GULMARG: The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) and WOI India have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening the startup ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir through collaboration in entrepreneurship development, mentorship, networking and market linkages.
The agreement was signed during the inaugural India Leaders’ Retreat – Kashmir Edition, organised by WOI India at Gulmarg from September 18 to 20. The three-day event brought together more than 40 founders, investors, business leaders and ecosystem stakeholders from across the country.
According to organisers, the retreat featured participation from entrepreneurs associated with around 30 unicorn and soonicorn companies with a combined valuation exceeding $50 billion.
The MoU seeks to facilitate cooperation between WOI India and JKEDI in areas such as founder support, entrepreneurial networking, mentorship programmes and ecosystem-building initiatives, with the aim of connecting local startups with national-level expertise and opportunities.
As part of the programme, around 40 entrepreneurs from Jammu and Kashmir interacted with startup founders, investors and industry leaders from across the country. Participants presented their ventures, received feedback and explored potential partnerships and collaborations.
Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Vikramjit Singh (IPS), participated in the retreat and discussed investment and entrepreneurship opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir with attending business leaders and investors.
JKEDI Director Mohammad Younis Malik and Incubation Manager Irtif Lone also attended the event.
The retreat included discussions on entrepreneurship, institution-building and business growth, along with interactions involving founders and investors from sectors including technology, consumer businesses, financial services, education, mobility and hospitality.
Organisers said WOI India also announced a commitment of ₹2 crore towards Shurukar, an initiative launched by YourStory founder and chief executive officer Shradha Sharma in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to support aspiring entrepreneurs across India.
The event was supported by JKEDI and the Jammu and Kashmir government.
