Empowering Young Innovators: IIM Jammu and Government Polytechnic for Women, Srinagar Host Ideathon and Workshop

Srinagar, 4th September 2024 – In a collaborative effort to foster innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, under the leadership of Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, partnered with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, and the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce (DICCI), to organize a one-day Ideathon and workshop at the Government Polytechnic College for Women (GPCW), Srinagar. The event drew enthusiastic participation from individuals representing various districts across South and Central Kashmir, creating a vibrant environment for learning, creativity, and innovation.

The workshop opened with a presentation by Mr. Mohammad Shafi Bhat, Principal of GPCW, who welcomed participants and outlined the event’s objectives. He emphasized the importance of empowering youth through opportunities to turn their ideas into viable ventures and highlighted the value of institutional collaborations in harnessing the potential of young minds in the region.

Following the opening remarks, Dr. Muqbil Burhan, Chairperson, Srinagar Campus, IIM Jammu, emphasized the institute’s dedication to advancing education and entrepreneurship in the region, highlighting the role of inter-institutional collaboration in driving socio-economic progress in the U.T of Jammu and Kashmir.

Dr. Vivek Sharma, Chief Innovation Officer, IIM Jammu, then discussed the pivotal role of the incubation centre in supporting startups, emphasizing the importance of a robust innovation ecosystem. He highlighted the centre’s contribution to transforming ideas into scalable businesses, significantly enhancing the region’s entrepreneurial landscape.

The workshop also featured key district leads from the Small Business Development Units (SBDUs), including Mr. Manzoor Kumar (GP Shopian), Dr. Shafqaut Ara (GP Budgam), Mr. Altaf Gowhar (GP Kulgam), and Mr. Ghulam Nabi Shah (SBDU Pulwama), who play vital roles in fostering local entrepreneurship.

Mr. Naren Karunakaran, Consultant, SBDU, IIM Jammu, engaged participants in a discussion on sustainability, stressing the necessity of integrating eco-friendly practices into business ventures. He urged entrepreneurs to build businesses that are both profitable and socially responsible. Dr. Shahid Jibran, Project Manager, SBDU, IIM Jammu, provided insights into the critical role of SBDUs in empowering local businesses with essential resources and support, ensuring even remote entrepreneurs have access to the tools needed for success.

The event also featured inspiring interactions with successful entrepreneurs. Mr. Abdul H. Bhat (Rahim Greens) encouraged participants to pursue business ventures with confidence while keeping social objectives in mind, and Mr. Adnan Shah, CEO of Fashion Fiesta and a gaming venture, shared guidance and motivation, illustrating how innovation and social responsibility can lead to significant achievements.

Throughout the Ideathon, the IIM Jammu incubator team provided crucial guidance on grants, seed funds, and mentor connectivity, equipping participants with actionable insights essential for securing funding and mentorship—key factors for startup success.

The program concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Mr. Hakim Mohammad Ilyas, incharge SBDU Srinagar, who expressed gratitude to all speakers, participants, and organizers. He emphasized the importance of such collaborations in fostering entrepreneurship and inspiring young minds.

This Ideathon was the second of five events planned by IIM Jammu under the SBDU Program, following the first held at SBDU Bandipora on 2nd September 2024. These initiatives aim to inspire grassroots entrepreneurship across Jammu & Kashmir, providing the tools and knowledge needed to turn ideas into sustainable ventures. The collaboration between IIM Jammu and GPCW Srinagar highlights a shared commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, marking a significant step towards empowering the youth and shaping the region’s entrepreneurial future.