KATHUA: A one-day boot camp for girl students to mark the International Women’s Day 2026 was organised at the Industrial Biotech Park, Ghatti, Kathua by the BioNEST Bioincubation Centre–IBTP, Kathua and the IIIM-Technology Business Incubator (IIIM-TBI), Jammu under the aegis of the CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 150 students representing different higher educational institutions, aimed at encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship and awareness about scientific incubation opportunities among young learners.
Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu, virtually addressed the gathering and emphasized on the growing role of youth and women in science-driven innovation and highlighted the institute’s commitment to strengthening biotechnology infrastructure and incubation support systems in the region to promote entrepreneurship and research-based start-ups.
During the programme, Dr. Saurabh Saran, Senior Principal Scientist, Fermentation and Microbial Biotechnology Division, CSIR-IIIM, and Principal Investigator, IIIM-Technology Business Incubator, delivered an insightful session on the BioNEST incubator framework and training process.
He elaborated on how incubation platforms such as BioNEST and TBI support start-ups, translate innovative ideas into viable enterprises, and provide mentorship, infrastructure and technical guidance to young researchers and entrepreneurs.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Ashutosh Singh, CEO, BioNEST-IBTP Kathua, who underscored the importance of creating strong innovation ecosystems and highlighted the critical role played by incubation centres in mentoring and nurturing young innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Students from Government Degree College Kathua, Government Degree College Hiranagar and the University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET) Kathua actively participated in the day-long boot camp, engaging in discussions and activities designed to stimulate entrepreneurial thinking and creativity.
To encourage participation and creative expression, several competitions were organised as part of the boot camp, including a quiz competition, slogan writing competition and debate competition. Students enthusiastically presented their ideas and perspectives on themes related to women’s empowerment, innovation and entrepreneurship, making the programme highly interactive and engaging.
At the conclusion of the event, winners of the competitions were felicitated with certificates and prizes in recognition of their outstanding performance and participation.
