SRINAGAR, July 23: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday described Jammu & Kashmir as a “land of opportunities” and called for greater support to home-grown startups, urging investors and venture capitalists to partner with local entrepreneurs to help build globally competitive enterprises.
The Chief Minister made the remarks during an interaction with investors, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists from across the country at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on the sidelines of the two-day ASCEND J&K Startup Ecosystem Summit, organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI).
Addressing the gathering, Omar Abdullah said the future growth of Jammu & Kashmir lies in encouraging innovation, nurturing local talent and creating an enabling environment where startups and businesses can thrive.
“Jammu & Kashmir is endowed with immense natural, human and entrepreneurial potential,” he said, adding that sustained investments in innovation and entrepreneurship would accelerate economic growth while generating meaningful employment opportunities for the region’s youth.
The Chief Minister said the government remains committed to creating a business-friendly ecosystem through transparent governance, improved infrastructure, policy support and measures aimed at enhancing ease of doing business.
Calling for stronger support to Jammu & Kashmir-based startups, Omar Abdullah urged investors, venture capitalists and industry leaders to collaborate with local entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, financial backing and access to markets.
“Youth of Jammu & Kashmir possess exceptional talent, creativity and determination. With the right mentorship, financial support and market access, they can build globally competitive ventures,” he said.
Highlighting the growing role of startups in economic transformation, the Chief Minister said the government is strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem through institutional support, incubation facilities, skill development initiatives and improved access to finance.
He said Jammu & Kashmir offers significant investment opportunities across sectors including tourism, information technology, agriculture, horticulture, food processing, handicrafts, renewable energy, healthcare, education and creative industries.
Encouraging investors to explore these sectors, Omar Abdullah said collaborative efforts between the government, industry and investors would help position Jammu & Kashmir as a leading destination for entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable investment.
The Chief Minister assured participants that the government would continue engaging with entrepreneurs and investors through regular dialogue and further strengthen policy interventions aimed at promoting innovation-led development.
He also thanked investors for participating in the interaction and described such engagements as valuable for the future economic growth of Jammu & Kashmir. The Chief Minister lauded JKEDI for organising the summit and facilitating interactions between investors and startup founders.
During the session, investors and entrepreneurs shared details of their ventures, experiences and future expansion plans. Discussions focused on opportunities for collaboration, investment, technology adoption and market linkages to further strengthen the startup ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir.
Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce Vikramjit Singh, Director JKEDI Mohammad Younis Malik, senior officers of the Industries and Commerce Department, investors and startup founders from across the country were present at the event.
