SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports, and Science and Technology, Satish Sharma on Sunday assured government support for entrepreneurs and startups, saying youth-led innovation would play a key role in generating employment and strengthening the region’s economy.
The minister was speaking at the concluding session of the three-day National Convergence Platform “EMERGE 2026 – Connecting J&K”, organised in association with the Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir (CCIK).
The event brought together entrepreneurs, startup founders, business representatives and industry stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges in Jammu and Kashmir’s emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Addressing the gathering, Sharma said the government was committed to creating an enabling environment for young people to transform innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises and employment-generating ventures.
He said coordination among the government, industry bodies, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders was essential for strengthening the startup ecosystem and supporting the growth of new businesses.
The minister highlighted the growing importance of technology and innovation in shaping economic opportunities and said Jammu and Kashmir’s youth possessed significant entrepreneurial potential that needed support through mentorship, institutional assistance, market linkages and industry partnerships.
Sharma also stressed the need to strengthen collaboration between government agencies, industry, technology institutions, investors and startups to address challenges faced by emerging enterprises and promote innovation-driven growth.
He said platforms such as EMERGE 2026 provided entrepreneurs with opportunities to interact with industry leaders, explore partnerships and gain exposure to business opportunities across sectors.
The event was attended by CCIK president Tariq Ghani, senior vice-president Hussain Khan, Joint Vice-President Dr Imran, Joint Secretary Aatif, Chief Coordinator Aashiq Bhat, Convener Umar Jan Wani, JKHARA president Babar Choudhary and representatives of startups, business organisations and industry.
