KULGAM: SKUAST K- JKCIP, Incubation and startup cell in collaboration with SKUAST K Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship center Shalimar & KVK Kulgam kick started two-day Boot Camp/Ideation event aimed at identifying, mentoring, handholding, and supporting aspiring and early-stage Agri-entrepreneurs in the field of agriculture and allied sectors to resolve societal problems.

The event marks a critical step in building a robust rural innovation and Agri-entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. It seeks to unlock the potential of youth, local innovators, and Agri-preneurs to develop sustainable, tech-enabled, and scalable solutions for agricultural challenges in the region.

The Inaugural session was graced by Head KVK Kulgam, Prof. Manzoor A Ganai; CEO/Head SKIIE Centre, Dr. Naveed Hamid; Dr. Mohammad Mubashir, Manager Incubation JKCIP SKUAST-K, scientists of Kendra, members from different FPOs, SHGs, NGOs, aspiring entrepreneurs, Agri-tech enthusiasts, innovators and rural youth.

Prof. Ganai in his keynote address emphasized the critical role of innovation and entrepreneurship in addressing modern agricultural challenges and enhancing farmer's income. He emphasized the need to bridge the gap between traditional farming practices and modern Agri-technologies through localized entrepreneurship models.

He also highlighted the university's commitment to nurturing startups and encouraging idea-stage innovations to flourish in rural communities.

Dr. Mubashir highlighted the role of Innovation and Start-up ecosystem under SKUAST-K and JKCIP. He also briefed on the JKCIP start-up policy framework and strategies to handhold the young minds for self-sustainability and encouraged participants to think out of the box in the realm of Start-ups and Innovations.

Addressing the participants, CEO/Head SKIIE centre, urged the aspiring entrepreneurs to think beyond conventional boundaries, embrace creativity, and actively engage in the evolving start-up ecosystem.

He emphasized that SKUAST-K's Incubation initiatives are not just institutional interventions, but part of a larger mission to build a self-reliant and resilient Jammu & Kashmir, aligned with the goals of Viksit Jammu and Kashmir.

This Boot Camp will span two days of intensive mentoring sessions, ideation events, pitch presentations, and expert-led panels. Participants will receive guidance on business model development, value chain integration, marketing strategies, funding opportunities, and government support schemes for Agri-entrepreneurs.

The session concluded with pitching of innovative ideas by young minds and 13 novel startup ideas were taken by JKCIP Incubation & Startup Cell for helping them to the next level through support of JKCIP Startup scheme.