Srinagar: The innovators scouted and supported at University of Kashmir (KU) bagged the highest number of State Awards at Innovative idea competition held at J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), Pampore.
Fifteen innovators scouted and supported at National Innovation Foundation (NIF) Cell-JK and Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC), KU, were awarded at an Award Function held at J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), Pampore on 19th of October, 2018.
The Award function was held culminating the effort of Govt. of J&K to identify technology innovators for establishing Start-up companies in J&K State under Start-up India mission.
In this connection, J&K Start-up Yatra was flagged off on September 27, 2018, from JKEDI Campus Bari-Brahmana Jammu during which, 9 boot camps and 16 Van stops across the colleges and universities of J&K state were held.
During the Yatra, 182 innovative ideas were pitched in various Boot Camps, out of which 75 ideas have already been shortlisted out of which 26 ideas were scouted and submitted at University of Kashmir during a Workshop organized by EDC/NIF and inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor on 15th of Oct., 2018.
The shortlisted ideas were further screened in a 2-day Accelerator Program held on October 17-18, 2018 at JKEDI, Pampore. The grand finale of the Start-up Yatra was held on October 19, 2018, at JK-EDI, Pampore.
Most of the award winners included those scouted and supported by EDC and NIF Cell, University of Kashmir. These included Mr. Waseem Nadaf (Rs. 1.0 Lakh), Mushtaq Ahmad Dar (Rs.40K), Dr. Tasleema (Rs.30K), Zubair Ahmad (Rs. 30K), Naseer Ahmad (Rs. 20K), Irshad Ahmad (Rs. 20K), Mr. Buchoo (Rs. 30K), Bisco (Rs. 30K), Rafiq Ahmad (Rs. 40K).
While congratulating the awardees, the Vice-Chancellor KU Prof Talat Ahmad hoped that the new innovations presented by our innovators shall lead to establishment of Star-up companies in Kashmir which will go a long way to generate employment opportunities for the youth and serve as inspiration for others to follow. He expressed his satisfaction over the working of EDC and NIF Cell, in the University.