SRINAGAR: Two startups from Jammu and Kashmir secured funding support and investment commitments at the conclusion of the two-day ASCEND J&K 2026 startup summit at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) here on Friday.
Organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) under the Industries and Commerce Department, the summit brought together startups, investors, incubators, mentors and industry experts to promote entrepreneurship in the Union Territory.
According to an official statement, 20 startups from J&K pitched their ventures before 14 investors and investment networks, with seven shortlisted for further evaluation and due diligence for potential investment and strategic partnerships.
Among the key outcomes, Srinagar-based startup EcoBuddy received an investment commitment of ₹75 lakh to ₹1 crore from LetsVenture. Founded by Muhammad Farukh Usman, the startup develops technology-driven waste management solutions and eco-friendly packaging materials.
Another Srinagar-based startup, Curve Electric, secured funding support from Build3 Accelerator and angel investor Komal Nailwal, the statement said.
The summit featured panel discussions on the role of incubators in scaling the startup ecosystem and the experiences of entrepreneurs from Jammu and Kashmir in building successful ventures. Experts stressed greater collaboration among academia, industry, government institutions and incubators to strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem.
The event also included a masterclass on investment readiness by investor and entrepreneur Shanti Mohan, alongside investor-pitching sessions and one-on-one meetings between startup founders and venture capital firms, angel investors and accelerators.
The statement said the summit concluded with participation from startup founders, investors, mentors, academicians and ecosystem stakeholders from across the country, facilitating investment discussions and networking opportunities for emerging ventures in Jammu and Kashmir.
