2 day National Conference on Skill, Startup & Entrepreneurship in Education Concludes at NIT Srinagar

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the two-day National Seminar on the ‘Role of Academic-Driven Startups in Developing the Economy of J&K (RASE 2024)’ at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh, was the Chief Guest for the second day.

Lt Governor commended the initiative aimed at inspiring, empowering, and connecting academia and industry to mentor students in leading the startup ecosystem. “I believe Startups are a powerful instrument to bridge the gap between universities and industries. The Startups have also been able to meet the two important objectives- employment generation and profit generation,” he stated.

“There are immense possibilities for startups in tourism, health, logistics, handloom, handicraft, horticulture, agriculture, and allied sectors. Under the guidance of Hon’ble PM ShriNarendraModi, we are committed to providing necessary support and handholding to young entrepreneurs in both technology and non-technology sectors,” he affirmed.

On day 2, Dr. Jitendra Singh while addressing the conference, emphasised the need to explore the regional resources, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, somehow the mindset gets stuck up with IT when we talk of Start-ups whereas in a region like Jammu & Kashmir the agriculture sector should be the main area of Start-ups.

Citing the example of Aroma Mission, he said, the Purple Revolution was born from small towns of Bhaderwah and Gulmarg, and is now being talked about countrywide. He said, nearly 5000 youngsters have taken up lavender farming as agri Start-ups and are making handsome income. The Minister spoke to the audience about the need for a fundamental shift in thinking to propel India’s economy toward the goal of a ‘Developed India’ by 2047. Dr. Jitendra Singh also reaffirmed the Ministry of Science and Technology’s commitment to supporting StartUps. He highlighted the government’s efforts to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in various sectors in J&K.

The Union Minister was welcomed by Prof. A. Ravindernath, Director, NIT Srinagar, who briefed the Minister about the contribution of NIT Srinagar towards startup culture and vision for future.

Mr Shahid Ansari, CEO Startup Kashmir was also present at the event wherein he interacted with the delegates and various startups. 

The event was held under the leadership of Prof. Najeeb Ud Din, Chairperson IIEDC. Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran and Mr. Shahid Abbas Mir CEO Greenovator Incubation Foundation.