10 startup ideas shortlisted at JKEDI’s Startup Idea Challenge 2.0 boot camp

JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 8: Ten promising startup ideas have been shortlisted for the next round of the Startup Idea Challenge 2.0 following an Idea Pitching Session organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), District Centre Jammu, at Government SPMR College of Commerce here on Tuesday.

Around 100 students and aspiring entrepreneurs participated in the boot camp, which aimed to introduce young people to entrepreneurship, innovation and startup opportunities while familiarising them with support available under the J&K Startup Policy 2024–27.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr Sunil Gupta, Principal, Government SPMR College of Commerce, in the presence of Rajesh Kotwal, District Nodal Officer, JKEDI District Centre Jammu, along with faculty members from the college and JKEDI.

Dr Gupta commended JKEDI for organising the initiative and urged students to identify real-world problems and develop innovative solutions with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Addressing the participants, Kotwal highlighted the growing role of entrepreneurship and innovation in generating employment and economic opportunities. He also outlined JKEDI’s efforts to nurture young entrepreneurial talent and strengthen the startup ecosystem across Jammu & Kashmir.

An interactive session with Manik Bandral, Founder of Clmrat India Pvt. Ltd., was another highlight of the programme. Bandral shared his entrepreneurial journey and practical experiences with the participants, offering insights into the challenges of building a startup and emphasising persistence, innovation and learning from experience.

15 ideas pitched

The centrepiece of the boot camp was the Idea Pitching Session, during which 15 startup ideas presented by students from various colleges and institutions were evaluated by a jury.

Following the evaluation, 10 ideas were shortlisted for the next level of Startup Idea Challenge 2.0.

The boot camp also provided participants with an understanding of the wider startup ecosystem and opportunities to explore, develop and validate business ideas.

Participants were also introduced to skills required to present and communicate their business ideas effectively.

The programme concluded with the announcement of the 10 shortlisted ideas, marking another step towards promoting innovation-led entrepreneurship and strengthening the startup culture in Jammu & Kashmir.