Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) on Tuesday convened a review meeting with Kashmir-based funded startups operating under the J&K Startup Policy to assess their progress, discuss challenges and deliberate on the future roadmap for strengthening the startup ecosystem in the Union Territory.
The meeting began with an introductory address by Director JKEDI Mohammad Younis Malik, who highlighted the responsibility entrusted upon startups supported under the J&K Startup Policy 2024–27 framework.
He said while the government formulates policies for welfare and empowerment of unemployed youth, it was equally important for beneficiaries to approach such opportunities with sincerity, commitment and dedication.
Highlighting the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs in a competitive environment, Malik said people often get demotivated easily and assured participants that JKEDI would continue to guide and support startups towards long-term growth and sustainability.
He also emphasised the forward and backward linkages being provided to startups by JKEDI.
During the session, the Director elaborated on the operational guidelines of the J&K Startup Policy 2024–27 and discussed the way forward for startups functioning under the policy.
He stressed that startups should focus on key sectors and priority areas of Jammu and Kashmir while exploring the opportunities available within the region.
Calling the funded startups “brand ambassadors” of the J&K Startup Policy, Malik said it was a collective responsibility to encourage more innovative minds to join the startup ecosystem.
He reiterated JKEDI’s commitment towards strengthening the startup ecosystem across the Union Territory.
Joint Director JKEDI Chand Kishor Sharma, Incharge Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Business Modelling (CIIBM) Irtif Mehraj and other officials were also present during the meeting.
During an interactive session, ten participating startups presented their growth stories and shared their experiences after receiving seed funding support.
The startups included Kashmir Innovation Lab, Bilals Innovative Solar Automobiles Private Limited, Al Hamdan Crafts, Cashmir Carbozone, Safavi Organics, Innxu Innotech, Heaventure Adventures Private Limited, Cocompute Labs, Nucleosight and Switch Electric.
The entrepreneurs shared details about the origin of their ideas, inspiration behind their ventures and the journey of transforming innovative concepts into viable businesses.
They also highlighted achievements related to product development, market expansion, customer growth, funding milestones, technological innovation and employment generation.
Several startups also shared success stories demonstrating their contribution towards economic growth, digital transformation and social impact in the region.
Officials said the meeting provided startups with an opportunity to present their issues, discuss the existing framework and seek guidance for creating a more sustainable and viable startup ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.
