Srinagar/Jammu, Aug 20: The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) Boot Camp Campaign under J&K Startup Idea Challenge reached Government College for Women (GCW) Parade, Jammu on Wednesday. The boot camp, which was the fourth in the series of 46 programs aimed to foster startup ideation and entrepreneurial spirit among the students.
The boot camp was conducted by a three-member team from JKEDI including Sh. Zahid Ali, Project Manager, Sh. Rajesh Kumar Kotwal, District Nodal Officer, JKEDI Jammu and Sh. Sorab Mengi, Assistant Manager.
The boot camp witnessed the participation of around 100 students, showcasing their enthusiasm for exploring entrepreneurship as a viable career choice. Out of these students, 13 participants pitched their startup ideas before the panel of experts. After a rigorous evaluation process, seven innovative ideas were shortlisted for the next rounds. The panel appreciated their creativity and provided constructive feedback. The session concluded with an interactive exchange of ideas, where students received encouragement and insights from the distinguished panel.
The J&K Startup Idea Challenge was inaugurated on July 10 by the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of J&K during a Startup and Entrepreneurship meet at JKEDI. Aligned with the J&K Startup Policy 2024–27, the initiative will cover all districts of J&K through 46 boot camps and multiple workshops, under the oveall supervision of Director JKEDI.
The shortlisted participants will undergo intensive mentoring and pitch training at JKEDI’s Pampore and Bari Brahmana campuses before competing in a Grand Finale, where the best 20 ideas will be presented before a jury of industry experts, investors, and policymakers. Winners will receive prizes, incentives, and incubation support at JKEDI and partner incubators across J&K.
A total of 46 boot camps shall be held across the colleges and universities of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir under the J&K Startup Challenge. In addition, two major workshops and two intensive boot camps will be organized at JKEDI’s Pampore and Bari Brahmana campuses. These sessions will offer focused mentoring, pitch training, and business model refinement for the shortlisted participants. The initiative will culminate in a Grand Finale, where the top 20 shortlisted ideas will be pitched before a distinguished jury comprising industry experts, investors, and policymakers. The winners will receive prizes and incentives.
