employment and innovation among youth.The event included a detailed orientation on the policy and an idea pitching activity. Out of 15 registered ideas, 11 were presented before a jury panel comprising Shabir Hussain Shah (DNO JKEDI Poonch), Iftikhar Bashir Lone (Associate Project Manager JKEDI), senior faculty members from GDC Surankote, and a representative from J&K Bank. Selected participants were felicitated and qualified for the next round of the challenge.These boot camps served as vibrant platforms for idea exchange, motivation, and entrepreneurial learning. The dignitaries and jury members across all three districts lauded JKEDI’s sustained efforts to nurture entrepreneurship and innovation at the grassroots level.