AWANTIPORA: The CIED-IUST Foundation, the startup incubator of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), has launched an incubation programme in collaboration with the Nadathur S. Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (NSRCEL) at IIM Bangalore to support aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage founders.
The CIED IGNITE programme was launched on October 21 at the IUST Innovation Campus under the theme “Igniting Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Startup Opportunities”. More than 100 aspiring entrepreneurs have registered for the programme.
The five-to-six-month programme will be conducted in two phases. The first phase comprises a 10-week, self-paced online course through NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore Academy, during which participants will develop and test their business ideas.
In the second phase, selected participants will receive one-on-one mentorship from NSRCEL on business models, market validation and go-to-market strategies.
Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Dean Academic Affairs at IUST, attended the launch as chief guest and encouraged participants to make the most of the opportunity.
CIED-IUST Foundation CEO Prof. Parvez A. Mir delivered the welcome address, while NSRCEL representatives Vaikunt and Neelakshi presented and formally launched the programme.
The collaboration is part of iCube, the Incubating Incubators Initiative launched by NSRCEL and SBI Foundation in January 2025. The initiative supports incubators in underserved regions, with CIED-IUST Foundation included in its first cohort.
The programme aims to provide young entrepreneurs in Jammu and Kashmir with structured learning, expert mentorship and access to entrepreneurial networks.
